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Commercial Seamen/Merchant Mariners Law

Boston Commercial Seaman Lawyer

As a Commercial Seaman, You Have Rights

The laws governing seamen's rights are unlike any body of law relating to litigation on land. Under bodies of law such as the Merchant Mariners Act (Jones Act) of 1920 and the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988, you are protected by the federal government as wards of the Court. In the event you or your family has a claim for damages because of an injury, wrongful death or unfair wage practices, you are entitled to appeal to these laws and their specific terms and conditions.

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THE KAPLAN/BOND GROUP is one of the nation's premier law firms representing clients in all areas of litigation, contract law and transactions relating to commercial seamen and merchant marine law. Our trial attorneys are experienced at every level of state and federal court, including successful appeals before the First Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the landmark 2005 case, Stewart v. Dutra Const. Co., 543 U.S. 481 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of our client and expanded the rights of injured seamen and fishermen nationwide. The Stewart decision is only one example of an important verdict or settlement that shows our ability to challenge admiralty and maritime law and, when necessary, change it.

Wherever you are in the United States, call us toll free at (866) 714-0905 or contact our offices in Boston or New Bedford, Massachusetts, by e-mail to arrange a consultation with one of our trial attorneys.

We represent commercial seamen in the following areas of admiralty and maritime law :

Our lawyers have a successful record representing our clients in cases such as:

  • Shipboard injuries
  • Operator negligence resulting in wrongful death
  • Wages and lay contracts
  • Cargo and loading claims
  • Waivers from indemnity, injury releases

We believe that rights don't begin or end with a U.S. passport. ALL injured workers, including visitors, U.S. citizens and "undocumented" workers or residents, may be eligible for accident benefits under both state and federal law.

Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation. We have Spanish interpreters on staff.
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News & Features

$32,500 SETTLEMENT OBTAINED IN A SEAMAN’S WAGE CLAIM
Vessel owner failed to make a written fishing agreement with the plaintiff seamen prior to leaving port as the law requires. Without a written agreement, under the current law, the seamen were entitled to the highest rate of pay at the port. Because the seamen deckhands were paid less than the full share received by other deckhands on the vessel, The Kaplan/Bond Group was able to obtain $32,500.

Stewart v. Dutra Landmark Case Our most recent landmark victory was achieved before the United States Supreme Court in the case of Stewart v. Dutra Const. Co. The ruling we achieved changed the law and expanded the rights of injured seamen nationwide.

Convincing Hi-Tech Presentations
We’re not merely on the cutting edge of multimedia trial advocacy – we forge it. Our multimedia approach to trial advocacy goes far beyond a picture being worth a thousand words. Our presentation techniques incorporate the use of 3D animation, “60-minute” style witness interviews, and meticulous legal writing to hit hard and severely diminish the insurance companies’ ability to defend against the truth. We have been complimented by judges, adversaries, and even the insurance adjusters that run the defense leading to favorable results and courtroom victories.

Contact Us

THE KAPLAN/BOND GROUP
88 Black Falcon Avenue - Suite 301
Boston, MA 02210-2430
Toll Free: (866) 714-0905
Phone: (617) 206-3358
Fax: (617) 261-1558
Directions

SATELLITE OFFICE
82 Front Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Toll Free: (866) 714-0905
Phone: (857) 362-8513
Fax: (617) 261-1558
Directions