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Reeves & Mestayer | Personal Injury Attorneys in Biloxi

Biloxi Attorneys

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Free Consultation 1-855-558-2977

We have recovered over
$1 Billion
in compensation for our clients

Aggressive
We are persistent, proactive, and ready to fight for our clients' interests

Ethical
While we are aggressive, we always play by the rules and honesty is the foundation of what we do

Experience
We have extensive courtroom and trial experience putting our clients in the best position for success

Reeves & Mestayer is rated
Highest in Legal Abilities & Ethics
by Martindale-Hubbell

Reeves & Mestayer is listed as
One of the Preeminent Law Firms
in America

Reeves & Mestayer has obtained
Record Verdicts & Settlements
for their clients

BP oil spill class action recovery of
$70 Million
We handled thousands of BP claims throughout the Gulf South and was named by the Court to serve on the Economic and Property Damages Committee in the Multi-District Litigation

Defective product recovery of
$55 Million
After being injured or killed by defective tires, we fought to get 75 passengers and drivers the settlement they deserved

Car accident settlement of
$12 Million
After 5 people were killed in a multi-vehicle collision, their families turned to Reeves & Mestayer for help. We fought to get them the settlement they deserved

State of Mississippi tobacco litigation
$13 Million
Reeves & Mestayer law firm gained this verdict for the State of Mississippi to correct wrongful calculations related to the Mississippi tobacco settlement

Defective Product Settlement of
$1 Billion
We fought for 14,000 plaintiffs and 1,000 defendants hurt by Chinese-manufactured drywall products

Maritime Attorneys in Biloxi

  1. Practice Areas »
  2. Maritime Attorneys in Biloxi »
The history of maritime work in Mississippi is long, highlighting the important role that seamen have played in the development of our communities. With over 15 ports throughout the state, Mississippi depends heavily on this industry for the health of its economy and access to much-needed goods.

However, those who work in maritime jobs are at risk for injury or even death every single day. Because of this, those who work in this industry are protected by different laws and statutes outside the basic workers’ compensation system. These laws acknowledge the risk that maritime workers take and compensate for that risk by allowing greater access to compensation.

If you or someone you love has been hurt while working in a maritime job, you need an experienced maritime attorney. A lawyer with experience in standard workers’ compensation cases may not have the background or experience necessary to take on maritime cases. That’s where we can help. Contact Reeves & Mestayer at 228-300-2754 to discuss your case in greater detail.

Today’s U.S. maritime law is based on very old laws and traditions. It is a very complicated area of the law and can even be confusing for seasoned attorneys. That is why if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a maritime accident you need the help of an experienced maritime attorney.

Injured Maritime Workers

Maritime work is dangerous work and carries a very high risk of serious injury and death. There are two main avenues of compensation for injured maritime workers:

  • Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

There are some very important differences between the two and you may need the help of an experienced maritime law attorney just to figure out which one applies to you.

The Jones Act covers workers who are classified as “seamen.” Under the Jones Act you can receive very basic benefits such as maintenance and cure without having to prove fault. You can also sue for substantial compensation for your injuries, but you will have to prove fault.

LHWCA does not require you to prove fault but does not provide as much compensation as the Jones Act. LHWCA applies to maritime workers who are not considered seamen. This includes, but is not limited to dock workers, ship builder, and others in the industry who do not normally work out at sea.

Wrongful Death

Loved one of maritime workers who died from their injuries can claim compensation as well. If your loved one dies from injures that were incurred at least three nautical miles from shore, you may have a claim under the Death on the High Seas Act. In other cases, you may be able to sue for wrongful death under the Jones Act.

Unseaworthiness

Unseaworthiness is the basis for a large portion of maritime claims. Vessel owners have a duty to provide a seaworthy vessel. Failure to do so is considered negligence under the law.

Unseaworthiness refers to far more than just the likelihood of a vessel to sink due to age, damage, or disrepair. It can include:

  • Incompetent or dangerous crew members
  • Unsafe food preparation
  • Inadequate food supplies
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Lack of safety equipment, such as firefighting or life-saving equipment
  • Understaffed vessel
  • Poor policies and procedures
  • Dangerous equipment

Maintenance and Cure 

Maintenance and cure, as referred to in the Jones Act section, is perhaps the most widely used compensation system for those injured in the maritime sector. There are two components to it. Maintenance refers to the ongoing payments that an injured employee receives while they heal. Cure refers to the funds an individual gets for their medical bills and related expenses. This allows an injured worker to get compensation regardless of fault. They do not have to prove that the employer was at fault for their injuries, nor do they have to demonstrate that they did not cause their injuries.

In some situations, an individual’s right to compensation may go above and beyond maintenance and cure. If another individual was directly responsible for the victim’s injuries, the victim may be able to get more compensation than what is allowed under maintenance and cure.

Areas Subject to Maritime Laws

Maritime law is a complex area of law, and the specific location of an accident can determine which laws apply and which types of compensation are available. Areas that may be subject to maritime laws include:

  • Shipping
  • Navigation
  • Liens
  • Insurance
  • Commerce
  • Towage
  • Docks
  • Bodies of water
  • Canals

In many situations, it all comes down to details. This is another reason you need an attorney with specialized knowledge and experience in maritime law.

Our firm assists clients from all types of maritime accidents, including those occurring on cruise ships, riverboats, supply boats, freighters, barges, tankers, crew boats, and fishing boats.

Types of Injuries Arising from Maritime Accidents

 Those who work in maritime settings are expected to be in excellent health. Maritime jobs are physically and often mentally demanding, and because of this, an injury could leave you unable to work in your chosen field for the rest of your life. Injuries that may occur in maritime accidents include:

  • Spinal cord damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Burns or skin damage
  • Hypothermia
  • Amputation
  • Compartment Syndrome

If an injury impacts your ability to perform your work duties, it’s likely that you’ll be unable to return to a maritime job even after you reach maximum improvement. This can be devastating to someone who has dedicated their life to working aboard a vessel. It can also cause serious financial issues. This is why it’s crucial to work with a maritime accident attorney who can ask for an amount appropriate to cover your medical expenses, lost work opportunities, and other related expenses. You have spent your career building Mississippi’s economy; you should not be left behind due to an injury.

More Information

  • Death on the High Seas Act
  • Maintenance and Cure
  • Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC at 228-374-5151 or toll free 1-855-558-2977 or contact us online. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

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Verdicts & Settlements

$156M
Settlement in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of pensioners of the Singing River Pension Plan.
$55M
On behalf of 75 passengers and drivers injured or killed in tire defect/rollover cases
$22M
On behalf of seven investors defrauded of their life savings
$12M
On behalf of five people killed in a multi-vehicle collision
$10M
On behalf of children and teachers poisoned by defective spray roofing
$5.5M
Verdict on behalf of a woman who was abducted and raped in a K-Mart parking lot because the store provided no security
$6M
Settlement on behalf of an orthopedic surgeon killed during a scuba diving excursion. Believed to be a record settlement for a dive accident in the Bahamas.
$1M
Verdict on behalf of a women who did not receive timely treatment and died as a result of her injuries.

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Reeves & Mestayer

Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC
160 Main St
Biloxi, MS 39530

Toll free: 1-855-558-2977
Phone: 228-374-5151
Fax: 228-374-6630

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