Amputations are among the most common type of injury Seamen face offshore. When dangerous equipment is not maintained or is used improperly, accidents can occur. Thankfully, the rights of maritime workers are heavily regulated. If you have suffered an amputation while on the job, you may be entitled to compensation.
Negligence that Leads to Amputation
Many maritime workers become injured because of the careless, reckless actions of their employer or colleagues. Serious injuries occur when an employer fails to
- maintain equipment,
- properly train their crew,
- create a safe environment in which to work,
- or generally, expose employees to unnecessary risk.
Unsecured cargo, navigation collisions, malfunctioning or defective equipment and a lack of training can all contribute to such accidents. It is incredibly important that the equipment used in maritime work is regularly maintained. It’s up to employers to ensure their workers are adequately trained, too. If your employer has not met these standards and you’ve lost a limb because of their negligence, the Jones Act can help hold them accountable.
Compensation for Injured Maritime Workers
The Jones Act is one of the oldest pieces of American legislation. Designed to protect the maritime workers from irresponsible employers, this maritime law offers several avenues for injured offshore Seamen to pursue compensation.
Maritime law works differently than the laws of the land, so it’s important to discuss your case with an experienced maritime lawyer before pursuing compensation.
Under the Jones Act, employers must provide seamen with a reasonably safe work environment. Failure to provide such an atmosphere can lead to liability. Under the Jones Act, injured seamen need to prove that their employer’s negligence contributed to their amputation. Even one percent fault on the part of the employer means the injured seamen are eligible for damages.
Richard Serpe: Master of Laws in Maritime
If you are injured in a maritime accident you need an attorney who understands these laws.
- Master of Laws in Maritime: After law school, Richard Serpe obtained a Master of Laws in Admiralty law from Tulane University School of Law.
- Proctor of Admiralty: He has obtained the highest ranking (Proctor) from the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
- Jones Act Case Success: He has successfully prosecuted cases under the Jones Act, bringing fair and just compensation to those who were injured while performing their duties.
- Protecting Injured Seamen: Richard Serpe has years of experience in protecting the rights of injured seamen. He knows how the insurers of commercial vessels will do everything they can to minimize their financial liability, even if it is at the expense of decent treatment for the injured.
- Protecting Families: Richard Serpe has successfully settled cases for recreational boating victims that resulted in the death of a loved one by a maritime vessel.
Experienced Maritime & Jones Act Lawyers
The maritime and Jones Act attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC represent clients from across the country. We’ve seen the damage that can be done when arms and legs are caught in winches, fishing gear, mooring lines, engine parts, capstans, and blocks. We are passionate about protecting the rights of maritime workers who have suffered amputations because of negligent employers.
Because we’ve seen it all, you can rest assured that we have both the knowledge and experience necessary to fight for your rights. We can help you obtain the money necessary for future replacement of your artificial limb and any other lifelong care required. If you’ve suffered an amputation, contact the maritime and Jones Act lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC now. Consultations are risk-free – schedule yours today.
