Jobs that involve working on the open water are some of the most physically punishing occupations in the United States. Whether you are hauling commercial catch off the coast of Alaska, handling lines on a tugboat navigating the Columbia River, or maintaining heavy machinery on a barge in Puget Sound, your daily life is defined…
What should an injured maritime worker do after an accident? Understanding common maritime worker mistakes and how to avoid them can make or break your ability to recover full compensation. An injured mariner must immediately report the injury to their vessel supervisor, seek independent medical evaluation from a physician of their own choosing, and consult…
Quick Guide: Maritime Salvage & Legal Rights Salvage Rights: Rescuers of property in “marine peril” are legally entitled to financial rewards, not just a “thank you.” Injury Claims: If you were hurt during a rescue, a maritime injury lawyer can help you file a Jones Act claim for maintenance and cure. Expertise Matters: Only…
For millions of travelers, a cruise represents the ultimate escape: a floating resort designed for relaxation, exploration, and stress-free adventure. However, when negligence turns a dream vacation into a tragedy, injured passengers and grieving families are suddenly thrust into a highly specialized, confusing legal landscape. Filing a claim against a major cruise line is nothing…
What is a Boat Accident Lawsuit? A boat accident lawsuit is a legal claim filed by an injured individual to recover financial compensation for damages, medical expenses, and lost wages resulting from negligence, reckless operation, or unseaworthiness on navigable waters. Whether you are a commercial deckhand working the rugged waters of Alaska or a recreational…
If you work on the water, an on-the-job injury isn’t like a slip-and-fall on land. Whether you are pulling crab pots in Alaska, throwing lines on a Columbia River tugboat, or offloading cargo at the Port of Los Angeles, a serious accident can instantly jeopardize your livelihood. In the high-stakes aftermath of a maritime accident,…
If you are a seaman who has been injured at sea, you may have more legal options available to you than you realize. Beyond the well-known Jones Act, maritime law provides another powerful avenue for injured crew members: the unseaworthiness doctrine. Understanding this doctrine (what it means, how it works, and what damages you can…
After a serious maritime accident, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming. You’re facing physical pain, emotional stress, and a growing stack of medical bills. A critical question arises: How do you quantify the full impact of an injury? At BoatLaw, LLP, we understand that a fair recovery goes far beyond simply adding up receipts….
What Are Jones Act Damages? Jones Act damages are the financial compensation injured maritime workers, such as fishermen, deckhands, and processors, can legally recover after being hurt at sea due to employer negligence. Unlike standard land-based workers’ compensation, these damages explicitly cover pain and suffering, lost future earning capacity, and past medical expenses. A serious…
A 60-day waiver, a 659-product carve-out, and a tightened legal standard — what maritime stakeholders need to understand about the most significant Jones Act action in years. On March 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, acting on a request from the Department of War, issued a 60-day limited waiver of the Jones Act…
