Fresno Maritime Injury Attorneys
A maritime injury can result from an accident on a vessel, dock, offshore oil rig, cruise ship or on any other type of ship. Maritime accidents can take many forms, but a study conducted by the American Journal of Medicine found 43 percent of maritime injuries were related to slips, trips or falls. Fatigue is also a major contributing factor in a large number of maritime accidents. A 2000 study conducted by the Seafarers International Research Centre found that a great number of seamen were simply overworked. Because of the limited recreational resources available on a vessel, many seamen opt to work more hours. Employers are more than willing to accommodate seamen wanting to put in extra time, but in doing so, they neglect the seamen’s safety and the safety of other crew members.
If you were injured at sea, do not hesitate to contact a Fresno maritime injury attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. If the injury was a result of your employer’s negligent or careless actions, we can help you pursue justice in the form of monetary compensation under the Jones Act. Passed by Congress in 1970, the Jones Act protects the legal rights of seamen and crew members injured or killed while aboard a vessel. Compensation can be collected for lost wages, medical bills, physical therapy, permanent scars, and pain and suffering.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
It is important to note that not all employers have your best interest at heart. Some employers will do everything they can to get out of paying for your accident-related injury expenses. To protect your legal right to financial compensation, do not sign any documents given to you by your employer without first consulting with one of our experienced Fresno maritime injury attorneys. By signing a document, you may unknowingly limit your ability to pursue legal action in the future.
What to Do Following Your Fresno Maritime Injury
- Following your maritime injury, make sure a doctor examines you. Visiting a doctor chosen by you, and not one chosen by your employer, will ensure an objective medical opinion.
- Write down as much information as you can remember regarding how the accident and injury occurred. Also, keep a detailed journal of how the injury has affected your way of life. Jot down any lifestyle changes, even if they seem insignificant.
- Keep receipts and records of expenses incurred as a result of the your injuries. For example, if you paid to have your clothes laundered because your injury prevented you from performing a task you normally perform, compensation for the expense may be obtained.
- Document any communication you have had with your employer regarding the accident. If paperwork has been exchanged, keep copies of all documents.
- Talk to a skilled Fresno personal injury attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. We can help injured seamen navigate through complex maritime laws and ensure legal rights are not being jeopardized.
Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum Life Members
Both founding partners of Estey Bomberger, Steve Estey and Mike Bomberger, are life members of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Less than one percent of United States lawyers are members of this distinguished group of trial lawyers. You can reach one of our professional Fresno maritime injury lawyers 24 hours a day by calling (559) 682-3629. When you hire a Fresno personal injury lawyer, you can expect client-focused, results-orientated legal representation.
If you have been hurt, you may be entitled to compensation for your maritime accident injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings and wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to your Fresno construction accident. For a free consultation of your legal rights, contact Estey & Bomberger at (559)682-3629. If we represent you in your personal injury or wrongful death claim, we will not charge any fees unless we obtain money for you.