Maritime Law Blog

New facility means faster settlements for BP claims, but don't give up your rights.

Residents and businesses affected by the Gulf Coast oil leak may now submit their damage claims to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, the new independent group that is taking over the administration of BP's $20 billion compensation fund. If you are considering applying for a quick settlement from BP, you may want to speak to a maritime attorney to make sure that you are not giving up any of your rights under maritime law. To learn more about the rights of oil spill victims, contact the Louisiana maritime attorneys at The Young Firm. 1-866-938-6113.

Injured while working offshore? Read the accident report before you sign it!

If you have been injured while working offshore, it is important that you report your injury to your employer. When you report your injury, your employer is required to fill out an accident report. Learn more about the importance of accident reports. The Young Firm of New Orleans represents those who injured offshore in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama. If you think you have a maritime injury case, call our New Orleans law office at 1-866-938-6113 to schedule a free consultation with a maritime law attorney.F or more tips to help you win your offshore injury case, request our free book: “6 Secrets Your Company May Not Tell You When You Get Injured Offshore.”

Do you qualify for the Unemployed Oil Rig Workers Compensation Fund?

Under presidential order,BP has created a $100 million fund to compensate oil rig workers who are not able to work because of the disaster. Learn how to access this fund and make your claim. While it is not necessary to have an attorney in order to make a claim, you may want the advice or the assistance of an attorney. The New Orleans maritime injury attorneys at The Young Firm assist victims of offshore accidents every day. If you have questions about your rights, contact our office at 866-938-6113.

Who is responsible for the Deepwater Horizon explosion?

Eleven workers are presumed dead after the April 20 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon floating drilling rig. It is important to remember that the ordeal continues for the 115 workers who survived the accident and for the families of those lost or injured. At The Young Firm, we believe that worker safety should the highest priority for companies that operate offshore. We have compiled this list of companies involved in the ownership, operation and servicing of Deepwater Horizon. All these companies may be liable to some degree for injuries sustained during the explosion. To learn more, contact the maritime attorneys at The Young Firm at 866-938-6113.

Photos of HORIZON and Interview with Rescue Captain posted

Read about the interview with rescue captain of the HORIZON accident and view photos here that he took

Help for DEEPWATER rig workers

Our office has posted helpful information for DEEPWATER accident victims and their families on our site.  The information can be accessed by clicking the link above.  This information includes important facts about the process for hiring an attorney.

Deepwater Horizon Explosion Reported in Gulf of Mexico- Transocean owned

The Transocean DEEPWATER HORIZON in the Gulf of Mexico reported an explosion early this morning. Read more about the accident here including news article links. Several crew members may have been injured according to reports.

Waiting for a check? Maritime law protects a seaman’s wages.

Federal Maritime Law is very specific with regard to seamen’s wages and there are very strict penalties if a seaman is not paid earned wages in a timely manner. If you have been at sea and are having difficulty getting your earned wages after returning, contact The Young Firm. Our New Orleans maritime attorneys are experienced in all aspects of maritime law. Call us at 866-938-6113.

Gulf of Mexico seamen have a right to proper lifesaving equipment!

Every year, seamen’s lives are lost because their vessel is not adequately equipped with appropriate life-saving devices and emergency equipment. Failure to provide adequate life-saving equipment that is in good repair makes the vessel owner liable if a crew member is injured or loses his life. To learn more about the responsibilities of vessel owners and how to file an unseaworthiness claim for your injuries, contact the maritime attorneys at The Young Firm 1-866-938-6113.

What is the “Death on the High Seas Act”?

Hurt on a cruise ship? Cruise ships are legally responsible for passenger safety.

Two ships collide, crew feared dead - the dangers facing mariners on busy waters

A serious offshore accident in the Straits of Malacca highlights the dangers that maritime workers face when operating a vessel in busy waterways, either in US or international waters.

 

On August 18 a tanker carrying naphtha, a flammable light petroleum product, collided with a bulk carrier while navigating through the strait.  The crash caused the tanker to catch fire, and nine missing crew members are thought to have perished in the blaze.

 

Sixteen other crew members were rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, but rescuers have given up hope that they will find the remaining crew alive.  So far two dead bodies have been recovered.

 

What happened in this case?  Why did two large vessels collide with one another in a well-traveled body of water?  Maritime accident experts are investigating the case, trying to determine what caused the two ships to crash.

 

If you or someone you know is hurt in a maritime accident, it is important that you know you have rights.  Don’t let your employer, the vessel owner, their insurance company, or their lawyers push you around.  Sadly, many companies seem all too willing to put profits before people – but this doesn’t have to happen to you.

 

Want to find out how to protect yourself?  Please order our FREE book “Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law” – that’s right, it is completely free – so you can arm yourself with the facts.

Looking for a Jones Act / Maritime Law attorney?

If you’ve been injured offshore, you face not only a long recovery from your injuries and an uncertain future, but you also bear the burden of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and basic problems like how to pay for your living expenses.

 

This is enough to worry about without the pressure of having to hire a lawyer to stand up for your rights.  Unfortunately, if you want to be taken seriously by your employer and get the compensation you deserve after an offshore or maritime injury, you need good, experienced legal help.

 

The number one thing you need to look for in a maritime lawyer is experience.  You will do yourself no favors if you hire a nice attorney who hasn’t handled a good number and variety of maritime / Jones Act cases.

 

Why does this matter?  Maritime cases are governed by a murky, confusing, and convoluted set of laws that can trip up inexperienced attorneys.  A good lawyer with years of experience and an impressive, proven record of successful Jones Act cases is your best bet if you want to secure a reasonable recovery.

 

You can read more about the qualities you want for your maritime / Jones Act lawyer in our law library article “5 Qualities Your Jones Act Maritime Lawyer Must Have”.  Trust us, this is one article that you want to read before hiring an attorney.

Will sour economy affect longshoremen’s jobs – and safety?

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are stunned to find themselves hurting in this economy.  Traditionally considered a business that was recession proof, the world economic slowdown is taking its toll on offshore workers across the globe.

 

Usually economic woes in the United States are not an issue for longshoremen.  When exports drop, usually imports pick up as Americans seek cheaper goods.  When things turn around and imports drop, exports usually rise.  In this economy both imports and exports are down, hurting shipping companies and longshoremen.

 

Some ship workers are seeing work hours drop by as much as a quarter, and others are facing sporadic work or layoffs.  Veteran longshoremen tend to fare better and are often offered first pick of available jobs, while less experienced longshoremen struggle to work enough hours to make ends meet.

 

A number used to measure the price to move materials by sea called the Baltic Dry Index reached a record high in May of 2008.  However, in December 2008 the index had dropped to its lowest point since 1986.  Not only are there fewer ships sailing, but they also contain fewer goods so it is taking less time to unload the ones that do arrive. 

 

The concern in a down economy is always that employers will be less careful about safety and employees – wary of biting the hand that feeds them – won’t be as forthcoming about reporting accidents, injuries, and unsafe working conditions.  In an attempt to safeguard dwindling profits, employers may also be more aggressive in fighting Jones Act and maritime law cases.

New law allows punitive damages under maintenance and cure

BREAKING NEW LAW!  The United States Supreme Court recently held (June 2009) that punitive damages may be awarded against an employer for arbitrary denial or failure to pay maintenance or cure benefits.  This was actually the law back prior to approximately 1993 when a Federal Court of Appeal held that punitive damages were not available.  For the last 16 years we have seen dozens and dozens of clients have their medical treatment denied by their employers, mainly because there was no penalty available if the employer wrongfully denied benefits.  Finally the law has been re-defined to help the employee-- this is a much needed change.
If your employer is refusing to pay maintenance or cure, call us today.  This new law can help your claim!

If you have been injured working offshore or on the Mississippi River, you must read one of the most important articles concerning your maritime and Jones Act claim.  We have posted the 9 most important things for you to do to protect your rights.  Click here to protect your rights!