Snohomish County Merchant Mariner Injury Lawyer

Being a merchant mariner is a profession that calls for not just unparalleled skill and dedication but also one that exposes individuals to significant risks. Navigating the vast and often treacherous waters, merchant mariners play a crucial role in global commerce, ensuring the transportation of goods across the world’s oceans. Yet, this essential service comes with its hazards, as the maritime environment is fraught with dangers that can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. If you’ve sustained an injury as a merchant mariner, please don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer here at Amy C Brown Law, PLLC today.

Merchant Mariner Injury Lawyer | Here for Injured Maritime Workers

Here at Amy C Brown Law, PLLC, we believe that injured merchant mariners deserve a legal team that truly understands the ins and outs of the profession, as well as the relevant laws governing maritime injuries. If you have sustained a maritime injury of any kind, you can depend on a skilled Snohomish County maritime injury lawyer from our firm to fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal.

Important Information About the US Merchant Marine

The United States Merchant Marine refers to the fleet of U.S. civilian-owned merchant vessels, operated by either the government or the private sector, that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States.

Merchant mariners are the backbone of this essential industry, skilled in navigating these vessels and ensuring the smooth operation of our nation’s maritime commerce. They are subject to a unique set of laws and regulations designed to protect their health, safety, and employment rights, distinct from those governing other professions.

Merchant Mariner Injuries

The demanding and hazardous nature of maritime work means that injuries among merchant mariners are not uncommon. Just some of the most common causes and types of merchant mariner injuries that our firm sees are as follows:

• Slip and Falls: Wet and slippery decks are prevalent on ships, leading to significant injuries.
• Heavy Lifting: Manual handling of heavy cargo can cause back injuries, hernias, and muscle strains.
• Machinery Accidents: Engaging with winches, cranes, and other heavy machinery without proper safeguards can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Working with or near hazardous materials can result in health issues, including respiratory problems and chemical burns.
• Falling Overboard: Falling into cold and often turbulent waters poses a risk of drowning or hypothermia.
• Fires and Explosions: The risk of fires or explosions from flammable cargo or fuel can cause burns and other serious injuries.
• Confined Spaces: Working in confined spaces without proper ventilation can lead to asphyxiation or toxic exposure.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: The repetitive nature of certain tasks can lead to long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
• Violence and Assaults: Conflicts or assaults aboard ships can result in physical and psychological injuries.
• Extreme Weather Conditions: Exposure to harsh weather can lead to injuries from heavy seas, wind, or exposure to extreme cold or heat.

Filing a Maritime Injury Claim in Washington State

If you’ve sustained an injury as a merchant mariner, depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to compensation under various laws. They are as follows:

• The Jones Act: This federal law allows injured seamen to file negligence claims against their employers for injuries suffered in the course of their employment.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): For those working in maritime occupations but not necessarily at sea, such as dock workers, this Act provides for compensation and medical care.
• The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness: Under general maritime law, vessel owners owe a duty to their crew to maintain a seaworthy vessel. Failure to do so can lead to claims for damages.

Contact a Merchant Mariner Injury Lawyer Today

Merchant mariners who’ve been injured on the job deserve a skilled and compassionate legal team that can effectively fight for the compensation they need. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’ve come to the right place. Contact a Snohomish County merchant mariner injury lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC today so we can get started working on your case.