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Injured Seafarers: How to Claim Your Fair Compensation for Accidents on Board Merchant Ships or Cruise Ships

Injured Seafarers: How to Claim Your Fair Compensation for Accidents on Board Merchant Ships or Cruise Ships.

Author

Martha Navarro
Founding Partner

Life at sea is an honorable but demanding profession, and the seafarers and ship's crews around the world face risks inherent to their work on a daily basis. A accident on board can have devastating consequences, resulting in serious injuries to seafarersYou are entitled to compensation for your injury, inability to work, and an uncertain future. If you are a seafarer who has suffered an injury due to the negligence of the shipowner, operator or unsafe conditions on the vessel, you are entitled to fair compensation.

 

At NAVARRO & NAVARROWe deeply understand the plight of a country that has been facing a marine casualty. Not only must you deal with physical pain and recovery, but also with concern for your lost income and the well-being of your family. We are here to tell you that you are not alone and that there are legal avenues to protect your rights.

Did You Have an Accident on a Vessel? Panama Could Be Key to Your Personal Injury Claim

Many seafarers are unaware that, even if their labor contract or the vessel's flag is not Panamanian, Panama can offer a strategic jurisdiction to file their personal injury claim as a crew member. The key, once again, is the ability to perform a preventive arrest of the vessel in which the accident occurred, or of a "sister ship" belonging to the same owner, while in transit through the Panama Canal or in our jurisdictional waters.

  • Why is Ship Arrest Important for an Injured Seafarer? The vessel arrest due to crew member accidentserves two crucial purposes:
    1. Foundations of Competence: Establishes the jurisdiction of the Panamanian Maritime Courts to hear your case.
    2. Guarantees Payment: It ensures that, in the event of obtaining a favorable judgment, there will be an asset (the vessel or collateral deposited for its release) against which to enforce collection of its compensation for maritime accident.

Types of Compensation an Injured Seafarer May Claim

The compensation for injured seafarers will depend on the applicable substantive law, which is usually the law of the country of the vessel's flag. Panamanian courts are empowered to apply this foreign law to the merits of your case. Generally, the indemnity items that may be claimed include:

  • Loss of Future Wages (Loss of Future Wages): Compensation for all wages that the seafarer will miss during his expected working life due to the injury and resulting disability.
  • Moral Damage (Pain and Suffering / General Damages): Compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-pecuniary damages caused by the accident on the vessel.
  • Emergent Damage (Medical and Other Expenses / Special Damages): Reimbursement of all past and future medical expenses (treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, prostheses), as well as other direct expenses incurred as a result of the injury.

Why Consider Panama for your Seafarer's Injury Claim?

  1. Access to Justice Through the Arrest of the Vessel: The tool of the arrest of the vessel in Panama is essential for seafarers of various nationalities can secure their claims.
  2. Specialized and Efficient Maritime Courts: Panama has an experienced maritime judicial system with experience in cases of crew member injuriesThis can result in a more streamlined process.
  3. Application of the Vessel Flag Law: Our courts will apply the substantive law applicable to your case, often the law of the country of the ship's flag, to determine the scope of your seafarer's right to seafarer's compensation.
  4. Experienced Seafarers' Rights Attorneys: Firms such as NAVARRO & NAVARRO have a thorough knowledge of international conventions (such as the Maritime Labor Convention - MLC 2006) and laws that protect seafarers. SEA WORKERS.
  5.  

NAVARRO & NAVARRO: Defending the Rights of Injured Seafarers in Panama

At NAVARRO & NAVARROWe firmly believe in the defense of the rights of the rights of injured seafarers. We understand the complexities of onboard accident claims and we are committed to fighting tirelessly for you to receive the maximum compensation possible.

We know that taking on powerful shipping lines can be intimidating. Our team of Panama seafarers' injury lawyers will provide you with the legal support and expert representation you need during this difficult time. We will evaluate your case for maritime accident at work free of charge and we will explain your options clearly and honestly.

If You Are a Seafarer and Have a Shipboard Injury, Contact Us

Your well-being and your future are our priority. Don't let an injury sustained in the line of duty go uncompensated. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a ship accidentIf you are a victim of a crime, it is crucial to seek specialized legal advice as soon as possible.

At NAVARRO & NAVARRO we are ready to listen to you and help you navigate the process of seafarers' personal injury claim in Panama.

For a free and confidential consultation on your case of injury on board:

Let's fight together for the justice and compensation you deserve as an employee. professional seafarer.

 

Contact Information:
NAVARRO & NAVARRO LLP
AddressOceania Business Center, Punta Pacifica, Torre 2000, 42nd Floor, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Phone/WhatsApp: +507 6080-3634
Web: www.nnalaw.com
E-mail: adrian@nnalaw.com

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Each legal situation is unique and should be discussed with a qualified attorney to address your specific circumstances regarding your cargo claim or any other maritime matter.

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