Maritime Injury Law Vs. Law of the Sea: Understanding the Difference

Did you know that 429 incidents happened at sea last year in the United States? These events include collisions, explosions, and injuries, among others.

If you or a loved one works on the sea and land, you’ve to know the different injury laws. These laws weren’t created the same. Many people think maritime injury law is the same as the law of the sea.

If you are here it means that you aren’t sure how maritime injury laws and the law of the sea are different. Don’t worry! We have you covered.

Ready to learn the difference between these laws?

Maritime Injury Law vs. Law of the Sea: Where to Start?

You might’ve heard about the law of the sea before. And, think that this law applies when you or someone you know suffers an injury at sea. But actually, this law has nothing to do with it.

To know what law applies to your case, and where you stand, you’ve to know what’s the law of the sea and, maritime injury laws.

What Is the Law of the Sea?

You’re probably assuming that the law of the sea has to at least do with incidents that occur at sea. But, this law actually has to do with international law. It was signed by the United Nations at their in 1982 convention and enforced in 1992.

The law of the sea has to do with the sea-lanes, ocean resources, and territorial waters. It establishes that a country’s sovereign territorial waters extend to 12 nautical miles from its coast.

The law grants foreign vessels the right to innocent passage through these waters. This right prohibits activities like spying, serious pollution, smuggling, among other activities.

What Are Maritime Injury Laws?

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury or death by a vessel at sea? If the answer is yes, you need to understand maritime injury laws to know where your case stands.

These laws were put in place to protect maritime workers when they suffer injuries or death, and hold the parties responsible for the incidents. There are many federal maritime laws that apply to these type of injuries.

Most maritime injuries are related to the Death on the High Seas Act, Long Shore Claims, and Jones Act. The Death on the High Seas Act applies when a maritime worker dies while working at sea. Here the loved ones of the deceased will be protected by this law and may receive damages, and compensation for the incident.

The Jones Act applies when employer negligence causes maritime workers to suffer injuries. Long Shore Claims protect off-shore seamen. These claims are essentially the protections of the Jones Act, but for workers who are based on land.

Wrapping It Up

If you or your loved one suffered a maritime personal injury or death, the case might be difficult to navigate. But, if you have the right information and an experienced maritime injury law lawyer by your side, you’ll get the best outcome in the case.

Do you need to consult a lawyer about a maritime injury suffered by you or a loved one? We can help!

Contact us for more information about our services.

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