Northern California Maritime Injury Attorneys
The attorneys at Estey Bomberger have a strong record of success in maritime injury claims and wrongful death accidents at sea. We have represented injured seamen of both domestic and foreign flag vessels that have base operations in the U.S. Our maritime injury attorneys handle claims under the Jones Act, the Long Shore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act – 33 U.S.C. § 90 LHWCA, the Death on the High Seas Act, and other laws protecting maritime workers and their loved ones. Our clients have included commercial fishermen, cruise ship workers, yacht crewmembers, underwater welders, engineers, deckhands and other seamen. We also handle boating injury claims for individuals injured as passengers on boats (not governed by maritime law).
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, sponsored by Senator Wesley L. Jones of Washington, is a United States Federal Statute that provides that "Any sailor who shall suffer personal injury in the course of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages at law, with the right to trial by jury, and in such action all statutes of the United States modifying or extending the common-law right or remedy in cases of personal injury to railway employees shall apply..." Essentially, the Jones Act was written to provide seamen with the same remedies for injury that rail workers already received.
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers must establish their status as seamen on a vessel. To obtain compensation under the Jones Act, a seamen's injury does not necessarily have to occur on a vessel, but the worker must spend at least 30% of time on the vessel. Under the Jones Act, if you are hurt on the job, regardless of fault, you are entitled to compensation for maintenance (daily living expenses) and cure (medical expenses). If you are able to establish that either your employer was negligent or that the vessel was unseaworthy, you may be entitled to additional, far more substantial compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering.
Fisherman Injuries and Fishing Accidents
According to CNN, jobs in the fishing industry year after year consistently rank among the top three most dangerous occupations in the United States. In 2008, the fatality rate for fisherman in the United States was 128.9 per 100,000 workers. Fisherman may suffer serious or fatal injuries in accidents caused by working with heavy gear and equipment in cold, wet conditions. If you are injured in a fishing accident at sea, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act or other admiralty or maritime law.
Northern California Ports, Harbors and Ferry Terminals
The Northern California maritime accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger represent maritime workers injured on the high seas, inland navigable waters, and in the ports, harbors and ferry terminals throughout northern California. The ports and harbors of the San Francisco Bay Area include the Berkeley Marina, the Bodega Harbor, the Clipper Yacht Harbor, the Foster City Marina, the Pillar Point Harbor, the Port of Oakland, the Port of Redwood City, the Port of Richmond, the Port of Sacramento, the Port of San Francisco and the Richmond Inner Harbor. Ferry terminals include the Ayala Cove Ferry Terminal, Hercules Station & Terminal, Hyde Street Pier, Larkspur Landing, Oyster Point Marina/Park, Pier 41, Richmond Ferry Terminal, San Francisco Ferry Building, and Vallejo Ferry Terminal.
Free Maritime Injury Attorney Consultation
Maritime law is important to because it protects the rights of injured seamen. Because of the complex nature of maritime law, it is important to work with an attorney who has extensive, proven experience representing victims of maritime accidents. Before you accept a settlement for your injuries, talk to an experienced Northern California personal injury attorney about your situation and get an honest opinion of your potential case and legal rights. If you or a member of your family is a maritime worker and was injured on the job, contact the attorneys at Estey Bomberger at (800) 890-6722 to schedule a free consultation.