Imagine enjoying a picturesque voyage on a Princess cruise ship off of Tijuana, only to be suddenly confronted with a man overboard incident. Now imagine this happening on another luxury escape, but this time, it’s the German vessel AIDAperla off Ramsgate, and this time it’s a crewman. Our lead counsel at Ehline Law Firm thinks a missing passenger should be reported to the USCG immediately.

Maximum, no more than an hour delay period should pass because longer delays can exponentially diminish the chances of a successful recovery at sea. How would you or the survivors navigate the complexities of maritime law and seek compensation for the affected person or their family? In practice, only a tiny percentage of victims typically survive, assuming their withering bodies are found.

Our offices know that a MOB should always be handled differently than a car accident. We also know the rules. The cruise line could be operating under a treaty or law that could drastically affect your settlement and the interest of any survivor or suffering loved one. The key is finding the right man overboard attorney in Miami, Los Angeles, or Texas with expertise in maritime law. This means someone with a proven track record of success in cruise ships and other cases.

Ehline Law has recovered millions for maritime law victims from Michigan to Los Angeles, CA, to the English Channel. The knowledge of our law firm below should answer any question if you were involved in an overboard accident. Consider this the ultimate guide to unraveling the nightmare of a man overboard case.

Key Takeaways

• Man Overboard Incidents are unfortunately common, and understanding their causes and consequences is essential to prevent fatalities for those aboard and ashore.
• The Jones Act provides legal rights and protections for crew members. Still, an experienced maritime attorney or law firm is needed to navigate the complexities of the law for passengers, employees, and company representatives aboard.
• A man-overboard attorney at Ehline Law Firm can help you understand your rights under maritime law and investigate incidents. Michael Ehline helped draft parts of the Cruise Ship Safety Act from California. His legal team went to Washington, DC, and fought so you and your loved one would not face what Ken Carver experienced. Michael and his law firm want to help victims pursue compensation through settlements or court proceedings while protecting their rights and offering maximum security anywhere in the country.

Understanding Man Overboard Incidents

Man overboard events (MOBs) don’t just happen on cruise ships; you don’t need to be a customer. MOBs are defined as a crew member or passenger being involuntarily displaced from a maritime vessel overboard. Sometimes, the victim gets trapped between the vessel and an object like a pier, dock, or other ship, such as a tugboat. Other times, the victim is lost at sea forever. Sadly, these are common occurrences off of Florida and the Atlantic, making them the second most significant contributing factor to fatalities among the commercial fishermen business in the United States. But what causes such accidents, and what are the consequences for those involved?

Causes of Falls Overboard

Manufacturers and maintenance businesses could be at blame, as well as the actual trolley, ship, or cruise line. If you or a loved one were killed, we have offices in Texas and California to file your case in time.

Falls overboard can be attributed to various elements, such as:

• choppy seas, which may cause someone to fall overboard
• gusty winds
• slick decks
• insufficient safety equipment.

Cruise ship passengers and crew need to be aware of the potential dangers and liability they may face. Grounding, collision, or partial capsize events could result in fatal injuries for all concerned. Moreover, Norovirus, the most widespread illness among cruise ship passengers and crew members today, can exacerbate the risk of falling overboard.

Cruise ship accidents, including running aground and crashing into objects, often result from the cruise line’s negligence. Responsive supervision plays a vital role in preventing such accidents, not only in Los Angeles and Texas but in other locations like San Diego as well.

Consequences for Crew Members and Passengers

If a man overboard situation takes off, passengers and crew members may face serious injuries or even mortality. They may also encounter potential legal liabilities, as cruise lines must provide a reasonably safe shipboard environment and conduct search and rescue operations when necessary. Furthermore, injured crew members can seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages under the Jones Act.

For a complimentary, confidential review of a man overboard case, one should contact experienced maritime lawyers, such as those at Schechter, Shaffer, and Harris, L.L.P.

Maritime Law and the Jones Act

Maritime law, or admiralty law, governs activities on the water and is enforced at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Jones Act, a federal statute, offers legal remedies for crew members who suffer personal injuries or death. Understanding the nuances of maritime law and the Jones Act proves critical when dealing with man-overboard incidents.

Crew members are given numerous rights and protections under American law, such as entitlement to fair wages, protection from discrimination and harassment, and access to suitable medical care. The Jones Act allows crew members to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Legal Rights and Protections for Crew Members

Under the Jones Act, crew members are entitled to a safe working environment and protection from discrimination and harassment. They can seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages if they sustain injuries while working on a vessel.

While maritime law and the Jones Act offer essential legal protections for crew members, deciphering the complexities of these laws demands the expertise of a seasoned man overboard attorney.

Applicability to Man Overboard Cases

Maritime law applies to man overboard cases, and ship owners are obligated to:

• Exercise due diligence using navigational and maritime skills to prevent injury to passengers and crew.
• Ensure a reasonably safe shipboard environment.
• Carry out search and rescue operations in case of a man overboard incident.

A man-overboard attorney from a reputable law firm can offer valuable guidance in navigating the intricacies of maritime law, investigating the incident, and pursuing compensation for the injured party.

Finding the Right Man Overboard Attorney

In the selection process for a man overboard attorney, their experience and expertise in maritime law, especially handling man overboard accidents, should be critical, key considerations. The attorney’s track record of success, demonstrating their capability to handle similar cases successfully and secure, achieve, and maintain favorable client outcomes, holds equal importance.

To find the right man over an attorney, one should also assess their standing and client feedback, considering their reputation for professionalism, integrity, and successful representation. The maritime attorneys will evaluate your case during a free consultation. Here, they will confidentially discuss legal fees, payment options, and chances of success.

Experience with Admiralty-Maritime Law

An ideal man overboard attorney should have the following qualifications:

• Experience in maritime law and representation of clients in man-overboard accident cases
• A thorough understanding of the laws and regulations related to maritime accidents
• A proven record of managing similar cases successfully.

Our experience in maritime law will play a crucial role in handling your man overboard case. Our charismatic, compassionate legal team is well-versed in protecting the legal rights of crew members and passengers. We know the root causes of falls overboard and the grim outcomes for those lost at sea.

Proven Track Record of Success

A successful track record indicates an attorney’s proficiency and familiarity with man-overboard cases. Numerous examples of successful man-overboard cases are on our verdicts and settlements page. Our world-renowned attorneys have handled hundreds of cases, representing the passenger or crew member who fell overboard and sustained injuries in Los Angeles. We have also helped passengers who fell overboard, including those injured in or offshore from Texas.

A proven track record of success in man overboard cases, backed by their combined legal experience, demonstrates the attorney’s ability to handle such cases and fosters trust in clients, ensuring that their rights are protected, and they receive the compensation they deserve.

Case Studies: Man Overboard Cases Handled by Top Attorneys

Real-life case studies of man overboard cases handled by top attorneys in Los Angeles and Texas can provide valuable insight into their legal services, expertise in maritime law, and successful track record. These case studies highlight the importance and value of choosing an overboard attorney with extensive experience and a proven history of success.

From the case studies of man overboard cases handled by our top attorneys in Los Angeles and Texas, one can learn about the legal services provided by the attorneys, their expertise in maritime law, and their successful track record. Let’s take a look.

Los Angeles Case Study

Our Los Angeles Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys are a team of esteemed legal professionals committed to providing comprehensive updates on the status of their clients’ cases and obtaining appropriate compensation for cruise ship accident victims. They have successfully secured over $150 million dollars in compensation on behalf of clients, all on a contingency fee basis.

In more than one confidential man-overboard case involving a crew member who fell overboard and sustained injuries, we successfully represented the client, ensuring that the crew member received the compensation they were entitled to for their injuries and losses in the Long Beach area. We have also helped children assaulted by crew members, which is often why kids are lost at sea. The goal is to dispose of the evidence.

Texas Case Study

Sometimes, it’s a cruise line; others, it’s a fishing trip. Either way, accident victims have benefitted from our representation. In another confidential man overboard case in Texas involving a passenger who fell overboard and was injured, our Texas injury attorney adopted a comprehensive approach to the case. He investigated the incident, sought compensation, and assessed the case. The attorney also discussed legal fees and payment options with the client years beforehand, so it went off without a hitch.

The outcome of the man overboard case in Texas was that the passengers could obtain the compensation they were entitled to for their injuries and losses, and their identities were kept out of the press. We ensured that the passengers were treated equitably and their rights were safeguarded to be paid to cover medical bills and lost wages.

What to Expect During a Free Consultation With Ehline Law?

When consulting with a man overboard attorney during a free consultation, be prepared to provide details about your case. Ensure you explain the incident’s circumstances, any injuries sustained, and the potential liability of the cruise ship or other involved parties. An excellent personal injury attorney will evaluate your case’s viability and advise on available professional legal alternatives.

Bringing any pertinent documents, such as medical records, medical bills, or incident reports, is crucial to your free consultation so that the attorney understands your circumstances. We know you are real people with real problems with your health and welfare after such a calamity. So, we will take the time to provide details regarding the legal fees and available payment options at the end of the free case review.

Evaluating Your Case

During your free consultation with a man overboard attorney, you should provide details about your case, including the circumstances of the incident. You can talk with our law firm about any injuries or damages and potential legal claims there. Based on this information, our team will evaluate your case guidance on your legal options.

The injuries or damages you may have incurred depend on the specific circumstances. (was it a car accident or some other personal injury like slipping and falling, etc?) These may include physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses. The best attorney at our law firm will help you determine the potential legal claims that could be pursued, such as negligence, wrongful death, or other claims related to the incident. Our team is ready to lead the way when you are ready to win. Our top team has led the way for over a decade at many ports of call and even in Congress.

Discussing Legal Fees and Payment Options

The attorney will share details about the legal fees and payment options during the consultation. They might operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning the money you would only pay if your case is successful, thus enabling you to seek the legal advice and representation you need without bearing a significant financial burden.

In addition to discussing your case and legal fees, the best attorney at our law firm can also provide guidance on the legal process, potential results, and any costs or fees associated with pursuing your claim. This information is invaluable and helpful in helping the injured person make informed decisions about their case. Our team can help the injured determine the best course of action for them and their family.

How a Man Overboard Attorney Can Help You

A man overboard attorney can provide the following services:

• Guide you through the complexities of maritime law
• Help you pursue compensation for damages and losses in man-overboard incidents
• Aid in investigating the incident
• Collect pertinent information
• Consult with specialists
• Scrutinize laws and regulations
• Represent you during legal proceedings.

By choosing the right man overboard attorney with expertise in maritime law and a proven track record of success, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that one day you receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries, pain, and losses you have suffered.

Investigating the Incident

In the investigation of the incident, a man overboard attorney from our law firm can:

• Conduct a comprehensive probe
• Gather crucial information
• Consult with specialists
• Examine laws and regulations
• Represent you during legal proceedings
• To bolster your case, facilitate evidence collection, such as witness statements, photographs, videos, and other pertinent documents.

Additionally, a man overboard attorney can:

• Consult with relevant professionals, including medical personnel, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists who can offer valuable insight into the situation
• Take a comprehensive approach to investigating the incident, ensuring that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
• Protect your rights throughout the process.

This means that you receive the necessary support and representation in your man-overboard case.

Pursuing Compensation

Insurance companies are not always involved in these cases, as most cruise cartels are self-insured or may be covered under Lloyd’s of London, etc. And you don’t always have to sue. Did you slip on a wet deck and fall into the water after slipping? A man-overboard attorney can assist you in seeking compensation by filing a lawsuit, gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, representing you in court, and providing legal guidance. Initiating a lawsuit entails filing a complaint with the court, serving the complaint to the defendant, and submitting a motion for summary judgment.

The evidence necessary to pursue compensation includes medical records, witness statements, video, and other relevant documents about the incident. Settlements provide an expedited and cost-effective alternative to a trial for resolving a case. By working with an experienced man overboard attorney, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. The caring team at our law firm may be able to settle the matter and avoid further time and expense just by making a few calls. Talk to us today by dialing (213) 596-9642.

Summary

Navigating the complexities of maritime law and seeking compensation in man-overboard incidents can be daunting. However, with the help of an experienced man overboard attorney who is well-versed in maritime law and has a proven track record of success, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a man overboard incident leave you feeling lost at sea – seek the guidance of a skilled attorney and chart a course towards justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens When Someone Goes Overboard on a Cruise Ship?

When someone goes overboard on a cruise ship, the ship will go into emergency mode, and the bridge will contact the Coast Guard. The ship will stop, and the crew will pinpoint where and when it happened to start a thorough search in that area.

How Many People Have Fallen off Cruise Ships in 2023?

According to data from Ross Klein, 11 people have fallen off cruise ships so far in 2023. More have fallen from other watercraft.

How Often Do People Go Overboard on Cruise Ships?

On average, about 25 people go overboard on cruise ships each year. This shows why we must take safety measures and be aware when aboard a cruise ship. About 2.5 million people cruise at the same time every year.

What is a Man Overboard Incident?

A man overboard incident is when a crew member is involuntarily displaced from a maritime vessel, also known as a fall overboard event.

How Can a Man Overboard Attorney At Ehline Law Help Me?

If you went from passenger to patient and want to work with someone knowledgeable about the admiralty maritime law fields, choose us. A man-overboard attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses by navigating maritime law, investigating the incident, and gathering evidence. Feel free to use our online contact us form for a free case review or dial (213) 596-9642 today.