Chicago serves as a crucial hub for maritime commerce and recreation, blending its rich historical significance with modern-day marine operations. The Port of Chicago and Illinois International Ports District facilitate substantial cargo and passenger traffic, adding to the region’s economic activity and employing thousands. With facilities including the Iroquois Landing Terminal and Lake Calumet Terminal, the Port of Chicago is capable of servicing large marine vessels and processing a wide variety of cargo.
Sadly, injuries and accidents are common on the water and adjacent maritime installations. When an incident occurs, the maritime law provides a complex set of rules, statutes, and precedents that determine the compensation that can be recovered. A skilled maritime attorney can be an essential tool for ensuring a good result when a maritime incident occurs whether it be a personal injury, property damage, or commercial dispute.
Importance of Maritime Commerce in Chicago
The Port of Chicago and Illinois International Port District is a critical part of U.S.Waterborne trade serving as the nation’s main hub on Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. Facilities within the Illinois International Port District encompass parts of Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kakakee, Kendall, Lake, and Will Counties. The port system interlinks with both rail and trucking enabling it to provide multimodal transportation options. The port facilities have thousands of linear feet of berthing space, millions of square feet in warehouse spouse, and allow for processing bulk, liquid, and containerized cargo.
Chicago and Illinois’ maritime activities contribute billions to the local economy. Numerous individuals work directly in the maritime trades including as seamen, longshoremen, stevedores, ship repair, and other marine-related serviuces. Illinois’ port system is also responsible for thousands of indirect jobs in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, trade, and other services. The flow of goods through Chicago’s port facilities, connection to the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and close proximity to the midwestern network of rail and truck transport, make it an integral hub.
Common Maritime Legal Issues in Chicago
Maritime law is a unique area of federal law that governs all activities that impact maritime commerce. The scope of maritime law is extensive and governs everything from contractual claims to negligence-based occurrences including damages from personal injuries and property damage. Much of maritime law is based on centuries of legal decisions and customs that have also been modified extensively by both federal and state statutes. Some of the most common types of maritime cases include:
Jones Act Seamen and Longshoremen Claims
Maritime worker injury claims are normally covered by one of two federal statutes: the Jones Act and the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. Both of these laws provide compensation for martiime workers injuryed on the job. The Jones Act is the exclusive remedy for workers classified as seamen whereas the LHWCA applies to all other maritime workers. The Jones Act allows a person classified as a seaman to seek damage from their employers for negligence. Maritime workers who are not classified as seamen may recover compensation benefits and medical expenses for work injuries through the LHWCA, which is a comprehenisve workers comp system. Importantly, seamen are barred from receiving compensation benefits. Their only remedy is for damages due to their employer’s negligence.
Unseaworthiness
Vessels and their equipment must be maintained in a “seaworthy” condition. In general, a vessel is considered to be in a seaworthy condition when it does not have a condition that could lead to injury. When an accident occurs as a result of an unseaworthy condition, the vessel owner is generally viewed to be strictly liable for the damages.
Commercial and Cargo Disputes
Maritime law applies to all contracts involving maritime activity as well as claims involving cargo-related claims. This area of maritime law is highly complex and specialized.
Maritime Insurance Disputes
Marine insurance claims often involve complex coverage issues and many claims are denied, underpaid, or substantially delayed. Marine insurance policies are regulated by a complex set of federal legal precedents and state regulations that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Many insureds need the assistance of an attorney who can ensure the policyholder’s interests are protected and claims are fairly paid.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injuries that occur on or near navigable waters are governed by maritime law. This area of personal injury law is highly specialized and involve many potential pitfalls. Common maritime injury claims include accidents that occur on cruise ships, boats, yachts, and other maritime installations.
Choosing the Right Maritime Attorney in Chicago
If you have a maritime legal issue, you should retain a qualified maritime attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in your type of case. Many attorneys provide a free consultation during which time you can gather information about the attorney’s level of experience in the field of maritime law. Some attorneys will have unique qualifications in the field of maritime law including advanced degrees in the subject. Hiring an attorney is a personalized decision and you should conduct your own due diligence to make sure the attorney is right fit for you.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
Johns Law Group is dedicated to providing specialized legal assistance in maritime law. Several of our attorneys hold advanced degrees in the field of maritime law and have handled hundreds of cases in the fields of maritime personal injury, insurance, and commercial disputes. We offer free consultations and urge you to contact us to discuss your legal matter.