The Maine Maritime Injury Attorneys You Need
If you’ve been injured at sea, our Portland law firm will fight for your rights
It goes without saying that the ocean is a critical part of Maine’s economy and Mainers’ way of life. From passenger cruise ships to fishing vessels to large freight ships, the maritime industry is responsible for thousands of jobs as well as countless tourists enjoying Maine’s unique charm.
But the sea is also dangerous, and both maritime workers and passengers can be seriously injured when something goes wrong. The consequences of a maritime injury can reverberate through your entire life. You need an experienced injury attorney to help you get your life back.
The personal injury lawyers at Romanow Law Group in Portland have the experience and resources needed to handle high-stakes maritime injury claims for clients in Maine. Whether you were hurt on the job or as a passenger on a ship, we will fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life. Schedule your free consultation today.
“I had a great experience with this firm. They were nothing short of professional. They helped me through the whole process and got a great result for me. I am very thankful for everything that they did for me.” – Matthew W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQ About Maritime Injury Accidents
- What are common types of maritime accident cases
- What makes maritime injury claims different from other personal injury cases in Maine?
- What laws apply to maritime injury cases?
- What is the Jones Act and how does it protect injured seamen?
- Can passengers on cruise ships or ferries file maritime injury claims?
- Who can be held liable in a maritime accident case in Maine?
- What compensation is available for maritime accidents?
- How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim in Maine?
- What should I do immediately after a Maine maritime accident to protect my rights?
- How do maritime lawyers investigate accidents that happen at sea?
- Why should I hire a Maine maritime accident lawyer?
What are common types of maritime accident cases?
Probably the most familiar type of maritime accident is a shipwreck, whether caused by bad weather, rocks, or other hazards. However, there are many other ways people can be injured at sea and in port. Some examples of maritime injury cases we handle include:
- Slip, trip, and falls on ships and docks: Maritime environments, including ships and docks, can be hazardous due to the presence of water, changing weather conditions, and uneven surfaces. Slip, trip, and fall accidents can occur when individuals lose their footing, often resulting in injuries such as broken bones, knee injuries, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Defective products and safety equipment: Maritime workers rely on various equipment and tools to perform their tasks safely. In cases where these products are defective or malfunction, individuals onboard ships or working in port areas can sustain injuries. Defective safety gear, machinery, and tools can lead to accidents, including crushing injuries, burns, and lacerations.
- Injuries due to unseaworthy vessels: If a vessel is deemed unseaworthy—meaning it's not fit for its intended purpose due to inadequate maintenance, equipment, or conditions—accidents that result in severe and fatal injuries can occur.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals: The maritime industry often involves transporting and handling hazardous materials and chemicals. Accidental leaks, spills, or inadequate safety protocols can lead to crew members or workers being exposed to toxic substances. This exposure can result in various health issues, from respiratory problems to skin disorders and long-term health complications.
- Explosions: Explosions aboard ships or in port areas can cause catastrophic injuries and damage. These incidents can be triggered by a variety of factors, including flammable cargo, improper storage of combustible materials, and equipment malfunctions. Explosion-related injuries can include burns, trauma, hearing loss, and psychological trauma.
- Vessel sinkings: When a vessel sinks, it poses significant risks to everyone on board. In addition to the immediate danger of drowning, vessel sinkings can lead to injuries from falling debris, panic-induced accidents, and exposure to cold water. Survivors may also experience psychological trauma due to the traumatic experience.
Being injured anywhere can change your life, but injuries at sea are particularly dangerous for two main reasons. First, on the water, there is always the risk of drowning and other incidents that are much less likely to occur on land. Second, there is much less access to medical care at sea. Some injuries that might be more easily treated if the victim could easily be brought to a hospital can become far worse if the victim is on a ship, days away from shore.
What makes maritime injury claims different from other personal injury cases in Maine?
Maritime injury claims fall under a completely different legal system than most land-based injury cases. Instead of relying solely on Maine’s civil laws, these claims are governed by a unique set of federal statutes and maritime doctrines. This includes laws like the Jones Act and general maritime law, which provide specific rights for injured seamen and maritime workers. As a result, pursuing compensation after a maritime injury requires a lawyer who understands both systems and how they interact with each other.
Maritime claims also tend to involve complex issues of jurisdiction and liability, especially when incidents occur in international waters or involve foreign-flagged vessels. Additionally, the financial stakes are often higher due to the severity of injuries sustained at sea and the limited access to medical care offshore. These cases may also involve multiple parties such as shipowners, equipment manufacturers, and third-party contractors. Because of these factors, maritime cases often require an in-depth investigation and a sophisticated legal strategy tailored to the unique risks and laws of the maritime industry.
Finally, deadlines for filing maritime injury claims vary depending on the circumstances. While some claims follow state deadlines, others – such as Jones Act claims – have their own federal time limits. Getting legal advice early is critical to preserving your right to compensation. The sooner you speak with a lawyer who handles maritime law, the better your chance of success.
What laws apply to maritime injury cases?
Another potential complication in maritime injuries is the difficulty of investigation. Evidence can easily be lost or destroyed. There is often a delay between when the accident occurs and when an attorney can begin an investigation. There are also different laws that apply to maritime injuries and accidents, including:
- The Jones Act
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
- The Death on the High Seas Act
- The Limited Liability Act
- General maritime law
We understand the state and federal laws that apply to maritime injury cases, and we’re here to help. We will listen to your story and explain your legal rights and options, free of charge. If you choose to hire us to handle your maritime injury case, we will launch an immediate, thorough investigation to get to the bottom of what happened. We will build a strong case to hold the at-fault party or parties accountable, whether that’s a vessel owner, manufacturer, employer, or any other party. And we will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve, including but not limited to:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses, including surgery, medication, medical devices, physical therapy, and other medical treatment.
- Lost wages and lost future income.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability.
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
- Loss of consortium.
- Loss of quality and enjoyment of life.
What is the Jones Act and how does it protect injured seamen?
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides critical protections for maritime workers who are injured while working aboard vessels. Unlike standard workers’ compensation laws, the Jones Act allows injured seamen to file lawsuits directly against their employers. These claims can include damages (compensation for financial losses) for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, not all maritime workers qualify, and proving negligence is required under the Jones Act.
To file a claim under the Jones Act, a worker must be classified as a “seaman,” meaning they spend a significant amount of time working on a vessel in navigation. This law is especially important because it fills the gap left by traditional compensation laws, which don’t cover most offshore workers. Under the Jones Act, seamen can hold their employers accountable for failing to provide a safe working environment or seaworthy vessel. This includes failure to train crew members, maintain equipment, or follow safety procedures.
The Jones Act also imposes specific deadlines for taking legal action. Injured seamen generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Because these cases are often complex and aggressively defended by maritime employers, hiring a lawyer with experience in Jones Act litigation is essential. A strong case backed by detailed evidence can help injured seamen recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Can passengers on cruise ships or ferries file maritime injury claims?
Yes, passengers who are injured while onboard a cruise ship or ferry may be eligible to file a maritime injury claim. These cases are different from claims filed by crew members and are governed by general maritime law and sometimes international agreements. The key is proving that the cruise or ferry operator was negligent or failed to keep the vessel safe for passengers. Common claims include slip and falls, food poisoning, assault, and injuries due to unsafe conditions on the ship.
Passengers typically have a shorter deadline to take legal action, often as little as one year. Many cruise lines also require injury claims to be filed in specific jurisdictions, regardless of where the ship departed or where the injury occurred. This can make it harder for injured passengers to seek justice. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print on your cruise ticket and meet with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
To succeed in a maritime claim as a passenger, you must show that the ship’s operator failed to take reasonable precautions. This could include poor maintenance, negligent security or failure to warn about known hazards. If you’ve been hurt on a cruise or ferry, talk to a lawyer familiar with maritime law right away. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other financial losses.
Who can be held liable in a maritime accident case in Maine?
Determining who is legally responsible for a maritime injury requires careful investigation. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be liable, which means they are legally responsible for paying for the accident. Liability may be shared between any one of the following parties:
- Shipowners, for operating unseaworthy vessels or failing to maintain safe conditions.
- Employers, for failing to train workers, enforce safety rules, or respond to known hazards.
- Equipment manufacturers, if a defective product contributed to the accident.
- Port operators, if unsafe dock conditions or infrastructure failures led to injury.
- Third-party contractors, such as maintenance crews or cargo handlers, whose negligence caused harm.
Pinpointing liability is key to recovering full compensation in a maritime case. It also allows your legal team to pursue every available legal avenue. Maritime injury claims often involve multiple defendants, and holding them all accountable increases your chances of receiving maximum compensation. A skilled maritime lawyer will know how to identify all liable parties and build a strong, compelling legal case.
What compensation is available for maritime accidents?
We will build a strong case to hold the at-fault party or parties accountable, whether that’s a vessel owner, manufacturer, employer, or any other party. And we will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve, including but not limited to:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses, including surgery, medication, medical devices, physical therapy, and other medical treatment.
- Lost wages and lost future income.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability.
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
- Loss of consortium.
- Loss of quality and enjoyment of life.
How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim in Maine?
The deadline to file a maritime injury claim – also called the statute of limitations – depends on which law applies. For example, the Jones Act has a three-year statute of limitations, while other claims might have shorter or longer deadlines. In some cruise ship cases, the deadline may be as little as one year. Failing to meet the correct deadline will likely bar you from pursuing compensation entirely.
It’s not always obvious which law applies to a particular maritime injury, especially when the accident involves multiple parties or occurred in international waters. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a lawyer who has experience handling maritime cases in Maine. An attorney can determine which legal deadlines apply and help you act quickly to preserve your rights. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chance of building a strong case.
Delays can also lead to the loss of critical evidence. Witnesses’ memories fade, records can be lost, and physical evidence may be destroyed. Acting fast ensures your lawyer can begin a thorough investigation and protect your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get advice now.
What should I do immediately after a Maine maritime accident to protect my rights?
After a maritime injury, what you do in the hours and days that follow can have a big impact on the outcome of your case.
Your top priority should always be your health. Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. By seeing a doctor, you will accomplish two things. One, you get the medical care you need. Two, you create a documented link between your injury and your maritime accident.
Here are other steps you should take to protect your health and your rights:
- Report the injury to your employer or ship’s crew as soon as possible.
- Ask for a copy of the accident report, and review it for accuracy before signing.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any defective equipment if possible.
- Avoid signing any waivers or release forms before speaking with a lawyer.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions to improve your ability to recover.
Taking these steps puts you in a stronger position if you need to file a claim later. Documentation will help establish what happened and who may be at fault. Maritime employers and insurers may try to pressure you into accepting quick settlements or making statements that could harm your case. Having an experienced attorney from the start gives you the protection you need.
How do maritime lawyers investigate accidents that happen at sea?
Investigating a maritime injury is more complex than investigating a typical land-based accident. Evidence can be difficult to preserve and key documents may be controlled by the ship’s operator or employer. Maritime lawyers have strategies for collecting and securing this information before it disappears. A prompt, thorough investigation is essential to the success of any claim.
Key parts of a maritime investigation often include:
- Interviewing witnesses, including other crew members, supervisors, and passengers.
- Securing ship records, such as maintenance logs, crew schedules, and incident reports.
- Reviewing safety protocols, training records, and the employer’s compliance history.
- Analyzing black box data, GPS, and communication logs from the vessel.
- Consulting with experts, including maritime engineers, doctors, and accident reconstruction specialists.
This level of detail can uncover the true cause of the accident and establish legal responsibility. It also helps calculate the full extent of your damages (legal term for financial losses), including medical bills to long-term loss of income. Without a thorough investigation, victims risk receiving less than they deserve. An experienced maritime lawyer knows how to build a case based on strong, compelling evidence.
Why should I hire a Maine maritime accident lawyer?
Maritime injury law is a unique legal field that requires specialized knowledge and experience. Many lawyers are not familiar with the specific statutes, procedures and liability rules that apply in maritime cases. Hiring the wrong lawyer could cost you valuable time and compensation. You need someone who understands the laws that govern accidents at sea.
A qualified, experienced maritime injury lawyer can:
- Investigate your maritime accident to determine exactly what happened.
- Preserve evidence and build a strong case before critical deadlines expire.
- Identify all liable parties, even when the vessel is foreign-owned or offshore.
- Understand the difference between seamen, passengers and port workers, and which laws apply to each party.
- Navigate federal maritime statutes, such as the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore Act.
- Negotiate with maritime insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to federal court.
The complexity of maritime law means there is little room for error. A lawyer without the right experience may overlook key evidence or misinterpret legal deadlines. An attorney who knows the maritime system can give your case the edge it needs to succeed. Your future could depend on having the right advocate on your side.
Schedule your free consultation with a Portland, Maine maritime injury lawyer
You need to move quickly after a maritime injury. Most personal injury claims in Maine have a six-year statute of limitations, but different deadlines can apply in maritime injury cases, and you need a lawyer who can tell you which time limits apply in your case.
Moreover, your attorney needs to start their investigation immediately. Important evidence may be literally washed away. And there is often a lot of pressure on injured seamen to immediately sign releases and waivers that can compromise your rights. The sooner you get an experienced attorney on your side, investigating the incident and protecting your interests, the better the position you will be in to recover.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a maritime accident, schedule your free consultation with an injury attorney you can trust. Our conversation is fully confidential and there is no obligation to hire us, just answers about your legal options. Give us a call or contact us online today.