Maritime Injury Lawyers

The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) is a federal statute that gives "seamen" — workers who spend a significant portion of their employment aboard vessels in navigation — the right to sue their employers for negligence. Unlike workers' compensation, Jones Act claims allow recovery for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages. To qualify, you must generally spend at least 30% of your work time in service of a vessel on navigable waters.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA, 33 U.S.C. § 901 et seq.) provides workers' compensation-type benefits to maritime workers who are not classified as seamen — including longshoremen, dock workers, ship repairers, and harbor construction workers. Benefits include medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability payments, and vocational rehabilitation. Unlike workers' comp, LHWCA is a federal program with its own procedures and benefit calculations.

Under general maritime law, vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide a seaworthy vessel — one that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. An unseaworthiness claim does not require proof of negligence; you only need to show that an unsafe condition on the vessel (defective equipment, inadequate crew, slippery decks, structural deficiencies) caused or contributed to your injury. Unseaworthiness claims are often filed alongside Jones Act negligence claims.

Maintenance and cure is a centuries-old maritime remedy that requires vessel owners to provide injured seamen with: (1) "maintenance" — a daily living allowance covering food and lodging while recovering ashore, and (2) "cure" — payment of all reasonable medical expenses until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI). This obligation exists regardless of fault and must be paid promptly. Employers who unreasonably deny or delay maintenance and cure may face punitive damages.

Statutes of limitations vary by claim type. Jones Act negligence claims must be filed within 3 years of the injury (46 U.S.C. § 30106). General maritime law unseaworthiness claims also carry a 3-year limitation under the doctrine of laches. Longshore Act claims require notice to the employer within 30 days and a formal claim filed within 1 year (33 U.S.C. § 913). These deadlines are strictly enforced in federal courts.

If you qualify as a Jones Act seaman, yes — you can sue your employer for negligence, which is a significant advantage over land-based workers limited to workers' compensation. You only need to prove that your employer's negligence played any part, even the slightest, in causing your injury. This is a much lower burden of proof than ordinary negligence. If you are covered by the Longshore Act instead, you receive benefits through that federal program but may have third-party claims against vessel owners or other negligent parties.

Depending on the type of claim, maritime injury victims may recover: past and future medical expenses, lost wages and future lost earning capacity, maintenance and cure (for seamen), pain and suffering and mental anguish, disability and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and in cases of willful or wanton negligence, punitive damages. Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims allow a broader range of damages than the Longshore Act.

The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the United States, and the applicable law depends on your job classification and where the injury occurred. If you are a seaman who spends significant time aboard vessels, the Jones Act applies. If you are a longshoreman, dock worker, or ship repairer injured on navigable waters or an adjoining pier, wharf, or terminal, the Longshore Act likely applies. Our attorneys analyze your specific employment duties and injury location to determine the strongest legal basis for your claim.

State workers' compensation generally does not apply to maritime injuries that fall under federal admiralty jurisdiction. Maritime workers are covered by the Jones Act (for seamen) or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (for harbor workers) instead. However, some workers in maritime-adjacent roles may fall into gray areas. Incorrect classification can cost you significant compensation, which is why having an attorney experienced in maritime law is essential.

At Roden Law, we handle maritime injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Maritime cases are complex and often involve federal court proceedings, making experienced legal representation critical. We provide free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case, determine which maritime laws apply, and explain your legal options.