The difference between admiralty law and maritime law is a frequently misunderstood topic. Admiralty law, also known as the “law of the sea,” encompasses public international law that governs activities related to marine navigation, commerce, fishing, and other maritime-related issues.
Maritime law is a subset of admiralty law that deals with private legal disputes arising from commercial shipping activities. This includes contract disputes, environmental damage claims, cargo issues, personal injury and death cases resulting from marine accidents, salvage operations, and more.
While both admiralty and maritime laws are highly specialized fields of jurisprudence that involve complex legal proceedings at both the federal and state levels in the United States, their differences lie in the type of activities regulated (public vs. private)
Irwin Law firm has the best admiralty lawyers in Miami dedicated to getting you the proper compensation if you are the victim of a personal injury at sea. If this is the case, it will be under the jurisdiction of maritime law.
Such cases have unique issues raised and need to be addressed by an experienced attorney specializing in such matters. We are the best and can offer our expertise for the best outcome.
What is Admiralty Law?
Admiralty law is focused more on civil matters. It covers disputes such as collisions (ship-to-ship or ship-to-object), cargo damage, maritime liens, and vessel arrests.
A maritime lien allows a creditor who provided services or supplies to a vessel to collect on that debt by seizing it. This is an ancient set of laws based on Roman legal codes, which were adopted by England and other countries and updated throughout time to reflect changes in the industry.
In the U.S., admiralty laws are now contained within Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.).
What is Maritime Law?
Maritime law deals mainly with tort-related claims such as personal injuries sustained while on a boat or at sea and wrongful death cases that occur while a person is working aboard a vessel at sea.
Additionally, this field covers medical malpractice committed on cruise ships, violations of seamen’s rights under the Jones Act, salvage operations, and more. Like admiralty law, maritime laws come from international conventions such as SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea).
They are also derived from various statutes, including the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) and Death On The High Seas Act (DOHSA).
Distinctions Between Admiralty & Maritime Law
The primary distinction between these two branches of law is their scope: admiralty deals with legal issues arising from public obligations, while maritime focus on private matters such as those involving passengers or crew members aboard ships.
Admiralty also applies to vessels navigating inland waterways, while maritime applies to vessels navigating international waters outside the jurisdiction of any particular state.
Admiralty Lawyer & Attorneys in Miami
If you need assistance with any admiralty or maritime matter, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney with expertise in this area.
The Irwin Law Firm in Miami has extensive experience dealing with all admiralty and maritime issues, from vessel negligence and claims to property damage litigation.
Our services include:
We can provide you with the representation you need to ensure the successful resolution of your case, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help today! Book an appointment now.