NYC Maritime Accident Lawyers

Working on the water comes with unique risks. Maritime workers throughout New York City face hazards that can result in life-changing injuries. And when an accident happens, the legal process can be much more complex than a standard workplace injury claim.

If you were hurt while working aboard a vessel, at a dock, or in another maritime environment, you have rights under federal maritime laws.

At Douglas & London, our New York maritime accident lawyers can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Whether your accident happened on the Hudson River, in New York Harbor, near Staten Island, or at a busy port facility, our legal team can help you seek accountability and financial recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Maritime Law

Maritime injury claims are governed by a combination of federal statutes and maritime law rather than traditional state workers’ compensation systems.

Depending on what type of worker you are and where your injury occurred, your claim could fall under:

• The Jones Act
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
• General maritime law
• The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

Determining which law applies is one of the most important parts of a maritime injury claim. In some cases, you may be entitled to pursue compensation under multiple maritime laws simultaneously.

The Jones Act and Injured Seamen

The Jones Act allows qualifying seamen to bring claims against their employers when negligence contributes to a workplace injury.

Deviating from traditional workers’ compensation systems, the Jones Act allows injured workers to seek damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs

To qualify as a Jones Act seaman, a worker must spend the majority of his or her job duties on a navigable vessel. Ferry crews, tugboat workers, commercial boating crews, fishing vessel employees, and certain offshore workers may qualify for protection.

LHWCA Claims and Land-Based Workers

The LHWCA covers longshoremen and waterfront workers whose duties are primarily land-based, like loading cargo, repairing ships, and working on docks. Those benefits include:

• Medical treatment
• Wage replacement benefits
• Disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Survivor benefits in fatal accident cases

Unlike a Jones Act claim, workers covered under the LHWCA typically don’t have to prove employer negligence to receive benefits.

General Maritime Law Claims

Injured maritime workers could have rights under general maritime law in addition to the Jones Act or the LHWCA.

One of the most important protections is the doctrine of maintenance and cure, which requires vessel owners to provide certain benefits to injured seamen regardless of who caused the accident. Maintenance covers daily living expenses while a worker recovers, and cure covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury.

Workers can also pursue claims based on an “unseaworthy” vessel. A vessel is considered unseaworthy if defective equipment, inadequate staffing, or unsafe working conditions make it unfit for its intended purpose. Unlike a negligence claim, an unseaworthiness claim focuses on the condition of the vessel itself.

DOHSA and Fatal Maritime Accidents

Some maritime accidents cause fatal injuries. When a death occurs beyond three nautical miles from the shore of the U.S., certain surviving family members can pursue compensation under the DOHSA.

Determining whether the DOHSA applies requires a careful analysis of where the accident occurred and which maritime laws govern the claim. Qualifying incidents can include commercial vessel accidents, offshore incidents, aviation accidents over navigable waters, and other catastrophic offshore events.

Douglas & London’s team of attorneys is experienced in the complexities of maritime injury claims. We can help you identify which laws apply to your case.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

New York City Maritime Industries and Worksites

New York City’s maritime industry is centered around several major waterways and facilities.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry transports millions of passengers each year and employs thousands of maritime workers.

Brooklyn Navy Yard

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a major industrial center involved in ship repair, maintenance, manufacturing, and dry dock operations.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey’s cargo terminals, shipping operations, and logistics facilities see billions of dollars in freight pass through annually.

Hudson River

Commercial vessels, barges, ferries, and construction projects generate significant maritime activity along the Hudson River.

Common Maritime Accidents

New York City’s waterways support the busiest maritime transportation network on the East Coast. Commercial shipping, ferry traffic, construction operations, and trans-Atlantic port activities create opportunities for serious accidents.

• Commercial vessel crews can be injured by equipment failures, fires, falling cargo, and mechanical malfunctions.
• Port facilities put workers at risk of forklift accidents, dock collapses, unsafe walking surfaces, and crane failures.
• Tugboat crews in New York Harbor and the Hudson River can experience collisions, towing equipment failures, deck hazards, and dangerous weather.
• Offshore operations can expose workers to explosions, equipment failures, and transportation accidents.
• Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. and can lead to injuries from winches, nets, slippery decks, and heavy equipment.

Common Maritime Injuries

Maritime accidents are often severe and require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries our clients have suffered include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Internal organ damage
• Hearing loss
• Repetitive stress injuries

Many injured maritime workers are unable to return to their jobs. Long-term medical care and lost earning capacity can create significant financial hardships for injured workers and their families.

Maritime Environmental Hazards

Waterfront employees are exposed to dangerous environmental conditions that can cause accidents, such as:

• Severe storms
• High winds
• Rough water conditions
• Ice accumulation
• Limited visibility
• Chemical spills and exposure

Employers and vessel operators have a duty to maintain reasonably safe working environments and equipment. When they fail to do so, injured workers have legal options.

Compensation Available After a Maritime Accident

The amount of compensation available in a maritime injury case depends on the laws that apply to your case and the circumstances of your accident. Potential recovery could include:

• Emergency treatment and hospital expenses
• Ongoing medical care and physical therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Disability benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Vocational retraining
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Since maritime accident cases often involve extensive damages, overlapping federal laws, and complex investigations, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal representation.

Our law firm has fought on behalf of injured New Yorkers for decades. We’ve successfully handled thousands of claims and have the deep legal knowledge necessary to build a strong case centered around your accident.

How Douglas & London Can Help

Determining whether you qualify under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or another maritime statute requires a thorough review of the facts. Our legal team can take the legal burden off your shoulders by:

• Investigating the cause of the accident
• Preserving critical evidence
• Identifying applicable laws and liable parties
• Calculating current and future damages
• Negotiating with insurers and employers
• Taking your case to court if necessary

Douglas & London understands the challenges New York City maritime workers and their families face after a serious injury. We work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Contact Our New York Maritime Accident Lawyers

An injury on the water can have long-term effects on you and your loved ones. If you were hurt while working aboard a vessel, at a dock, or at a maritime facility in New York City, you have rights under federal maritime law. Let us help you understand them.

Contact Douglas & London today for a free consultation. We’re here to discuss your case and help protect your future.