What Does a Maritime Lawyer Do?

A maritime lawyer specializes in legal issues related to injuries, accidents, and disputes that occur on navigable waters—including oceans, rivers, and lakes. These attorneys handle cases under maritime (or admiralty) law, a unique set of regulations governing commercial shipping, offshore injuries, and vessel operations.

When Do You Need a Maritime Lawyer?

You may need a maritime lawyer if you are:

• A seaman or offshore worker injured on the job
• A passenger injured on a cruise ship or boat
• An oil rig worker with a workplace injury

Common Cases Handled by Maritime Lawyers

Maritime lawyers manage a wide range of cases, including:

1. Offshore Injury and Jones Act Claims

   Seamen and offshore workers injured on the job can file claims under the Jones Act, which allows them to seek compensation for negligence-related injuries. Unlike workers’ compensation, this law enables injured maritime workers to sue their employer if unsafe conditions or employer negligence contributed to their injury.

2. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

   For dock workers, harbor workers, and shipbuilders who don’t qualify as seamen, the LHWCA provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits after a workplace injury.

3. Cruise Ship and Recreational Boating Accidents

   If you are injured on a cruise ship, yacht, or recreational boat due to negligence, a maritime lawyer can help you pursue claims against cruise lines, boat operators, or manufacturers of defective equipment.

4. Oil Rig and Offshore Platform Accidents

   Workers on offshore oil rigs face significant dangers, including explosions, equipment failures, and toxic exposure. Maritime lawyers help injured workers recover compensation through maritime injury laws and federal safety regulations.

How Maritime Law Differs from Other Laws

Unlike standard personal injury or labor laws, maritime law is governed by international treaties, federal statutes, and centuries-old legal principles. Courts that handle these cases often apply different standards than typical state courts, making maritime law complex and requiring specialized legal knowledge.

What Compensation Can a Maritime Lawyer Help You Recover?

Maritime lawyers help injured clients seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including long-term rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Disability benefits (for permanent injuries)
• Wrongful death claims (for families of deceased workers)

FAQs About Maritime Lawyers

How much does a maritime lawyer cost?

Most maritime lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Fees typically range from 33% to 40% of the recovered amount.

What is the statute of limitations for maritime injury claims?

The time limit varies:

• Jones Act claims: 3 years from the injury date
• Cruise ship injury claims: Often 6 months to 1 year, depending on the ticket contract
• General maritime claims: Typically 3 years, but it varies by case

Why You Need a Maritime Lawyer

Maritime law is complex, and navigating it without legal assistance can be overwhelming. If you are an injured offshore worker an experienced maritime attorney ensures your rights are protected.

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our Houston maritime injury lawyers are relentless in fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal waters ahead.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.