If you or someone you know is associated with and involved in overseas commerce, working offshore, or has been injured while working on the navigable waters or on the open sea, it is important to know and understand the laws that govern and protect them. By understanding theses laws you and your loved ones can avoid harmful situations and better safeguard yourself when they arise.
If you’re unfamiliar with Maritime Law, but are interested in learning more- you’re in the right place! The point of this article is to help readers like you understand and learn about Maritime Law without all the legal jargon getting in the way (let’s save that for the lawyers). To begin, let’s start with the basics.
What is Maritime Law? 
By definition, Maritime Law, also know as Admiralty Law, is a field of law that regulates and settles special problems associated with sea navigation and commerce, including, but not limited to: the dangerous conditions of the open sea, crime, and offshore disputes. This law also provides guidelines that outline the compensation for maritime workers that are injured while in navigable waters or the open sea. Maritime Laws are Federal Laws meaning that the Federal Court has final jurisdiction over disputes arising under Maritime Law.
Didn’t quite catch that? In basic terms, Maritime Law is the law that lays jurisdiction over sea navigation, commerce, and transport amongst maritime workers and their cargo. In the event that there is an injury offshore, Maritime Law defends and protects the maritime worker and determines how the maritime worker will be compensated for their injury.
The History of Maritime Law
The roots of United States Maritime Law reach all the way back to 900 A.D, if not earlier, from the Rhodian Law, which governed the seas of the people of Rhodes. While many aspects of Maritime Law have changed since the foundation of the Rhodian Law, the basic premise of protecting maritime workers and their cargo has stayed the same. This premise is still at the very heart of Maritime Law.
Much of modern United States Maritime Law was created in cooperation with the laws of other countries and the international laws created by the United Nations. This is because by its very nature, the uniqueness of this field of law has potential for interaction and conflict with foreign countries. Maritime Law was one of the very first areas of international law.
The Importance of Maritime Law & Injury Compensation
The injuries caused by the dangers of work on the open sea and in navigable waters are very real. When injured while working on navigable waters, Maritime Law allows them to seek compensation for their injuries. If you, or someone you know, have been injured while working on the open seas or navigable waters, it is important to seek advice and guidance from an expert lawyer immediately.
Concerned your injury from a maritime accident may not fall within the sphere of Maritime Law? Think again! Most injuries that occur while working on navigable waters or open seas are covered under Maritime Law.
This is by no means a complete list, but for example, the following maritime accidents may lead to maritime injury compensation:
- Flooding
- Capsizing
- Explosions
- Ship Collision
- Poor Working/Living Conditions
- Improper Safety Conditions
To learn more about Maritime Law, your rights, and the compensation you or your loved may be due for your maritime injury, start by contacting a knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated Maritime Injury Attorney. They will review your case and work hard to get you and your loved ones the compensation you are due. Get started today!