Maritime Injury

Maritime Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Groups of Victims

If you've been injured in a maritime accident—whether as a crew member on a commercial vessel, offshore worker on an oil rig or platform, fisherman, or even a passenger on a cruise ship—the aftermath can be overwhelming. Maritime injuries often involve severe physical trauma, long recovery periods, massive medical expenses, lost wages, and uncertainty about future employment in a demanding industry.

At Cross Monumental Law Firm, a nationwide personal injury law firm, we specialize in maritime accident claims, including those under the Jones Act, general maritime law (admiralty law), and related federal protections. Our experienced maritime accident lawyers fight for seamen, offshore workers, and others injured at sea or on navigable waters, holding negligent employers, vessel owners, and other parties accountable for full compensation.

Call us today at (866)-907-7691 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We're available 24/7 to review your case, explain your rights under federal maritime laws, and start building a strong claim—no upfront fees or costs.

Why Maritime Accidents Are Unique—and Why Specialized Representation Matters

Maritime law differs significantly from standard personal injury law. Federal statutes like the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) provide enhanced protections for "seamen" (those who contribute to vessel operations and spend significant time on navigable waters), allowing negligence claims directly against employers—unlike typical workers' compensation limits. Other laws cover unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) for longshoremen/harbor workers, and general admiralty claims.

These cases involve complex jurisdiction, multiple liable parties (employers, vessel owners, charterers, contractors), strict deadlines, and powerful maritime insurers. Proving negligence often requires expert witnesses, vessel inspections, and preservation of evidence like logs, maintenance records, and witness statements.

What sets Cross Monumental Law Firm apart:

• Nationwide Maritime Representation — We handle cases across the U.S., including coastal states, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, rivers, and international waters where applicable.
• Deep Expertise in Jones Act and Admiralty Law — We know how to maximize recovery under federal maritime rules.
• No Fees Unless We Win — Contingency basis: you pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
• Client-Centered Support — We keep you informed, coordinate medical care when needed, and ease the burden during recovery.

Common Causes of Maritime Accidents

Hazards at sea or on vessels create unique risks. Frequent causes we see include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents — Wet, oily, icy, or cluttered decks; poor lighting; unstable surfaces.
• Heavy lifting and repetitive strain — Loading/unloading cargo, handling lines, or equipment without proper assistance.
• Equipment failures — Defective machinery, winches, cranes, rigging, or tools.
• Falls overboard or from heights — Inadequate railings, safety gear, or training.
• Vessel collisions, groundings, or allisions — Navigation errors, poor maintenance, or operator negligence.
• Fires, explosions, or burns — Fuel handling, engine room issues, or hazardous materials.
• Crush or amputation injuries — Caught in lines, machinery, or between vessels.
• Unsafe working conditions — Fatigue from excessive hours, inadequate safety protocols, or unseaworthy vessels.

Multiple parties may be liable—not just your employer, but shipowners, charterers, manufacturers, or third-party contractors.

Common Injuries in Maritime Accidents

Maritime work is physically intense, often leading to serious or catastrophic injuries. We frequently assist clients with:

• Back, neck, and spinal injuries — Herniated discs, fractures, or paralysis from lifting, falls, or impacts.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions — Head strikes, falls, or explosions.
• Broken bones and fractures — Arms, legs, ribs, pelvis from heavy equipment or falls.
• Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries — Rotator cuff tears, ligament damage from repetitive tasks.
• Burns and electrical injuries — Engine room fires, welding accidents, or electrical faults.
• Crush injuries and amputations — Pinched in lines, winches, or machinery.
• Internal injuries and organ damage — Blunt force trauma or falls.
• Hearing loss or respiratory issues — Prolonged exposure to noise or hazardous substances.
• Wrongful death — In tragic offshore or vessel incidents.

Many injuries require surgery, long-term rehab, or permanent changes to career and lifestyle.

Compensation Available Under Maritime Law

Maritime claims often yield higher recoveries due to federal protections and injury severity. Depending on your status (Jones Act seaman, longshore worker, passenger, etc.), you may recover:

• Medical expenses — Past and future costs for treatment, surgery, rehab, medications, and care.
• Maintenance and cure — Daily living expenses and medical care until maximum medical improvement (for Jones Act seamen).
• Lost wages and future earning capacity — Income lost during recovery, plus reduced ability to work in maritime or other fields.
• Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Other damages — Disability, disfigurement, or punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

Insurers and employers often resist or lowball claims—our attorneys negotiate aggressively or litigate when necessary.

What to Do After a Maritime Injury

1. Seek immediate medical care — Report to the vessel's medical officer or get to shore/ER; document all treatment.
2. Report the incident — Notify your employer/supervisor in writing; get copies of accident reports, logs, and witness statements.
3. Preserve evidence — Take photos of the scene, equipment, injuries; don't discard gear or agree to disposal.
4. Avoid detailed statements — Don't give recorded statements to company reps or insurers without an attorney.
5. Contact a maritime lawyer quickly — Time limits (statutes of limitations) are strict; evidence can disappear (e.g., vessel leaves port).

Don't Face Maritime Companies Alone

Employers and their insurers move fast to limit liability—downplaying injuries, delaying payments, or pressuring settlements. Cross Monumental Law Firm levels the playing field with thorough investigations, expert support, and relentless advocacy.

If you or a loved one was injured in a maritime accident—on a ship, offshore platform, fishing vessel, tugboat, cruise ship, or any navigable waters—anywhere in the United States or beyond, reach out now.

Call Cross Monumental Law Firm at (866)-907-7691—available 24/7. Your free, confidential consultation lets us assess your case with no obligation.

You've risked enough on the water. Let our nationwide team fight for the full compensation and justice you deserve while you focus on recovery.