Maritime Law vs. the Law of the Sea
When it comes to maritime accidents, the laws ruling these situations can be complex and confusing. However, this does not mean that you do not deserve to be compensated for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, the attorneys at Kolodny Law Firm can help ensure your rights are protected. If you work in the maritime industry, it is important to understand the differences between maritime law and the Law of the Sea before an accident occurs.
What is Maritime Law?
When it comes to these laws, they typically apply to ship owners of private vessels, clients on board the ship, and the employees working on the ship. Many of these laws have been in place for years and include the following:
- Merchant Marine Act of 1928: This law will protect an injured seaman by giving them the right to file a claim against their employer for negligence. It will also ensure that they are fairly compensated for medical expenses and other damages. This act is more commonly known as the Jones Act.
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act: This act is a federal workers’ compensation law that allows dockside workers to sue for compensation for medical bills and disability payments from their employers.
- Death on the High Seas Act: If a sailor is killed over three nautical miles away from land, this allows a relative of the deceased person to file a lawsuit against the employer to receive compensation for funeral costs, loss of emotional support and care, and loss of financial support.
- Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act: This act provides for fair compensation for workers who are injured while working on the outer continental shelf. This typically covers workers of oil rigs, natural gas platforms, and other types of workers who may be working on rigs located off the shore.
What is the Law of the Sea?
This law is a bit more complex than maritime laws because it involves the way that nations act with each other when it comes to water-related issues. Like maritime law, many of the laws are based on other customs and rules, but unlike many maritime laws, the Law of the Sea was only put into place in 1994. Although the U.S. never ratified it, it is still recognized as customary international law with rules that are still followed today. The Law of the Sea handles the following:
- Navigational Rights: This allows other nations to pass through territorial waters. The “innocent passage” doctrine states that the foreign vessels cannot break the laws or harm the nation through whose territorial waters they are traveling.
- Coastal Water Jurisdiction: These laws cover the span of territorial waters as well as laws regarding customs, taxation, pollution, and immigration.
- Natural Resource Ownership: This sets a zone for each nation to explore natural resources such as seafloor deposits and fisheries.
Distinctions Between Maritime Law and the Law of the Sea
Scope and Jurisdiction: Maritime law applies primarily to private parties, including ship owners, crew members, and passengers, and is enforced by national courts. It addresses personal injury claims, contractual disputes, and negligence cases that arise in maritime contexts. In contrast, the Law of the Sea governs the rights and responsibilities of nations in relation to international waters and is enforced through treaties and international agreements. Its focus extends to broader issues involving entire regions and global interactions.
Focus Area: Maritime law encompasses personal injury claims, shipping contracts, and legal disputes involving private parties and businesses operating on the water. The Law of the Sea, on the other hand, covers issues that impact international relations and environmental conservation, such as the rights of passage, pollution control, and the allocation of natural resources. While maritime law is concerned with protecting individual and business interests on the water, the Law of the Sea aims to manage the shared use and protection of international waters.
Historical Development: Maritime law has evolved over centuries, based on established customs, maritime practices, and national and international court precedents. It represents a body of law shaped by long-standing seafaring traditions. The Law of the Sea, however, was formally codified in the 20th century, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishing a cohesive framework for international maritime issues. This convention aimed to address the modern complexities of global navigation, environmental concerns, and resource management.
Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate your rights and responsibilities, whether you are a maritime worker, a passenger, or a business operating in the maritime sector. For any legal issues related to maritime injuries or disputes, it’s important to consult with an attorney experienced in maritime law.
FAQs
Do Maritime Workers Have Different Legal Protections Than Land-Based Workers?
Yes, maritime workers are afforded specific legal protections under maritime law, including the Jones Act, which allows injured workers to file claims for negligence against their employer. They are also covered by laws such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which provides compensation for workers injured while working on docks or near the shore.
What Is the Role of the Death on the High Seas Act?
The Death on the High Seas Act allows families of deceased maritime workers to file a claim for compensation when a loved one dies in an accident over three nautical miles from land. It covers expenses like funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional distress caused by the death.
How Does the Law of the Sea Affect Environmental Protection on the Water?
The Law of the Sea addresses environmental protection by establishing guidelines for the prevention of pollution and the management of natural resources in international waters. It governs the actions of countries to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable use of maritime resources, including fisheries and seabed mining.
Can a Foreign National File a Maritime Injury Claim in the U.S.?
Yes, foreign nationals working on U.S.-owned vessels or in U.S. territorial waters may file maritime injury claims under U.S. maritime law, including the Jones Act, as long as they meet certain criteria. These workers can seek compensation for injuries sustained during their employment under U.S. law.
What Are the Key Differences Between Maritime Law and Admiralty Law?
Maritime law and admiralty law are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different areas. Maritime law typically addresses personal injury claims, shipping contracts, and the regulations governing businesses operating on the water. Admiralty law, on the other hand, refers to the legal jurisdiction over matters related to shipping and navigation, as well as the courts that handle these cases. While both are related to maritime issues, maritime law is broader in scope.
Contact a Houston Maritime Attorney for a Free Consultation Today
If you have suffered injuries while working on or near the water, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the experienced maritime attorneys in Houston at Kolodny Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
Call (713) 532-4474 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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