Maritime - Accident Locations
Biloxi, MS Jones Act - Maritime Law Attorneys
Maritime accidents can happen on the high seas, near the shore, and even on inland waterways such as the Mississippi River. Under certain circumstances, accidents that occur completely away from the water will fall under maritime law. The location of a maritime accident can affect which laws apply. If you have been injured on the water or in the course of maritime employment, the experienced Biloxi, MS maritime attorneys of Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC can determine which laws apply to you case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
DOHSA is very specific about location. The accident which caused the victim’s death must have occurred at least three nautical miles from the shore of a U.S. state, territory, or district, in order for DOHSA to apply. DOHSA only applies in cases of wrongful death.
Injured Workers
Injured seamen are covered by the Jones Act. The Jones Act may apply to you if you were injured in foreign waters. It may also apply if you were not onboard the vessel when you were injured, even if you were on land, if your injury occurred while you were performing a duty “in service of the ship.”
Loved ones of deceased seamen can file a wrongful death suit under the Jones Act if the accident that caused the death occurred within three nautical miles of a U.S. shore.
Cruise Ship Accidents
Boarding passes for cruise ships normally state the city in which you must file your lawsuit. If you cruise originates from or terminates at a U.S. port, you must be allowed to file your lawsuit in a U.S. city. If you take a cruise that does not enter a U.S. port at any time, you may have to sue in another country, even if the cruise line is American-owned.
Rivers and Other Inland Waterways
Navigable inland waterways are also covered by maritime law. The Mississippi River system is considered a navigable waterway. So are the Great Lakes. In order to be considered navigable a waterway must facilitate transportation or commerce between two or more states or countries.
If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance in Biloxi, Mississippi or anywhere on the Gulf Coast, please call Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC at (228) 374-5151 or toll free (877) 377-5152 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.