Maritime associated businesses and organizations such as shipping companies, oil and gas exploration and production companies and so on are many in Houston as the city is a major global trading port of the maritime industry. Since maritime law is quite fluid and any activity at sea comes with a lot of risks, this necessitates the involvement of a Houston maritime attorney. These legal professionals deal with statutes that regulate occurrences and undertakings on the navigable waters that include oceans, rivers, and lakes.
What is Maritime Law?
Admiralty law or maritime law is a branch of law that deals with issues to do with maritime and specifically, private controversies that arise out of maritime activities. This accommodates a staggering variety of matters such as shipping collision, oil slick, other marine casualties, injuries to persons and oil slick among others, carriage of goods among others. Maritime law concerns the legal practice of navigating the sea and as such; it is unique legal system different from the general laws, hence the role of the maritime attorneys who are specialized in this area of the law.
Role of a Houston Maritime Lawyer
A Houston maritime lawyer mainly deals with offering legal services to clients involving issues of maritime law. Their responsibilities include:
Personal Injury Claims: Specializing in cases involving seamen, longshoremen, and other maritimes workers where the injury was sustained in the course of their work. Such statistics come under the category known as the Jones Act where the maritime employee can sue to claim his injuries.
Cargo Disputes: Settling any issues pertaining to the conveyance of goods and or products as well as other concerns such as cases that entail damaged or missing goods.
Pollution and Environmental Law: Covering legal affairs concerning pollution of the sea, oil slicks and other dangers.
Vessel Documentation and Compliance: Checking that holder boats meet the requirement of the international, federal and state laws.
Maritime Liens and Mortgages: It involves the administration of all claim of a commercial and financial nature against vessels such as maritime liens and ship mortgages.
When You May Need A Maritime Lawyer
Maritime law as a subject is unique compared to the other laws due to the special provisions and the operation of the international standards. You might need a maritime attorney if you are involved in any of the following scenarios:You might need a maritime attorney if you are involved in any of the following scenarios:
Injured at Sea: Any seaman or maritime employee who gets exposed to an illness or injury that occurred within the scope of his/her work a maritime lawyer can assist them to sue for compensation under the provisions of the Jones Act or other similar statutes.
Maritime Business Disputes: Regarding the legal services, if it involves cargo dispute, contract problem, or compliance concern, then a maritime attorney is the perfect fit.
Environmental Incidents: In the unfortunate circumstance of an oil spill and any other catastrophe, the maritime attorney can wade through the legal regime and control legal liabilities.
Some of the Specific Considerations that a Person Needs to Make When Hiring a Maritime Attorney
When selecting a maritime attorney in Houston, consider the following factors:When selecting a maritime attorney in Houston, consider the following factors:
Experience: Choose lawyers whose practice focuses on maritime law and has dealt with cases like yours in the past. The skills and seniority of the professional are highly relevant as well as prior case management of a similar type.
Reputation: The best is to look for recommendations or complaints related to the attorney among the other representatives of the maritime industry. Some information about them can be gained based on the users’ opinions and evaluate their efficiency and possibility.
Specialization: Make sure that the attorney practicing in this field is knowledgeable in the field of maritime and most importantly in the issues of the case.
Communication: The attorney you choose should be coherent and should always provide you with updates of the process.
Conclusion
Houston has this maritime law firm that it would not lack for business since the economy of Houston heavily relies on maritime businesses. Depending on whether the case is personal injuries, environmental or business, these legal attorneys to some extent make sure that any activities and actions allowed on sea and water bear the full legal scrutiny and that all the victims of any acts of maritime incidences are fairly compensated. If you are engaged in any activity that has to do with the sea or water body in Houston, it is always advisable to have a good maritime attorney on your side.
More information can be found in specialized legal journals, or one can talk to an expert Houston maritime lawyer.