Injured in a Maritime Accident in Alaska? Talk to a Jones Act Lawyer Today
Alaska, the nation’s largest state by land volume, is home to a total of 58 ports. This includes the Port of Valdez, which is among the United States’ top 25 water ports by tonnage. Processing approximately 36 million short tons of cargo annually, the Port of Valdez is busier than any port on the West Coast of the continental United States. It also does more business than any East Coast port, except New York.
Along with its coastal regions, Alaska’s inland waterways are also flourishing with commercial activity. Throughout the state, cargo ships, trollers, salmon fishing boats, crab or halibut fishing boats, gillnetting or purse seining boats, fish processing boats and other commercial vessels carry billions of dollars’ worth of cargo through some of the most pristine landscapes our country has to offer. However, Alaska’s seas and waterways present great dangers as well, and many seamen, fishermen and other maritime workers suffer serious (and often fatal) injuries every year.
Legal Representation for Injured Maritime Workers in Alaska
At the Willis Law Firm, we help injured maritime workers and their families in Alaska fight for just compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on the job, you may be entitled to significant benefits. While other law firms handle all types of cases, we focus exclusively on representing injured maritime workers, seamen and their family members. If you are entitled to compensation for work-related injuries or the loss of a loved one, we will fight tirelessly to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Jones Act Negligence Claims in Alaska
Many times when a seaman is injured on the job, the accident is the result of the actions or inactions of co-workers. Maritime work is risky and dangerous and employees must rely on their co-workers in order to perform their duties and stay safe on the job. When a crew member’s actions or omissions injure a fellow worker, the injured worker may be able to file a legal claim against his or her employer to recover financial compensation.
The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides seaman, such as tug boat operators, barge workers, commercial fishermen, jack-up oil rig workers, deckhands, and other individuals who work on the high seas, inland rivers and waterways or other navigable waters, the right to file a lawsuit against an employer when they are injured in the course or scope of their employment. A Jones Act negligence lawsuit is different from an ordinary negligence claim. In a Jones Act suit the burden of proof is far lower than what is required in a traditional negligence lawsuit. The injured maritime worker only needs to prove that the employer’s negligence played some part, no matter how minor, in causing his injuries.
Is My Employer Legally Responsible for My Injuries?
Employers in the maritime industry have a legal duty to provide their workers with a reasonably safe work environment. When an employer fails to meet this duty and an employee is injured, the employer can be held liable for damages. While people most often think of the employer’s duty as relating to the safety of the equipment, supplies and conditions on a ship or vessel, the duty also extends to the actions and inactions of the employer’s employees. This means employers can be held legally liable when an employee is injured by a co-worker who has not been properly trained or supervised, acts negligently, or assaults a fellow worker.
If you have been injured by the actions or omissions of a co-worker and decide to pursue a Jones Act negligence suit against your employer, you may be able to recover certain damages, such as:
- Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity
- Medical Expenses
- Rehabilitation Costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Disability and Disfigurement
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
What to Do if You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Maritime Injury
Following a serious maritime accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to significant benefits under federal law – including automatic, “no-fault” maintenance and cure benefits under the Jones Act – but many employers and insurance companies make it extremely difficult for employees and their families to file successful claims. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Alaska fishing boat accident or any other type of Alaska maritime accident, the Willis Law Firm can help you protect your legal rights. Call today for a free consultation.
Major Seaports in Alaska
The following are among Alaska’s busiest ports for fishing boats, supply boats, crew boats, container ships, and other commercial vessels:
- Port of Anchorage
- Port of Dutch Harbor (in Unalaska, AK)
- Port of Juneau
- Port of Ketchikan
- Port of Valdez
- Port of Whittier
Other ports in Alaska include:
- Port of Adak
- Port of Angoon
- Port of Bethel
- Port of Chignik
- Port of Cold Bay
- Port of Cordova
- Port of Craig
- Port of Dillingham
- Drift River Marine Terminal
- Port of Excursion Inlet
- Gustavus Harbor
- Haines Ferry Terminal and Port of Haines
- Hollis Harbor
- Port of Homer
- Port of Hoonah
- Port of Hydaburg
- Port of Kake
- Kasaan Harbor
- Port of Kenai
- Port of King Cove
- Port of Klawock
- Port of Knik
- Knudson Cove Harbor
- Port of Kodiak
- Port of Kotzebue
- Letnikof Cove Harbor
- Loring Harbor
- Port of Metlakatla
- Port of Bristol Bay (in Naknek, AK)
- Port of Nenana
- Port of Nikiski
- Port of Nome
- Port of Ouzinkie
- Port of Pelican
- Port of Petersburg
- Port MacKenzie
- Red Dog Harbor
- Port of Sand Point
- Port of Saxman
- Port of Seldovia
- Seward Harbor
- Port of Sitka
- Port of Skagway
- Port of St. George
- Michael Harbor
- Port of St. Paul
- Port of Tenakee Springs
- Port of Thorne Bay
- Ward Cove Harbor
- Port of Wrangell
- Port of Yakutat
Speak with an Alaska Maritime Lawyer About Your Case Today
To learn more about your legal rights, contact the Willis Law Firm for a free consultation. Attorney David Willis has more than 40 years of experience representing maritime workers and their families, and is licensed in both Texas and New York. To claim the benefits you deserve, call 1-800-GOT HURT or request a free consultation online today.
