
In this era of globalization, cruise companies and other over-the-water employers seem to have an almost unlimited advantage in defining the terms of employment, wages, and working conditions. Fortunately, sea workers are not always at the mercy of their employers as long as they know their rights and what they can do to get the justice they deserve.
Hiring a Maritime Attorney
Many sailors are not fully aware of their rights and the protections granted them by the law, and consequently, their employers may take advantage of them. To help remedy this situation, you should consult with a maritime lawyer.
Before hiring a lawyer, you should first specify what kind of legal problem you have. This will determine the state in which the lawyer should be empowered to practice, as well as the area of āāspecialization in which he or she should have experience.
For example, a sailor who is charged with a crime and who needs a good defense will need a criminal lawyer who is empowered to practice in the state where the charges are filed.
Sea workers can contact a maritime lawyer if they need to clarify the type of legal issue that concerns them and the type of lawyer they should hire.
Once the decision has been made to hire a maritime lawyer, the plaintiff must act quickly, as there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In addition, the lawyer must explain the following:
ā What options do you have to solve the problem?
ā What are the chances of winning the case or reaching an agreement?
ā How long will the process take?
ā What are the attorney fees involved?
What to Look For When Hiring a Maritime Attorney
What are the things to look for when hiring a maritime attorney near you? It is important that we take into consideration several different aspects:
- Choose a specialized professional: Do not hire a lawyer who offers services that range from a food poisoning lawsuit to intellectual property proceedings. If you are going to seek the services of a lawyer, try to ensure that the lawyer is specialized in the area of the law specific to your case.
- Choose a lawyer with a fixed office: The fact that a lawyer has a nice office does not guarantee quality in services, but it is better to make sure that a lawyer has a fixed headquarters where you can go in case of claim or have any questions.
- Clarify from the beginning the rates and means of payment: Clarify before hiring a lawyer what the fees will be, either with a fixed price, with percentage in commission, or with an hourly price. Many maritime attorneys base their fees on a contingency.
- Check the background: Before hiring a professional, do a little research on your part (for example, how many cases they have won, if they have experience handling cases similar to yours, their reputation, etc.)
This information will help you make the decision of hiring a maritime lawyer and achieve the desired result.
Contact an Experienced Maritime Attorney in Houston Today
If you have questions about maritime or admiralty law, contact the maritime attorneys at Kolodny Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.