Maritime Law
Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, encompasses a wide range of federal statutes and court-mandated laws governing the navigable waters in and surrounding the United States. These laws can go by a number of different names, such as the Jones Act or the Longshore Act, but they all work together to protect the rights of maritime workers and provide financial compensation for illness or injury suffered while employed on the water.
Maritime Law Questions & Answers
What Is Maritime Law?
Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, is a body of law that governs the maritime industry in the United States.
Made up of several laws, conventions, and treaties that have developed over hundreds of years, maritime law is designed to protect workers, settle disputes, manage how cargo and shipping can proceed, and even dictate how business can be done under certain circumstances.
When Does Maritime Law Apply?
In the United States, maritime law applies to anything that happens in navigable waters, defined as any water used for trade, travel, or commerce between states or nations.
Can Maritime Law Help Me If I Am Injured?
American maritime law has many laws, acts, and statutes designed to help injured workers seek compensation and determine liability for their illness or injury. By contacting a maritime law attorney as soon as possible after your injury, you can review the facts of your case and work to determine what compensation you may qualify for, and how you could seek justice for your injury.
Who Enforces Maritime Law?
In the United States, maritime law falls under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. While this can get a little less-than-clear when it comes to international waters, American maritime law is handled by the Coast Guard, at least when it comes to on-site enforcement.
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