Commercial Vessel Accident Claims
Commercial vessel accidents on the waterways of Georgia and South Carolina present complex legal claims that often involve overlapping federal maritime law and state negligence statutes. Commercial vessels — including charter fishing boats, tour boats, ferries, shrimping vessels, cargo ships, and tugboats — are subject to heightened safety standards and regulatory requirements from the U.S. Coast Guard and federal maritime agencies.
At Roden Law, our maritime injury attorneys have extensive experience representing workers and passengers injured in commercial vessel accidents. The ports of Savannah and Charleston are among the busiest on the East Coast, and the surrounding waterways see heavy commercial traffic daily, increasing the risk of serious maritime accidents.
Federal Maritime Law & State Regulations
Commercial vessel accidents may be governed by a combination of federal maritime law and state statutes:
- Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104): Provides seamen injured in the course of employment a cause of action against their employer for negligence
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Covers maritime workers not classified as seamen, including dock workers and harbor construction workers
- General maritime law: Provides additional remedies including maintenance and cure (medical expenses and living costs during recovery) and unseaworthiness claims
- Georgia Boat Safety Act (O.C.G.A. § 52-7-1 et seq.): Applies to commercial vessel operations in Georgia waters
- South Carolina boating laws (S.C. Code § 50-21-10 et seq.): Governs commercial vessel operations in South Carolina waters
Types of Commercial Vessel Accidents
Our attorneys handle claims arising from all types of commercial vessel incidents:
- Charter fishing boat accidents and passenger injuries
- Tour boat capsizings and collisions
- Ferry accidents injuring passengers and crew
- Commercial fishing vessel collisions and equipment failures
- Tugboat and barge accidents on rivers and in port
- Cargo ship accidents injuring dock workers and longshoremen
Crew Member vs. Passenger Claims
The legal framework differs significantly depending on whether the injured person is a crew member or a passenger. Crew members classified as “seamen” may pursue Jones Act claims against their employer for negligence, unseaworthiness claims against the vessel owner, and maintenance and cure benefits regardless of fault. Passengers and third parties injured by commercial vessels typically pursue negligence claims under general maritime law or state personal injury statutes. Our maritime injury lawyers determine the optimal legal framework for each client’s situation.
Why Commercial Vessel Cases Require Specialized Attorneys
Commercial vessel accident cases involve unique legal doctrines including limitation of liability, choice of law between federal maritime and state statutes, U.S. Coast Guard investigation procedures, and complex insurance coverage issues. Additionally, evidence preservation is critical — vessel logs, inspection records, crew certifications, and electronic navigation data must be secured before they are lost or destroyed. Our attorneys act quickly to preserve evidence and build strong cases for maximum compensation. Contact Roden Law for a free maritime accident consultation.