Further this list should not be used in place of your own research or consultation. It is important to recognize that the general maritime law applies to all personal injury and death cases occurring on the navigable waters of the United States, superseding all state laws. The navigable waters of the United States consist of the inland river systems, the intracoastal waterway, navigable lakes, rivers and canals, and the offshore waters of the United States. About the only bodies of water that are not considered navigable waters of the United States are lakes that are totally within the boundaries of one state, such as the system of lakes in Florida created by the builders of Disney World. Accordingly, the reach of federal maritime law is far more pervasive than many attorneys would suspect.
Maritime injuries involve a body of law separate and distinct from common law negligence actions.
This is because the law governing maritime cases evolved from different sources than land-based law. Therefore, if the injury occurs on, in or near the water, attorneys should be cautioned to look for some maritime cause of action. Failure to give notice is not an absolute bar in certain situations. The notice provision has been enforced by United States Courts. The passenger ticket must be carefully examined for any such notice provision.