What are the causes of action under Admiralty Law?

Admiralty Law is a legal system that governs activities related to maritime matters, such as shipping, navigation, and commerce. In South Carolina, Admiralty Law applies to all court cases involving maritime activities. The causes of action under Admiralty Law include negligence, cargo claims, seamen’s claims, maritime liens, collisions, salvage, and pollution. Negligence involves failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in injury or harm to another person. In maritime cases, negligence might involve a breach of the duty of maritime employers to provide a reasonably safe ship and working conditions for their employees. Cargo claims involve disputes over the loading, unloading, and transportation of goods and merchandise on vessels. In an admiralty court the burden of proof often lies with the shipowner. Seamen’s claims refer to injuries that occur to seafarers while employed on board a vessel. These injuries may be caused by unsafe working conditions, negligence, or other liabilities. The claimant in such cases can seek damages from the vessel owner for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses. Maritime liens can be imposed when a vessel owner fails to pay a debt or obligation related to the ship or its cargo. These liens are used as security to compel the vessel owner to pay the debt. Collision cases involve disputes between two or more vessel owners over the cause of a ship collision. In an admiralty court, both parties must prove they are not at fault in order to be awarded damages. Salvage cases involve efforts to save or recover vessels or cargo, often after a ship has suffered damage at sea. Maritime salvage laws provide incentives for those who rescue vessels at sea by compensating them for their efforts. Finally, Pollution cases involve disputes over the contamination of coastal waters through the improper disposal of hazardous materials. Under Admiralty Law, those responsible for the contamination can be held liable for damages resulting from the pollution.

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