Learn More About Maritime Accident Lawsuits

Experienced Maritime Law Attorneys Protecting Offshore Workers Worldwide

Maritime work is among the most dangerous occupations in the world, with offshore workers facing life-threatening hazards daily on vessels, oil rigs, and platforms across the globe. When maritime accidents occur due to employer negligence or unsafe conditions, injured workers need experienced legal representation who understands the complex federal laws that govern maritime injuries.

Maritime law and the federal Merchant Marine Act (known as the Jones Act) entitle seamen and other offshore workers to compensation for injuries they suffer on the job. Jones Act benefits may cover lost income, pain and suffering, maintenance, and medical treatment. At Schuster Law, our experienced maritime attorneys have represented workers injured on vessels and platforms worldwide, including territorial waters, international waters, the high seas, and outer continental shelves.

Call (610) 892-9200 for a free consultation with experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys.

24/7 Confidential Consultations Available

Maritime accidents can happen at any time, often in remote locations far from shore. Our maritime lawyers are available around the clock to provide immediate legal guidance and support when you need it most. Don't let maritime employers and their insurance companies take advantage of you while you're recovering from serious injuries.

Understanding Maritime Law and the Jones Act

Maritime law is a specialized area of federal law that governs injuries and accidents occurring on navigable waters. The legal framework protecting maritime workers includes several important federal statutes:

The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920)

The Jones Act provides injured seamen with the right to sue their employers for negligence that causes or contributes to their injuries. Unlike traditional PA workers' compensation, Jones Act claims allow for full compensation, including pain and suffering.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)

This federal workers' compensation statute covers longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime employees who don't qualify as "seamen" under the Jones Act.

General Maritime Law

Ancient maritime principles that provide remedies for injuries occurring on navigable waters, including maintenance and cure benefits for injured seamen.

The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

Federal statute providing wrongful death remedies for fatal maritime accidents occurring more than three nautical miles from shore.

Types of Maritime Workers We Represent

The type of claim an employee can file depends on the kind of work they provide and where the injury or death occurred. Our maritime attorneys represent workers in various offshore industries:

Seamen and Vessel Workers

• Commercial fishing vessel crews
• Oil tanker and cargo ship personnel
• Tugboat and towboat operators
• Barge workers and deck hands
• Cruise ship crew members
• Ferry and passenger vessel workers
• Casino ship employees
• Research vessel personnel

Offshore Oil and Gas Workers

• Oil rig and platform workers
• Drilling crew members
• Offshore construction workers
• Pipeline and subsea technicians
• Supply vessel crews
• Helicopter crew and passengers
• Diving and underwater workers
• Offshore crane operators

Port and Harbor Workers

• Longshoremen and stevedores
• Container terminal workers
• Ship repair and maintenance workers
• Cargo handlers and warehouse workers
• Port security personnel
• Marina and shipyard employees

Commercial Fishing Industry

• Commercial fishermen and boat captains
• Fish processing vessel workers
• Cannery and processing plant employees
• Fishing equipment and net repair workers
• Fish transportation workers

Dangerous Maritime Jobs and Common Injuries

Maritime work involves inherent dangers that can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Some of the most common maritime worker injuries include:

Spinal Injuries and Back Trauma

Spinal injuries are among the most devastating maritime accidents, often resulting from:

• Falls from great heights on oil rigs or vessels
• Heavy lifting accidents with cargo or equipment
• Slip and fall accidents on wet, unstable surfaces
• Equipment failures and crushing injuries
• Vehicle accidents on offshore platforms

Did you know that if a spinal injury results in paralysis, it can literally cost millions of dollars in medical care over a patient's lifetime? Even an injury to the back or neck that is considered minor can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket and result in permanent work limitations.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The brain is incredibly delicate, and maritime work environments present numerous head injury risks:

• Falling objects from cranes, rigging, or overhead equipment
• Slip and fall accidents on vessel decks
• Explosions and blast injuries on oil rigs
• Equipment malfunctions and struck-by accidents
• Vehicle collisions on offshore platforms

A traumatic brain injury can result in:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Loss of speech and communication difficulties
• Paralysis or issues with movement and coordination
• Personality changes and behavioral problems
• Coma and loss of consciousness

Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken bones are common among maritime workers due to the physical nature of offshore work:

• Crush injuries from heavy machinery and equipment
• Falls from heights onto vessel decks or platforms
• Accidents with winches, cranes, and hoisting equipment
• Slip and fall injuries on wet, unstable surfaces
• Vehicle and equipment rollover accidents

While some bones heal with no issues, others can cause serious damage to surrounding nerves, tendons, and tissues. Complications are common, and many injured workers require surgery and extensive time away from work.

Joint Damage and Repetitive Stress Injuries

Maritime work often involves repetitive motions and physical strain that can lead to:

• Shoulder injuries from repetitive lifting and reaching
• Knee and hip damage from constant movement on unstable surfaces
• Wrist and hand injuries from rope work and tool use
• Back strain from heavy lifting and awkward positions
• Neck injuries from repetitive overhead work

When a worker performs the same tasks repeatedly, it can result in repetitive stress injuries. Typically, these injuries involve joints; however, other parts of the body can be damaged over time.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Maritime work involves dangerous machinery and equipment that can cause severe injuries:

• Winch and crane accidents resulting in crush injuries
• Propeller and machinery entanglement injuries
• Cutting tool accidents during maintenance work
• Explosion injuries causing traumatic amputations
• Pinch-point accidents with heavy equipment

Some of the worst maritime accidents can cause the amputation of a body part, forever impacting the life of the worker. Although no amount of compensation can replace a body part, comprehensive compensation can help make life more manageable.

Burns and Explosion Injuries

Offshore work environments present significant fire and explosion risks:

• Chemical burns from drilling fluids and processing materials
• Flash fires and explosions on oil rigs and refineries
• Electrical burns from power equipment and systems
• Steam and hot surface burns from machinery
• Arc welding and cutting torch injuries

Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents

Working around water presents constant drowning risks:

• Man overboard incidents during rough weather
• Equipment failures while working over water
• Vessel capsizing and sinking accidents
• Fall through ice incidents in cold water environments
• Confined space flooding accidents

Types of Maritime Accident Claims

Our maritime attorneys handle various types of claims depending on the worker's employment status and accident location:

Jones Act Claims

For qualified seamen injured due to employer negligence, Jones Act claims provide:

• Full compensation for lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Medical expenses and future care costs
• Disability compensation
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Maintenance and Cure Benefits

All injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits regardless of fault:

• Maintenance: Daily living expense payments during recovery
• Cure: Payment of all medical expenses until maximum recovery
• Benefits continue until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement

Unseaworthiness Claims

Vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide seaworthy vessels. Unseaworthiness claims can arise from:

• Defective equipment or machinery
• Inadequate safety systems
• Insufficient crew training or supervision
• Vessel design defects
• Lack of proper safety equipment

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Claims

For maritime workers who don't qualify as seamen, LHWCA provides:

• Medical expense coverage
• Disability compensation (typically 2/3 of average weekly wages)
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Death benefits for surviving family members

Third-Party Liability Claims

Maritime workers may have claims against parties other than their employers:

• Equipment manufacturers for defective products
• Vessel owners for unseaworthy conditions
• Other contractors for negligent actions
• Port authorities for dangerous conditions
• Transportation companies for vehicle accidents

Steps to Take After a Maritime Accident

Taking the right actions immediately after a maritime accident can significantly impact your claim:

Immediate Actions at the Scene

Evidence can literally disappear overnight, making it crucial to collect as much information as possible:

• Document the scene with pictures of the accident location
• Photograph your injuries and any visible trauma
• Collect witness contact information from anyone who saw the accident
• Report the accident to your supervisor or vessel captain immediately
• Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor initially

After the Accident

• Keep copies of all paperwork relating to the accident, including insurance forms and medical records
• Document your recovery with photos and medical updates
• Maintain a journal of your pain levels and limitations
• Follow all medical treatment recommendations
• Avoid giving statements to employer representatives without legal counsel

What NOT to Do

• Don't sign any documents without consulting an attorney
• Don't accept quick settlement offers from employers or insurers
• Don't admit fault or apologize for the accident
• Don't delay seeking medical treatment
• Don't wait to contact experienced maritime attorneys

Compensation Available in Maritime Injury Cases

Maritime law often provides more generous compensation than traditional workers' compensation:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages from time off work during recovery
• Lost earning capacity due to permanent disabilities
• Medical expenses for all necessary treatment and rehabilitation
• Future medical costs for ongoing care needs
• Vocational training costs if career change is necessary
• Transportation expenses for medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages (Jones Act Claims)

• Pain and suffering from injuries and medical treatments
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life activities
• Disfigurement and scarring compensation
• Loss of consortium affecting family relationships

Maintenance and Cure Benefits

• Daily maintenance payments for living expenses during recovery
• Complete medical coverage until maximum medical improvement
• No fault benefits regardless of accident cause

Wrongful Death Benefits

When maritime accidents result in fatalities:

• Lost financial support for surviving dependents
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of guidance and companionship
• Pain and suffering experienced before death (in some cases)

Why Choose Schuster Law for Maritime Accident Cases

Extensive Maritime Law Experience

Our legal team has decades of experience handling complex maritime accident cases under federal maritime law, including Jones Act claims, unseaworthiness claims, and LHWCA cases.

Global Reach and Resources

We represent workers injured on vessels and platforms worldwide, with the resources and experience necessary to handle complex international maritime cases.

Thorough Case Investigation

We conduct comprehensive investigations of maritime accidents, often working with marine engineers, safety experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to build compelling cases.

Understanding of Maritime Industry

Our attorneys understand the unique challenges and dangers facing maritime workers, allowing us to effectively advocate for injured offshore employees.

Trial-Ready Representation

While many cases settle, we're fully prepared for trial when necessary to secure maximum compensation for injured maritime workers.

No Upfront Costs

We work on contingency fees - you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Questions to Ask When Choosing Maritime Attorneys

When selecting legal representation for your maritime accident case, consider asking:

Experience and Qualifications

• How long have you been practicing maritime law?
• Do you have specific experience handling Jones Act cases?
• Can you provide examples of past maritime accident results?
• Do you have references from previous maritime clients?

Case Management and Communication

• Who will be working on my case directly?
• How often will you update me on case progress?
• How do you handle communication with clients working offshore?
• What resources do you have for investigating maritime accidents?

Our legal team is prepared to answer each of these questions. We have the maritime law experience you need as well as unparalleled dedication to securing maximum compensation for injured offshore workers.

Maritime Safety and Employer Responsibilities

Maritime employers have specific duties under federal law to protect their workers:

Vessel Seaworthiness

• Maintaining vessels in safe working condition
• Providing adequate safety equipment and systems
• Ensuring proper equipment maintenance and inspection
• Addressing known hazards promptly

Crew Safety and Training

• Providing adequate safety training and education
• Maintaining proper crew levels for safe operations
• Implementing safety protocols and procedures
• Supervising dangerous operations properly

Emergency Preparedness

• Having emergency response plans and equipment
• Providing communication systems for emergencies
• Training crew in emergency procedures
• Maintaining rescue and safety equipment

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Accidents

Am I covered by the Jones Act?

Jones Act coverage depends on your employment status and work location. Generally, you must be a "seaman" working on a vessel in navigation. Our attorneys can evaluate your specific situation.

What if my employer says it wasn't their fault?

Maritime employers often try to avoid responsibility for accidents. We thoroughly investigate cases to identify all sources of negligence and liability.

Can I file a claim if the accident happened in international waters?

Yes, maritime law applies to accidents on the high seas and in international waters. We represent workers injured anywhere in the world.

How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim?

Time limits vary depending on the type of claim. Jones Act cases generally have a three-year statute of limitations, but some claims have shorter deadlines. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Maritime law allows recovery even if you contributed to the accident, as long as your employer's negligence was a contributing factor.

Will I have to go to court?

Many maritime cases settle out of court, but we're prepared for trial when necessary to secure fair compensation.

Serving Maritime Workers Worldwide from Pennsylvania

While based in Pennsylvania, Schuster Law represents maritime workers injured anywhere in the world, including:

U.S. Waters: Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, and inland waterways International Waters: High seas and foreign territorial waters Offshore Platforms: Oil rigs and platforms worldwide Foreign Ports: International shipping and cargo operations

Free Maritime Accident Consultation

If you've been injured in a maritime accident anywhere in the world, don't face the complex legal system alone. Contact Schuster Law today for a free, confidential consultation with experienced maritime attorneys.

Our maritime legal team will:

• Evaluate your case under applicable maritime laws
• Determine all available sources of compensation
• Investigate the circumstances of your accident
• Handle all communications with employers and insurers
• Fight aggressively for maximum compensation
• Answer all your questions about maritime law and your rights

Remember: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Don't let maritime employers and their insurance companies minimize your injuries or deny your rightful compensation. Contact Schuster Law today and let our experienced maritime team fight for the compensation you deserve.