What is General Maritime Law?

A: What is general maritime law?

Simply put, general martime law is a body of federal law that governs accidents and injuries that occur on or near water. Maritime law is hundreds of years old, and much of current American maritime law is based on, and grew out of, cases that pre-date the founding of the United States.

If you are hurt on the water, under certain circumstances, you may be able to bring a claim under general maritime law. The general maritime law applies a "reasonable person," or "reasonable company" standard. What that means is that if someone caused your accident and did not act "reasonably" under the circumstances, they will be liable for damages that result.

For instances, workers offloading a boat or who are injured by someone other than their maritime employer may be able to bring a claim against the third party that caused the injury.

More specific laws and rules apply to Jones Act "seaman," Longshore and Harbor Workers, and and workers on the Outer Continental Shelf. To find out what law you fall under if you are injured on the water, contact an experienced maritime lawyer.