Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC
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Gulf Coast, Mississippi Maritime Injury Attorneys

Maritime Law Claims

Biloxi, Mississippi Jones Act - Maritime Law Attorneys

If you have been injured in a maritime accident or if you have lost a loved one to such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a maritime claim. However, maritime law is a very complicated area of law and there are many different types of maritime claims. It can be difficult to determine and prove which type of claim or claims apply in your case. The experienced Biloxi, Mississippi maritime attorneys of Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC understand the challenges you are facing and can help you and your family get the compensation that you need and deserve.

Types of Maritime Law Injury Claims

There are several different areas of maritime law and your case may fall under more than one:

The Jones Act and LHWCA provide protections for injured workers. General maritime law and DOHSA can apply to both marine workers and non-workers.

Statute of Limitations

The time limit for filing a lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. Once you pass this deadline, you give up your right to compensation, even if you have an otherwise unbeatable claim. However, there are sometimes circumstances which delay the tolling of the time limit. There may also be circumstances which mean that you have less time than you believe you have to file your case.

The statute of limitations for most maritime claims is three years. This applies to general maritime claims, Jones Act claims, and DOHSA claims. Typically that three year period begins tolling on the date of injury. DOHSA claims may not begin to toll until the date of death.

For LHWCA claims you have far less time. The time limit for filing under LHWCA is one year. Again, this is usually one year from the date of injury or death, but in some cases, such as with certain illnesses, it is one year from the time that you become aware of the relationship between your injury and your maritime employment.

General Maritime Law

Injured workers with a Jones Act claim or LWHCA claim may also have a third party claim under general maritime law. Cruise ship passengers are also protected under general maritime law. Oil spill victims may also have a claim under general maritime law.

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.