work with a maritime accident
Attorney
who knows
the law

Getting hurt offshore or on the docks can put your health and livelihood at risk. Our maritime accident lawyers are here to make sure your claim is taken seriously.

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Get To Know Your Personal Legal Team

With over 24 years in business, our offshore injury attorneys have the experience and resources you need to win. We won’t stop fighting until you get maximum compensation.

Results

Serious maritime injuries need serious settlements. We’ve helped thousands of clients get substantial payouts that allow them to recover and rebuild their lives.

$25,000,000

Verdict

Traumatic Brain Injury

$18,000,000

Verdict

Motorcycle Accident

$15,750,000

Settlement

Commercial Vehicle Accident – Wrongful Death

$15,000,000

Settlement

Wrongful Death

$12,026,500

Settlement

Wrongful Death

$12,000,000

Verdict

Commercial Vehicle Accident

$11,000,000

Settlement

Multiple Clients Serious Injuries

$10,000,000

Verdict

Serious Injury

$9,375,000

Settlement

Industrial Accident

$9,750,000

Settlement

Spinal Cord Injury

Types of Maritime Accident Cases We Handle

Offshore accidents and shipyard hazards can lead to life-altering injuries, often with little support in place for workers or passengers. That’s why you need an attorney who knows the law and can successfully handle your claim.

Offshore oil rig injuries

Workers hurt by fires, falls, or equipment failure offshore.

Dockworker injury lawsuits

Accidents while loading or unloading ships at port.

Crane and cargo loading injuries

Injuries from welding, scaffolding, or moving machinery.

Shipyard accident lawsuits

Injuries from welding, scaffolding, or moving machinery.

Commercial fishing accidents

Slip and falls or equipment injuries out at sea.

Tugboat and barge incidents

Injuries from sudden movements or vessel collisions.

Cruise ship passenger injuries

Unsafe conditions or poor medical care while onboard.

Jones Act seaman injury claims

Crew members injured due to negligence or bad equipment.

Maintenance and cure disputes

Employer refusal to cover care or lost wages after injury.

Ready to get justice? Reach out now for a free maritime case review.

Justice starts with one call

From the first call to the final verdict, our clients share how we stood by them and delivered results when it mattered most.

I could not be happier that I was able to find Alexander Shunnarah’s firm. They provided me with quality service and they communicated with me every step of the way. They are very prompt and professional and they actually specialize in car accidents and personal injury, so that was a relief. Thank you so much for your service and for getting my case handled.

Udo R.

Alexander Shunnarah was very knowledgeable and showed me compassion in my time of need. The information they provided me was accurate and helpful, I would use Alexander Shunnarah again if necessary. Thank you for all your help concerning my case.

Jennifer F.

Outstanding services, quality work and great company to deal with. I walked in and felt like it was a family environment. You can tell every one genuinely cares. Outstanding firm and service definitely a 5 star quality company.

Drew F.

Ways We Can Support You

Every trial attorney on our team is trained to fight aggressively for your rights. Here’s how our team will help, starting with your first phone call.

Free Case Review

We’ll review your claim and explain the best legal options available.

claim investigation

Our team gathers evidence and builds a strong case from the start.

expert Negotiation

We deal directly with insurers to secure the maximum recovery possible.

Court Representation

If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re ready to fight for you at trial.

No-Win, No-Fee

We guarantee that you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Understanding Maritime Law

Maritime accidents can raise a lot of questions, especially when the laws are different from what most people are used to. This section helps you understand what your rights are and how these cases work.

Who can file a maritime accident claim?

Maritime law covers a wide range of people, not just seamen. Dockworkers, harbor employees, cruise passengers, charter guests, and even recreational boaters may be able to file a claim depending on the details. If your injury happened on or near navigable waters and someone else’s negligence played a role, you may have a case. Maritime laws are complex, but they exist to protect you.

How is maritime law different from regular personal injury law?

Maritime law operates under a distinct legal system. It includes federal statutes like the Jones Act and international maritime conventions that don’t apply in typical personal injury cases. These rules govern liability, compensation, and how claims must be filed. The standards are different (and so are the deadlines) so it’s important to work with someone who knows how these cases are handled.

If I’m an injured maritime worker, how does the Jones Act affect my claim?

Great question. The Jones Act allows eligible maritime workers to file claims against their employer if negligence caused their injuries. This law gives you access to damages beyond traditional workers’ compensation, including lost wages, medical care, and pain and suffering. It also sets specific requirements for who qualifies and how the case must be presented in court.

Am I covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act if I was injured during container handling?

The LHWCA provides compensation for maritime workers who load, unload, repair, or build vessels; jobs that are land-based but still tied to maritime work. If you were hurt while handling containers or working on a dock, you may be entitled to benefits. The process can involve pushback from employers or insurers, but the law is designed to protect you.

What compensation can I recover for decompression sickness from commercial diving?

Diving injuries like decompression sickness can lead to long-term complications. Maritime law may allow you to recover costs for medical treatment, lost earnings, and other damages tied to the impact on your life. Your eligibility depends on your work status and whether employer negligence or unsafe equipment contributed to the accident.

Can I file a claim under the Death on the High Seas Act if my family member died in an offshore accident?

Yes, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) allows families to pursue compensation when a fatal accident occurs more than three nautical miles from shore. These claims are often brought after offshore oil rig incidents or commercial vessel accidents. Compensation may cover lost financial support, funeral costs, and other measurable damages.

Can I file a maritime claim if I was injured during a cruise?

Yes, passengers who are hurt during a cruise can often file a maritime injury claim. These cases are governed by both maritime law and the fine print in your cruise contract, which may limit how and where you file. Injuries can stem from unsafe conditions, negligence by crew members, or failure to respond appropriately to emergencies. Timing matters, so acting quickly is important.

What are my rights if I was injured on a charter fishing trip due to the captain’s negligence?

Captains are responsible for ensuring their vessels are operated safely. If they acted carelessly and caused your injury, you may be able to file a claim. That could include anything from failing to respond to weather conditions and using faulty equipment to not having proper safety gear on board. Your claim would likely fall under maritime negligence law.

Can I sue for an injury that happened while fishing on a friend’s private boat?

Possibly. If your friend was negligent (or if equipment on the boat malfunctioned) you may have a case. These claims often involve the boat owner’s insurance, not the individual personally. While it may feel uncomfortable, legal claims can often be resolved without damaging personal relationships, especially when handled with care by one of our attorneys.

How long do I have to file a maritime injury lawsuit?

It depends on the type of claim. Some maritime claims, like those under the Jones Act or DOHSA, have different deadlines than standard personal injury cases. In some instances, cruise ticket contracts limit you to one year. Waiting too long can cost you the chance to file, so it’s important to find out which timeline applies as soon as possible.