Meet Our Maritime & Admiralty Lawyers

If you’re injured on the job in a maritime or offshore setting, what you do next can make or break your ability to get compensation. Maritime law is complex, and mistakes made early on, like not reporting the injury or signing the wrong paperwork, can seriously hurt your case.

1. Report the Injury Immediately

Tell your supervisor or employer as soon as possible—even if the injury seems minor. Delays can hurt your credibility, jeopardize your claim, and violate reporting deadlines (especially under LHWCA, which requires notification within 30 days)

 

2. Seek Medical Attention

Get checked out immediately, even if you don’t think your injury is serious. In some cases (like under the Jones Act), you may be able to choose your own doctor—not just the one your employer recommends. Make sure all symptoms and injuries are documented thoroughly.

 

3. Document Everything

Take photos of the injury and accident site and keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and reports. Write down witness names and contact info and note dates, times, and what was said during any conversations with your employer.

 

4. Do NOT Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

Your employer or insurance company may try to get you to sign a waiver or settlement. 

Don’t do it. These documents often limit your rights or offer lowball compensation. A maritime attorney at Morgan & Morgan can review any documents before you sign.

 

5. Talk to a Maritime Injury Lawyer at Morgan & Morgan 

Maritime cases are not like regular workers’ comp cases. The laws are different, the deadlines are different, and the stakes are higher. An experienced maritime lawyer can help you file your claim correctly, determine whether your injury qualifies under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or other laws, and fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed.

Maritime and admiralty law is a specialized area of law that governs legal matters involving navigable waters. This includes oceans, rivers, and large lakes, as well as ports and docks. The terms are often used interchangeably, though "admiralty law" is the older term historically associated with the British naval court system.

These laws regulate:

• Maritime commerce
• Marine navigation
• Ship operations and registration
• Seamen’s injuries and wages
• Passenger rights
• Salvage and towage
• Pollution and environmental damage
• Piracy and crimes at sea

In short, if the incident happened on water—or even in connection with water—maritime law probably applies.

Maritime law covers a wide range of personal injury claims, and each case type comes with its own rules and statutes. Here are some of the most common types of cases we handle at Morgan & Morgan:

Seaman Injuries (Jones Act Claims)

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, allows seamen who are injured on the job to sue their employers for negligence. Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, Jones Act claims require proving that the employer’s negligence played a role in the injury—even if that role was small.

Under the Jones Act, a "seaman" is someone who spends at least 30% of their working time aboard a vessel in navigable waters.

Common causes of Jones Act claims include:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Inadequate training or supervision
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Physical assault by coworkers or officers
• Failure to provide prompt and adequate medical treatment
  
   

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)

Not everyone who works around ships qualifies as a "seaman." For dockworkers, shipbuilders, and harbor workers, the LHWCA offers protection. It provides compensation for medical care and lost wages following workplace injuries.

Unlike the Jones Act, you don’t need to prove negligence to qualify for LHWCA benefits. However, there are strict timelines and reporting requirements, which makes it essential to speak with an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible.

Cruise Ship Injuries

Cruise lines are legally responsible for providing a reasonably safe environment for passengers and crew. Unfortunately, many people suffer injuries due to:

• Slippery decks and wet floors
• Food poisoning outbreaks
• Assault or harassment
• Medical malpractice by onboard physicians
• Accidents during shore excursions

Cruise ship injury cases can be especially complex due to jurisdiction issues, waivers, and the short timeframe to file a claim, sometimes as little as 6 months. That's why having an experienced legal team matters.

Fishing and Commercial Vessel Accidents

Fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Workers on commercial vessels regularly face:

• Extreme weather
• Long hours
• Dangerous equipment
• Slippery decks
• Lack of proper safety gear

Whether you're a commercial fisherman or an offshore oil rig worker, your case may fall under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or other statutes like the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

Wrongful Death at Sea

When a loved one dies while working offshore or traveling by sea, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) or other maritime laws. These cases allow families to seek damages for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

Understanding which law applies to your case is the first step in building a strong claim. Some of the main laws we use to protect our clients include:

The Jones Act

As mentioned, this law allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence. You must file within three years of the injury and meet certain criteria regarding your work duties and vessel assignment.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)

This federal law provides compensation to maritime workers who are not seamen, including stevedores, crane operators, and port workers.

The General Maritime Law (Maintenance and Cure)

Even without proving negligence, seamen injured while working are entitled to maintenance and cure—the maritime equivalent of room, board, and medical expenses until maximum recovery is reached.

Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

This law applies when a wrongful death occurs more than 3 nautical miles from the shore. Damages are generally limited to financial support and don't include emotional suffering, which makes the choice of venue critical.

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA)

For workers injured on offshore platforms, this law extends federal workers' compensation protections similar to those in LHWCA.

Unlike standard personal injury cases that are governed by state law, maritime cases are often handled in federal court and are subject to international conventions, admiralty rules, and unique timeframes.

Key differences include:

• Shorter deadlines (statutes of limitation)
• Special eligibility rules for different types of workers
• Different damages—some maritime laws limit what you can recover
• Jurisdiction battles, especially in cruise ship or international cases
   

At Morgan & Morgan, our legal team knows how to navigate these complexities and aggressively pursue justice, no matter where the injury happened.

The damages available depend on the specific law governing your case, but generally, maritime injury victims can pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death (in applicable cases)

In Jones Act claims, punitive damages may also be awarded in rare cases of willful misconduct or failure to provide maintenance and cure.

If you’re injured at sea or on a dock, your actions immediately following the incident can significantly affect your legal rights. Here’s what to do:

• Report the injury to your supervisor or employer right away
• Get medical attention, onboard if necessary, then from a doctor of your choice
• Document everything: photos, witness names, the vessel's condition, and your injuries
• Avoid signing anything from your employer or insurer without legal advice
• Talk to a maritime lawyer at Morgan & Morgan with experience in federal and admiralty law

The time you have to file a maritime claim, also known as the statute of limitations, depends on the type of case and the law that applies. In some cases, you have up to three years after the incident to file a claim, whereas other cases only give you a few months. That is why it’s so important to contact an experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan as soon as possible to ensure your rights.

Yes, you might still be able to sue, even if you signed a liability waiver. Here's why.

Liability waivers aren’t always ironclad.

While waivers are meant to limit a company’s or employer’s liability, they don’t give them a free pass to act negligently or recklessly—especially in maritime law. Courts often scrutinize these documents closely, and they may not hold up if certain conditions aren’t met.

Common Reasons Waivers Get Thrown Out:

• Gross Negligence or Recklessness: Waivers typically don’t protect companies from lawsuits involving serious misconduct or safety violations.
• Ambiguous or Vague Language: If the waiver isn’t clear about what risks you’re accepting, it may be invalid.
• Public Policy Violations: In some cases, courts won’t enforce waivers that contradict public safety interests, especially involving passengers or employees.
• Unequal Bargaining Power: If you were pressured to sign or didn’t have a real choice (common in employment settings), a court may find the waiver unenforceable.
• Minors or Certain Jurisdictions: If a parent signed a waiver for a child, or if the incident occurred in a jurisdiction that limits the enforceability of such documents, the waiver might not stand.

In maritime contexts, some waivers don’t hold much water. For instance, Jones Act seamen cannot waive their right to sue for injuries caused by employer negligence.

On the other hand, cruise lines and tour operators often include waivers in their contracts, but these can be contested—especially if they failed to follow safety procedures.

The answer is: it depends on what kind of offshore work you do and where it takes place. 

Offshore workers are generally not covered by traditional workers’ compensation, but that doesn’t mean you’re unprotected.

If you’re a seaman (Jones Act), workers’ comp doesn’t apply, but you may be covered under the Jones Act. This allows you to sue your employer for negligence and unsafe working conditions. You’re also entitled to maintenance and cure, which covers living expenses and medical treatment while you recover.

To qualify as a seaman, you generally must spend at least 30% of your working time on a vessel in navigation.

If you work on a dock, oil rig, or near shore (LHWCA), you’re likely covered by the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This includes workers who load/unload ships, build/repair vessels, or work on offshore oil platforms (in some cases). LHWCA provides medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits, similar to traditional workers’ comp.

If you work on the outer continental shelf, you may be covered under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), which extends LHWCA benefits to certain offshore oil and gas workers.

If you’re a traditional land-based worker, standard state workers’ comp laws apply. These usually don’t cover injuries that occur on navigable waters or offshore.

If you’re unsure what category you fall into, or if your employer is denying your claim, talk to a maritime lawyer ASAP. These cases are highly technical and the laws differ from standard injury claims.

Morgan & Morgan has experienced maritime and offshore injury attorneys who know how to fight for your rights—and we only get paid if we win. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.

When it comes to maritime law, the distinction between a seaman and a longshoreman isn’t just about job titles. It determines which laws protect you, what benefits you’re entitled to, and whether you can sue your employer for negligence.

A seaman is someone who works on a vessel in navigation (not permanently docked or decommissioned), spends at least 30% of their work time on that vessel (or fleet of vessels), and contributes to the mission or function of the vessel.

Examples of a seaman include:

• Deckhands
• Engineers
• Cooks aboard ships
• Tugboat crew
• Fishermen
   

And their legal protections are:

• Covered by the Jones Act
• Can sue their employer for negligence
• Entitled to maintenance and cure (living expenses + medical costs during recovery)

A longshoreman is someone who works on land or docks, loading and unloading ships, does maritime-related work but not primarily aboard vessels, and is often employed in ports, shipyards, or terminals.

Examples of a longshoreman include:

• Dock workers
• Crane operators
• Shipbuilders
• Harbor construction workers

And their legal protections are:

• Covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
• Entitled to workers’ comp-style benefits (medical expenses, wage replacement, disability)
• Usually cannot sue their employer, but may have third-party claims

Your classification directly impacts what kind of compensation you can receive and what legal action you can take after a maritime injury. If you're unsure how you’re classified—or think you’ve been misclassified—Morgan & Morgan can help. Our maritime attorneys understand how to navigate these complex waters and fight for the compensation you deserve.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

We love talking to our clients. You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager via telephone and email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney via telephone, we will make that happen by scheduling a call.

Morgan & Morgan’s lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.