Mississippi's Waters and Their Risks
From the Gulf Coast's recreational boating and commercial fishing fleet to the casinos and barges of the Mississippi River and inland lakes like Ross Barnett Reservoir, Sardis, and Grenada, Mississippians spend a great deal of time on the water. With that comes risk: collisions, capsizings, propeller injuries, drownings, and injuries to commercial maritime workers.
Maritime injury law is its own complex field, separate from ordinary personal injury law, and the rules can dramatically change what compensation is available.
Recreational vs. Commercial Maritime Claims
A recreational boating crash caused by an operator's negligence — speeding, intoxication, or inattention — can support a personal injury claim much like a car accident. Commercial maritime workers, however, may be covered by federal laws such as the Jones Act (for seamen) and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (for dockworkers and others), which provide distinct and often more generous remedies.
Determining which body of law applies — and which deadlines control — requires experienced counsel. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. As long as you are not found 100% to blame, you can still recover.
Compensation on the Water
Whether your claim arises from a recreational accident or a commercial maritime injury, compensation can include medical care, lost wages, maintenance and cure (for seamen), pain and suffering, and more. We connect you with attorneys who understand both Mississippi and maritime law.
Injured in Mississippi? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Jones Act is a federal law allowing certain maritime workers ('seamen') injured on the job to recover damages from their employer for negligence — often more than state workers' comp would provide.
Yes. Operating a vessel while intoxicated is illegal in Mississippi, and an impaired operator who injures you can be held liable, potentially including punitive damages.
Yes. Maritime and Jones Act claims follow federal deadlines that differ from Mississippi's state statute of limitations. Consult an attorney promptly.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.