The Mississippi River is the largest river in North America, and it is also a major vessel for the maritime industry in America. The Mississippi River passes through multiple states across the South and even the Midwest. This is why the Mississippi River is a frequent destination for any boat, ship, craft, etc. passing through the seaway of the United States regardless of the direction it is headed.
Commercial traffic ranges from a variety of vessels from the vessels that are carrying goods to the pleasure vessels. The Mississippi River sees a high level of traffic throughout the entire year, and it is one of the best locations for commerce and tourism. Without the Mississippi River, the landscape of business in America would not be what it is today.
Unfortunately, since the Mississippi River does see a significant amount of traffic, this means accidents can and will happen more than we want them to. One boat can collide with another, one or multiple workers can become injured at once, and there can be several accidents on a ship that can lead to serious injuries or illnesses. These tragic accidents should be prevented by any means, but if someone does become injured while working on the Mississippi River, he or she will have a form of protection that is known as the Jones Act.
Maritime Law
The maritime law is a complex law and it will require a significant amount of knowledge beyond what you may know about the law pertaining to personal injuries. The busiest port in Mississippi is Pascagoula. This port has public terminals and private terminals that will move various types of cargo every year. Maritime workers have the challenging job of ensuring every piece of cargo will move in and out of the ports with no issues.
The law in the United States offers protection for the workers who are injured while working. It will be the responsibility of the injured party to prove negligence on the employer. There are various offshore accidents that will fall under maritime law, including the following:
- Accidents on cruise ships
- Oil rig injuries
- Driving accidents
- Fishing accidents
- Boating injuries
Mississippi and The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a negligence statute that protects the rights of workers who have been injured while working on the waterways in America. Workers who have been injured will be able to receive financial compensation if their injury is a result of a shipowner’s failures. Injuries are bound to happen when crew members are working on the water. Floors can become wet and slippery, commercial goods can fall, and a variety of other incidents can take place.
The Jones Act was drafted to let a maritime worker who suffers an injury to attempt to obtain damages against their employer from any failures or negligence that may have caused the injury or the illness. The damages that an injured employee can seek can include expenses that will cover the cost-of-living and expenses that will cover doctor visits and other medical expenses.
Maritime employers have a responsibility and a duty to create a safe and secure working environment for all their employees. If an employer does not meet the standards that have been established, the injured workers have the right to be compensated for their pain and suffering. Anyone who has been injured while working on the Mississippi River should be aware of their rights. Once these rights have been clearly understood, the worker should immediately begin to explore all the available options in regards to their offshore lawsuit.
How Can An Attorney Help With My Maritime Case?
When you are ready to find out if you have a maritime case, we encourage you to speak with an attorney who is equipped with the skills and knowledge that are needed. If you do not have an attorney on your side who has a clear understanding of this type of law, medical treatment and the length of time you will be unable to work will have an impact on your case. The amount of financial compensation you can receive will also be impacted. You need an advocate on your side who will ensure that you will receive everything you deserve. As with a variety of Federal Acts, changes will be made and it is important that you have someone on your side who is constantly being educated on the law.
What Can Legal Representation Provide?
When you are preparing to file an offshore lawsuit or a Jones Act lawsuit, you are going to need to proper representation when you are seeking damages. The proper legal representation will get you the following:
- A dedicated professional who will respond to your emails and your calls
- A team of people who will collect every piece of information and provide you with an evaluation of your case
- Someone who will collect information, photographs, and other documents you may have that are related to your case
If you have been injured in an accident and you were treated by the Coast Guard, the offshore law will likely apply to your case. While you are seeking compensation and your case is being handled by an attorney, we encourage you to take steps to cope with the anxiety and stress of being injured. We encourage you to do the following if you are able to do so:
- Spend time with your loved ones and your friends
- Find other injured workers and form a group that allows everyone to share their stories and offer support
- Seek the assistance or advice of an occupational therapist if you have been encouraged to do so by your doctor
- Obey your doctor’s orders
If you have suffered an injury in a Mississippi maritime accident, you are able to receive help from an attorney who specializes in maritime law. The maritime law will provide you with protections that you may not even be aware of. When you are ready to start your Jones Act lawsuit, we urge you to seek the assistance of an attorney for an evaluation.