Admiralty law governs issues of liability that arise from maritime incidents like grounding, collisions, and spills. Admiralty law and maritime law specifically regulate boating accidents and injuries to the crew and the passengers that are on the yachts, ships, or recreational boats.  One of the types of maritime law benefits is remedies.  Examples are maintenance and, cure and claims for the unseaworthy conditions on vessels.

 There is another benefit based on th Jones Act, which protects the workers on the ships and offshore oil rigs.  Galante & Bivalacqua can help you with your Jones Act claims.  Maritime workers are entitled to receive damages if they are injured on the job.  When the law was written in the beginning, they could not anticipate the changes and developments that would take place in this industry.  Because of this, the courts have interpreted the law and filled in the gaps that existed in its coverage. 

Jones Act claims differ from workers' compensation claims.  You must prove the employers negligence in order for the employee to receive compensation for his injuries.   There is no administrative body that oversees your Jones Act claim.  You have to file your claims in the state or federal court.  Even though some claims might be settle out of court in pre-litigation negotiations, you would be wise to consult with someone from our experienced staff to make sure you know all of your rights and the merits of your maritime injury claim.  Do not sign any agreement by your company that gives you money for unearned wages, maintenance or medical benefits until you have talked to us first so that you do not waive any of your rights of recovery.

 At Galante & Bivalacqua, we have the experience needed to represent injured seamen and maritime workers in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf Coast.  Whether you are a rig worker, longshoreman, shipyard worker, or harbor worker, we can help you obtain the compensation you haves.  We have won millions of dollars through verdicts awarded to our clients.  We have worked with experts countless times in the fields of crane operations, vessel navigations, offshore drilling practices, rigging and engineering.  It is important that you hire an experienced attorney when it comes to these claims.

 The statute of limitations on these claims is typically three years. Moreover, claims that are against ferries, cruise-liners, government-owned vessels, and governmental entities may have a shorter statute of limitations.

 Do you think you might have a case?  It's worth contacting us to find out. We can help you to get the compensation you are legally entitled from your receiving your injuries.