<span>Law Office of Scott A. Nelson, P.C.</span>

Admiralty lawyers in Texas understand the basics about maritime and admiralty jurisdiction. The United States Constitution (Article III, Section 2) grants original jurisdiction to federal courts over admiralty and maritime matters. This original jurisdiction is not exclusive though, so many maritime/admiralty cases may be filed in either state or federal court because of the "saving to suitors" clause. The "saving to suitors" clause, found at 28 U.S.C. Section 1333, essentially preserves a maritime suitor’s election to pursue his or her common-law remedies in state court.

As an Aransas Pass Jones Act maritime lawyer, I try to understand the various maritime definitions.  Many times, whether a matter or claim is "in admiralty"depends on whether it has a sufficient relationship to a "vessel." For instance, an injured seafarer may qualify as a "seaman" only if his employment has the requisite connection with a "vessel." This seaman status allows the seaman to gain the benefits of maintenance and cure, the Jones Act, and the warranty of seaworthiness.