Maritime Law
Accidents on vessels, jackup rigs and offshore platforms are governed by a separate body of law from that which applies to shoreside accidents. Although the law can be confusing, the lawyers at St. Martin & Bourque are experts in maritime law and have decades of experience handling marine claims. Our team of attorneys has prosecuted hundreds of claims involving injuries to crew members, passengers and longshoremen, as well as deaths on the high seas, and we are here to help you and your family during this difficult time.
One thing we find when assisting injured crewmembers is that they have given recorded statements regarding the accident prior to speaking with an attorney or have signed paperwork releasing certain rights without the advice of a lawyer. We sincerely advise you against this and urge you to contact us prior to giving any type of statement regarding your accident or injuries or before agreeing to any type of settlement or other limitation on your rights.
St. Martin & Bourque will take immediate steps to secure the important benefits to which an injured seamen is entitled as a matter of law - maintenance, cure, and unearned wages – while identifying and pursuing other causes of action that will allow us to obtain the compensation you deserve. Witnesses will be interviewed and all evidence will be obtained. If necessary, a vessel inspection will be scheduled and photographs taken. Liability aspects of the case are carefully analyzed and litigation strategies are formulated. In the meantime, medical and income records and other evidence proving your damages are gathered and reviewed. We will work quickly and professionally to bring your case to resolution by trial or settlement.
At St. Martin & Bourque, a team approach to case preparation and trial is the basis for our success. Our five lawyers work together with our trained staff of legal assistants and our knowledgeable medical and maritime experts to present a persuasive and winning case. Due to our long-time success, our team is regularly asked to work with other attorneys to prosecute maritime cases successfully for their clients.
St. Martin & Bourque is proud of the outcomes we have obtained in maritime personal injury matters as demonstrated on our Settlements & Verdicts page. Please call us today to see how we can help you and your family to obtain the compensation you deserve.
