Mississippi Maritime Lawyer and Jones Act Attorneys
Mississippi is a bustling part of the U.S. maritime trade, from the many vessels transporting goods along the Mississippi River and the ports that play a vital role in marine commerce and passenger transport. Maritime workers who labor aboard the vessels along the river and in the ports often function in high-risk jobs that can result in injuries. For those workers, the maritime laws of the United States provide specific protections for compensation depending on the job and the circumstances of the injury. If you’ve been injured while working as a seaman, longshoreman or port worker, the Mississippi Jones Act attorneys at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris can help explain your rights and what laws are applicable in your claim. Maritime laws are complex and require different knowledge and experience than other personal injury or workers compensation claims. Having a lawyer who is well-versed in the regulations that govern compensation for Mississippi maritime injuries is vital to getting the full amount you are due.
Mississippi Ports And Maritime Industry
Maritime commerce in Mississippi includes thousands of maritime workers and several major ports that serve both national and international interests. These ports play a vital role in offshore drilling, commercial fishing and recreational boating, including cruise ship traffic. Our Mississippi maritime attorneys are available to help workers who labor in the ports and on the vessels that traffic them. Some of the major ports include:
1. Biloxi: Biloxi’s port division operates the Commercial Docking Facility docks and Lighthouse Fishing DOcks, the berthing places for local shrimpers.
2. Gulfport: The Port of Gulfport is home to the U.S Coast Guard Station Gulfport, which provides maritime law enforcement and safety services in the area. The 204-acre port is a bulk, container and break-bulk seaport with 6,000 feet of berthing space.
3. Pascagoula: Home to the state’s busiest port, Pascagoula is known as the gateway to the Gulf Coast. It is the top city for buying, trading or selling vessels thanks to the presence of Northrop Grumman, the shipbuilder of major surface ships for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, international navies and many kinds of commercial vessels. Pascagoula is also home to many refineries and other shipbuilding operations. The Port of Pascagoula has two harbors, public and private terminals, and sees an approximate 28 million tons of cargo annually.
4. Lowndes County Port: One of six publicly owned ports located on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. It boasts dock and mooring cells, a 100-ton crane, 40-ton overhead bridge crane, covered two-barge berth unloading dock, and 68,000 square-foot warehouse. It also has easy access to major highways and railroads.
Other ports in Mississippi are Port Itawamba, Port of Amory and the Port of Clay County. If you are a maritime worker who has been injured while working in one of the state’s ports or on a vessel that frequents them, the Mississippi maritime attorneys at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris can help.
Getting Help From A Mississippi Maritime Attorney
Your legal rights may vary depending on whether you are a seaman, longshore worker or other maritime employee. Knowing these rights and getting experienced assistance in filing your claim is vital in securing the full compensation that you are owed. You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages and other compensation. A Mississippi Jones Act attorney at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris can talk to you about your rights, what to expect and what maritime laws may apply. Call today for a free consultation.
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