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San Francisco Maritime Injury Attorney

Maritime law offers protection to injured seamen, including offshore workers and merchant seamen.  If you are hurt while working on or near the water, you should speak to an attorney familiar with maritime law and the Jones Act. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one, based on one of the following principles:

  • The principle of maintenance and cure
  • The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness
  • The Jones Act
  • The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act
  • The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

The San Francisco maritime law firm of Estey & Bomberger, LLP has helped numerous clients injured while working in the commercial fishing industry, shipping transportation industry, offshore oil drilling industry, and other water-related occupational industries. We have also provided representation to people injured in cruise ship accidents and other boating accidents.

The Principle of Maintenance and Cure

A person injured while working at sea may be entitled to compensation for maintenance and cure. Under the centuries-old principle of maintenance and cure, a shipowner is required to provided medical care to an injured seaman until he has reached maximum medical "cure". This includes all necessary medical treatment (hospitalization, medications, and devices such as wheelchairs and prostheses). The principle of "maintenance" requires the shipowner to provided an injured seaman with reasonable daily living expenses until he is able to work again. Although these are basic rights, many injured seamen have difficulty collecting these benefits. Skilled legal counsel at Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you ensure you recover the compensation you are entitled to.

The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness

Under the Doctrine of Unseaworthiness, a shipowner may be liable for a seaman’s injuries if the ship or any part of the ship was in some way defective, or “unseaworthy.” Your compensation could include damages for your pain and suffering, past and future lost wages, and medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Situations that could render a vessel unseaworthy include:

  • Slippery decks and steps
  • Failure to remove asbestos
  • Lack of medical supplies
  • Lack of proper safety equipment
  • Lack of supervision
  • Poor design of a vessel
  • Defective ropes and lines
  • Unsafe equipment
  • Unsafe working conditions

The Jones Act

The Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages from their employer.  The Jones Act covers those injured in ocean waters as well as lakes and rivers.  If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a boat or ship, you may have a claim under the Jones Act. Contact us as soon as possible to determine if you have a possible personal injury claim.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA)

The Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a program that provides medical benefits and salary compensation to injured people who either were injured or contracted an occupational disease (like mesothelioma) while working on the water or the adjoining areas that are primarily involved in the loading, unloading, repairing or building of a ship or any other vessel. The LHWCA also provides for compensation benefits to be paid to the employee’s dependents, if the person died while working at sea. Unlike the Jones Act, pain and suffering damages are not covered under the LHWCA.

The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

Any death occurring more than 3 nautical miles from the shore is covered by the Death on the High Seas Act. A personal representative of a deceased individual can bring a DOHSA action for the recovery of monetary damages.

Free Initial Consultation

To learn how we may be able to help you, contact us for a free initial consultation with one of our maritime injury lawyers. Our maritime attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience representing sailors, seamen, fisherman and others injured while working at sea.  To learn more about our past experience, see our case results and client testimonials. Our attorneys will use their extensive knowledge of both maritime law and personal injury law to determine and protect your rights.  Contact us 24 hours a day in San Francisco at (415) 877-1103.

Case Results

$30 million verdict for sexual abuse
$17.5 million products liability case
$14 million brain injury case
$13.8 million aviation accident case
$8 million refinery accident case
$6 million settlement for drunk driving accident
$5 million brain injury and wrongful death case
$3.4 million motorcycle accident case
$3.2 million bus accident case
$2.9 million brain injury case
$2.6 million spinal cord injury case

Serving

San Francisco, California
San Jose, California
Ventura, California
Sacramento, California
Oakland, California
Imperial County, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Fresno, California
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