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Seamen historically possess a unique status in the law as wards of the courts. Consequently, maritime law surrounding crewmembers is complex, drawing from a wide variety of domestic and international statutory regulations and jurisprudence. Maritime claims historically had no constitutional right to a jury trial, so these were decided by the courts.
Remedies to crewmembers were originally limited to Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure. Over time, the law expanded to include non-maritime remedies such as wrongful death or retaliatory discharge.
As a result of this constant evolution of the law, crewmember claims pose a unique legal challenge that few firms are equipped to handle. As a firm that has arbitrated hundreds of cases domestically and internationally, Mase Seitz Briggs is one of those firms. No matter how complex a crewmember claim is, we have the skills to handle it.
Whether a crewmember is domestic or international drastically affects the nature of a claim. Domestic crewmembers are not subject to mandatory arbitration agreements, so those cases typically go to trial in state or federal court. However, most claims by international crewmembers proceed to international arbitration per employment agreement or collective bargaining agreements.
Arbitrating international crewmember claims comes with a host of daunting challenges that Mase Seitz Briggs is uniquely suited to overcome. Choice-of-law conflicts, compliance with rules of the arbitral seat, and analyzing international treaties and foreign laws are specialized skills that our attorneys possess a wealth of experience in.
We handle the following crewmember claim cases on behalf of ship owners and cruise line operators:
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides specific rights and protections to maritime workers, including the right to sue for negligence. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending boat operators against Jones Act claims brought by crewmembers.
When crewmembers become ill or injured while working on a vessel, they may bring claims against the vessel operator for negligent medical care or administration.
Unseaworthiness claims arise when a crewmember is injured or killed due to unsafe conditions on the vessel, such as faulty vessel design or unsafe equipment. We understand vessels and safety regulations and can fight for your interests in these circumstances.
Under maritime law, vessel operators are required to provide maintenance and cure to crewmembers who become ill or injured while working on a vessel. If a crewmember has filed a claim against you for allegedly failing to provide maintenance and cure, our attorneys can represent you.
Retaliatory discharge claims arise when a crewmember believes that they were discharged from the vessel due to their employer “retaliating” against them for complaining about working conditions or for filing a claim for injury or illness.
Crewmembers may bring claims against boat operators for unpaid wages or penalties under federal and state maritime laws. If crewmembers have brought this type of claim against you, let our maritime lawyers put their knowledge and experience to work for you.
Crewmembers may bring claims against vessel operators for failing to provide medical care when they become ill or injured while working on a vessel. We know how to address these types of claims, and are dedicated to achieving the most favorable outcome for our clients.
Our attorneys have a wealth of experience in maritime law and are well-equipped to handle the complexities of crewmember claims. Don't navigate these waters alone. Contact Mase Seitz Briggs today to speak with one of our highly-qualified maritime lawyers and get the representation you need to resolve your crewmember claim matter. Trust us to provide you with superior legal services and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
In addition to Crewmember claims, Mase Seitz Briggs handles the following maritime legal matters and more. Put our experience on your side.
Our attorneys have a wealth of experience in maritime law and are well-equipped to handle the complexities of crewmember claims. Don't navigate these waters alone. Contact Mase Seitz Briggs today to speak with one of our highly-qualified maritime lawyers and get the representation you need to resolve your crewmember claim matter. Trust us to provide you with superior legal services and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.