California Merchant Marine Lawyer: Injured Merchant Marines - By: William Turley

Merchant Marines may be seriously injured. If you are a merchant marine that is injured, you need a seasoned California Merchant Marine Lawyer. In this article we discuss mechant marines and the Jones Act.

Merchant marine refers to the commercial ships or fleet of a nation, and to the people who operate them. The United States Merchant Marine also serves as an auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. The US Merchant Marine transports goods, materiels, equipment and supplies used by the United States Armed Forces.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 set up the predecessor agencies to the Maritime Administration, and its provisions govern many of the activities of the Maritime Administration today. The act reads, in part: "It is necessary for the national defense... that the United States shall have a merchant marine of the best equipped and most suitable types of vessels sufficient to carry the greater portion of its commerce and serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency..."

The hardworking men and women who serve in the merchant marine are referred to as mariners, sailors, commercial sailors, or seafarers. They operate and maintain civilian-owned deep-sea merchant ships, tugboats, crew boats, towboats, supply boats, ferries, barges, offshore vessels, cruise ships, and other various types of vessel on the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, rivers, canals, and other oceans, seas, and waterways, as well as in harbors, bays and inlets.

Navigational jobs

Captain, 1st, 2nd and 3rd mate, and able seaman. They are responsible for the safe keeping of everyone on board the vessel and need to have in depth knowledge of all marine terminology and the workings of a ship. The mates also supervise and coordinate activities of the crew aboard the ship.

Deckhands

Deckhands are required to have certification and are mainly responsible for the repairs, cleaning and maintenance on the vessel.

Oilers

The oiler will be in charge of the keeping the engine and equipment lubricated and in good working order

Engine Department

The engine department jobs of chief engineer, dde (designated duty engineer), assistant engineer and engineer all require specific qualifications for working on a vessel.

Seafarers that have these jobs all may qualify for the Jones Act Seaman.

Too often these hard working men and woman are injured while in the service of the vessels. Merchant marines are covered by the Jones Act or General Maritime Law if they are injured. Under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law injured seaman are entitled to maintenance and cure. If the Seaman can prove negligence or unseaworthiness then they are entitled to past wage loss, future wage loss, future medical bills, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life damages.

If you are an injured merchant marine you need a Jones Act lawyer. A Jones Act lawyer will be able to advise you and your family of your options under the law.

Most merchant marines work extremely hard to provide for their families and to ensure their financial well-being. A sudden injury or a progressive, disabling condition can undermine the financial security of an individual or family, making it difficult to make ends meet. When this happens to you it is important to immediately contact a seasoned merchant marine lawyer.

About the Author

Bill Turley is a California Merchant Marine Lawyer. Bill is the #1 rated Maritime Lawyer in San Diego by Avvo.com. He is a San Diego Merchant Marine Attorney. Bill has the leading California Merchant Marine website.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/William-Turley/63381

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