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1) Why consult a Jones Act/Maritime Lawyer?
Towing Companies are notorious for denying injured employees the benefits they are entitled to under Federal Law or general maritime law. Even if the injury is serious, and the employer is clearly at fault, most employers will try to find a way out of paying the employee his due. Of course, this unfortunate fact leaves the injured maritime worker with little recourse but to sit at home, injured and unable to return to work.
By hiring a Jones Act/Maritime Lawyer you are demonstrating to your employer that you are serious about receiving compensation for your injury and you will not merely go away. A Jones Act/Maritime Lawyer has the ability to negotiate on your behalf or try your case in front of a judge or jury. While the outcome of litigation is never guaranteed, we can assure you that by hiring Bloomfield & Katz you are getting experienced lawyers who will fight vigorously to protect your interests.
2) What is a “Free Consultation?”
Bloomfield & Katz offers free consultations to any injured maritime worker who believes he or she was injured due to the negligence of his employer or due to an unseaworthy condition. During the consultation, you sit down with an attorney at either our Paducah or Memphis office and discuss the circumstances surrounding your injury and the attorney will evaluate the merits of your case. If you cannot come to Paducah or Memphis, one of our attorney’s will come to you! You pay nothing for our time, even if we decide not to take your case.
When you hire us, you will be asked to sign an attorney client contract, and we will quickly and efficiently get to work on your case.
3) What is the difference between a Maritime Lawyer and a regular lawyer?
Injured maritime workers are protected by a specific body of common law and by specific federal laws that allow them to recover certain damages and bring certain claims that other injured workers cannot bring. While most attorneys know that these special laws exist, most attorneys do know the particular nuances of practicing Jones Act and Maritime Law. Further, few attorneys understand the jargon, people, and working conditions of the inland shipping industry. If you hire a lawyer unequipped with this specialized knowledge, you are putting your claim at risk.
4) Should I “give a statement” to my employer?
No. Words have a way of being twisted and taken out of context when an employer takes a statement from an injured seaman. Consult an attorney before communicating with your employer, and you may save your future claim from being jeopardized.
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FAQ's 
