Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Were You or a Loved One Injured in a Diving Accident?  You May Have Rights

Commercial divers who work underwater on cargo ships, off-shore drilling platforms, and other ocean and fresh water vessels are in one of the world’s most dangerous professions. Diving and shipping companies may be responsible for injuries suffered by their divers when the injuries are caused by unsafe working conditions, improper safety gear, or inadequate job training.

Divers commonly suffer from decompression sickness, a condition more commonly called “the bends,” which occurs when a diver resurfaces too fast and blocks oxygenated blood from reaching the brain. The bends may also occur when divers are forced to make deep-water dives without taking rest breaks in between or travel on aircraft soon after their dives. The bends can result in confusion, memory loss, paralysis, and other serious injuries.

If you or a loved one are a commercial diver who suffered from decompression sickness or another diving-related injury, you may have important legal rights. Your employer may be negligent for failing to provide proper training or a safe work environment. Diving instruction companies may also be liable for injuries suffered by students. The experienced, aggressive attorneys at Mark & Associates, P.C. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your possible diving-injury case. Contact us today by submitting the case inquiry form on our website or by calling 1-866-50- RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).

Is My Diving Injury Covered by Maritime Law?

Most commercial divers are protected by the nation’s maritime laws, including the Jones Act (the Merchant Marine Act of 1920), which provides financial compensation and other benefits to injured maritime workers. If you spend more than 30 percent of your time working in the service of a vessel on navigable waters, you may have rights under the Jones Act. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and vocational training if you are unable to return to your previous career.

Other maritime laws may also apply to your diving injury case. The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act is a form of workers' compensation for dock workers and other maritime workers who are not otherwise covered by the Jones Act. The Death on the High Seas Act allows families of divers and other seamen who are killed while working at least three miles off the shore of the United States to recover damages for the deceased worker’s future earnings, emotional pain, and other damages.

Call Today for Free Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a commercial or recreational diving accident, you may have valuable legal rights. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free legal consultation. Our experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys will evaluate your injury and advise you of all your legal rights. We will fight for the financial compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our law firm today by completing the case submission form on this page, or by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).