Mississippi River Accident Lawyer

The Mississippi River is one of the biggest rivers in the country. It is also one of the largest river systems in the world. In fact, the river’s course takes it through ten different states. These include Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Thus, making it crucial for trade and keeping our economy strong. Yet, what many may not realize is the benefits of this river also stem from the hardworking seamen who ensure the flow of cargo and goods on this river. That is why when one of these workers is injured on the job. It not only impacts the efficiency of this flow, but these individuals and their families often must deal with devastating injuries, excruciating pain, and astronomical medical expenses. Thus, these cases require the help of a Mississippi River accident lawyer. If you have been injured while working on the Mississippi River, don’t deal with these consequences alone. Thankfully, with the law offices of Morrow & Sheppard LLP fighting for you, you won’t have to.

Common Causes of Mississippi River Accidents

Unfortunately, maritime workers often receive exposure to numerous dangers on the Mississippi River. This can lead to debilitating injuries and life-changing repercussions. Yet, these accidents can result from many factors and situations, including:

• Collisions with other vessels, or permanent structures
• Moving, swinging, and falling objects
• Drowning
• Running aground
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Defective or faulty equipment
• Human error
• Steering/navigational failures
• Groundings
• Explosions
• Fires
• Falling overboard

Yet, determining fault following a maritime accident is often not as straightforward as people may expect it to be. Thus, following a Mississippi River accident, reach out to an experienced Mississippi River accident lawyer. These legal professionals can figure out what happened and who was at fault for your harm. Then, they can help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve.

What Laws Protect Maritime Workers Hurt in the Mississippi River

Captain on deck of vessel watching laptop.

If you have been injured while working on the Mississippi River, it is important to understand the laws protecting you, especially if you are considering filing a legal claim. For these reasons, the first thing you should know is that the Mississippi River qualifies as a “navigable” waterway. This is critical because, with this definition, you may be able to take advantage of the Jones Act and other maritime laws to help you obtain the justice you want. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, or the Jones Act, is a federal law that protects United States citizens working as seamen who are injured while traversing navigable waters due to negligence or unseaworthiness. This Act also allows injured maritime workers and their families to obtain compensation for their work-related injuries regardless of fault and helps them get the care they require after this horrifying accident. Yet, to qualify under the Jones Act, the injured worker must first prove they are eligible for seaman status. The test used to establish this status is often rather complex. It looks at whether the individual works on the vessel and aids in service. As a result, if you believe you qualify under the Jones Act to obtain compensation for the injuries you sustained working on the Mississippi River, you should reach out to a skilled Mississippi River accident lawyer. These attorneys can review the facts of your case, figure out whether you qualify for economic recovery under these federal laws, and help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.

What Compensation Can Maritime Workers Hurt on the Mississippi River Recover?

Under the Jones Act, if a maritime worker is injured, they may be entitled to immediate medical treatment regardless of fault and can also pursue the following damages:

• Future ongoing medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Other losses that resulted from the incident

If unsure what compensation applies to you following your accident, reach out to a Mississippi River accident attorney. These lawyers can determine which of these damages you can go after and help you fight for the compensation you need.

Hire an Experienced Maritime Lawyer at Morrow & Sheppard LLP

As a maritime worker, if you have been injured in an accident on the Mississippi River, the last thing you want to stress about is whether you can get paid for your injuries, the applicable laws that may apply to your situation, and how you will prove your case. Fortunately, with Morrow & Sheppard LLP on your side, you will not have to worry about taking on this complicated legal battle alone. Instead, once you retain our team, you can focus on what matters most – your healing and recovery, while we:

• Figure out whether the Jones Act or other laws such as the General Maritime Law, Maintenance & Cure, and Longshore and Harbors Workers’ Compensation Act applies to your case.
• Figure out if you are eligible to file a claim against your negligent employer or the owner of the shipping vessel if the vessel was not seaworthy.
• Investigate the accident, and secure the evidence needed to prove fault and damages.
• Help you pursue the maximum compensation.

If you sustained serious injuries on the Mississippi River, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Instead, contact an experienced maritime lawyer at Morrow & Sheppard LLP today for free case consultation and let our legal team show you how we can help you fight for your rights.