Are Admiralty & Maritime Lawyers the Same?

If you have been involved in an accident at sea, an admiralty and maritime lawyer can guide and support you while you seek compensation for your injuries. However, there might be some common misconceptions or confusion about the terms admiralty and maritime and what, exactly, the difference is.

Let’s start by acknowledging that accidents involving admiralty and maritime law can be very complex. There are specific laws that govern how these claims work, and they differ from those that apply to land-based personal injury cases—even if they seem similar on the surface.

This is why working with an admiralty and maritime lawyer with experience and a strong track record of securing the compensation you need to move forward is so important. Now, let us explain what else you need to know about admiralty and maritime law.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we provide FREE case evaluations to discuss the details of your claim and develop a strategy. Call us today at (713) 999-6666 to schedule yours. We are honored to represent admiralty and maritime accident victims in Houston, throughout Texas, and nationwide.

What Are Admiralty & Maritime Lawyers?

An admiralty and maritime lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in cases that occur on navigable waters. These could include injuries and accidents or disputes involving shipping, navigation, and commerce.

Generally, an admiralty and maritime lawyer has a deep understanding of relevant laws, including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This allows them to effectively represent accident victims and others facing legal disputes pertinent to maritime law.

Is There a Difference Between Admiralty Law & Maritime Law?

While it can cause confusion, the terms admiralty law and maritime law are used interchangeably in practical use by attorneys, judges, and law texts. The only difference in everyday usage is that “maritime law” is sometimes used to describe international disputes, such as trade, mineral rights, and jurisdiction. “Admiralty law,” on the other hand, is almost always used to describe local legal matters. In the context of a civil legal issue, you can expect these terms to be used interchangeably.

Because the terms are used similarly in practice, there’s no distinction between an admiralty lawyer and a maritime lawyer. Both titles refer to attorneys who handle legal matters arising on navigable waters—whether it’s a crew injury, vessel collision, or commercial shipping dispute. The terminology may vary depending on the setting or preference, but the scope of work, qualifications, and legal framework are the same.

What Kind of Cases Involve Admiralty & Maritime Laws?

Maritime law covers a wide array of legal disputes. Two of the most common types include:

• Jones Act Claims: When injured maritime workers, legally referred to as “seamen,” are injured on the job, the Jones Act gives them the right to sue their employers for damages.
• LHWCA Claims: The LHWCA gives land-based maritime workers, including longshoremen, harbor workers, and shipyard employees, the ability to recover compensation for damages.

Maritime work is notoriously dangerous, so these claims can arise out of many different types of injuries, including:

• Slips & falls
• Bumps & collisions
• Lifting or carrying injuries
• Illness

In addition, if a passenger on a cruise ship, yacht, commercial fishing boat, or recreational boat is injured due to the negligence of the vessel’s owner or operator, they may also be able to recover compensation under maritime law.

These laws also cover disputes over maritime insurance, vessel collisions, lost or damaged cargo, and more.

Read More: What Are Some Examples of Maritime Law?

How Do I Know If I Need an Admiralty & Maritime Lawyer?

If your injury involves a vessel, offshore platform, or commercial shipping operation, there is a good chance you will need a maritime lawyer. Working with a personal injury attorney who doesn’t have experience in this area simply won’t provide you with the same level of insight and support.

Some common scenarios where it makes sense to hire an admiralty and maritime lawyer include:

• You’re a seaman who was injured on the job, and you suspect employer negligence.
• You were injured while you were a passenger on a cruise ship or commercial vessel.
• You’re a harbor or longshore worker and need help filing an LHWCA claim.
• Your accident happened on navigable waters, but you are unsure which specific federal and state laws govern your claim.

These claims tend to be complex and nuanced, with some even reaching the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision. Consulting with an attorney who understands the relevant laws and the outcomes of similar cases is a tremendous benefit to anyone injured while at sea.

Read More: Does Maritime Law Apply to Your Case?

What Will an Admiralty & Maritime Lawyer Do for Me?

An admiralty and maritime lawyer can help in many different ways, all with the goal of securing the compensation or benefits you need and deserve.

Some of the key elements they will handle for you include:

• Investigating the accident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and more
• Establishing negligence or unseaworthiness to determine your right to compensation
• Negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement or, if necessary, representing you in court
• Staying up to date with relevant laws and developments that could affect your claim

Ultimately, the goal of a good admiralty and maritime lawyer is to pursue the best possible outcome for you, whether that be reaching a fair settlement with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit and representing you in court. We strongly recommend only working with an attorney who is ready and willing to file a lawsuit on your behalf if that is the best way to recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today

At Patrick Daniel Law, we know how difficult it can be to navigate the consequences of a serious injury. From receiving the medical treatment you need to dealing with time away from work, you are facing no shortage of challenges.

With a proven track record of representing accident victims in admiralty and maritime law claims, we know what it takes to win, and we’re here to do everything in our power to protect your rights. We recommend getting in touch for a FREE case evaluation to determine if you have a viable claim. Contact our Houston admiralty and maritime lawyer today to get started.