Working offshore on a tugboat, cargo vessel, or oil rig is dangerous, physically demanding, and often far from emergency help. If you’ve been injured at sea, your rights may differ significantly from those in land-based jobs. That’s where Maritime Law—also known as Admiralty Law—comes into play.
At Templer & Hirsch, our experienced maritime injury lawyers are dedicated to helping offshore workers understand their legal rights, pursue compensation, and navigate the complex claims process after a serious accident.
Whether your injury happened in U.S. territorial waters or farther offshore, this guide will help you understand what you’re entitled to—and what steps to take next.
To speak with an attorney, contact our office today.
Maritime law applies to workers whose jobs are connected to navigable waters. These include:
- Tugboat crew members
- Cargo ship deckhands or engineers
- Oil rig workers
- Commercial fishermen
- Barge and dredge operators
- Offshore construction personnel
If your work involves the sea or support of marine operations—even if you’re not constantly onboard a vessel—you may have rights under federal maritime laws like the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
For an overview of these laws, read our related article: “Injured at Sea: What to Do?”
Common Offshore Injury Scenarios
Life on the water brings real hazards. At Templer & Hirsch, we’ve seen countless injury cases related to:
- Slips and falls on wet or unstable decks
- Collisions with heavy equipment
- Burns and explosions on oil platforms
- Crushing injuries during towing or loading
- Electrocution from faulty wiring
- Long-term exposure to toxins or loud noise
- Drownings or near-drownings
These accidents can result in severe injuries, such as spinal damage, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, lost limbs, or even death.
Your rights depend on your job classification, location of injury, and the type of vessel or platform you were working on.
1. The Jones Act
The Jones Act protects seamen—maritime workers who spend a significant portion of their time (generally 30% or more) working onboard a vessel in navigation. If you qualify as a seaman, you may sue your employer for negligence and seek:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
Unlike workers’ compensation on land, the Jones Act allows fault-based lawsuits, meaning you can recover damages if your employer, coworker, or the vessel’s condition contributed to your injury.
2. Unseaworthiness Claims
Even if no one was directly negligent, the vessel itself may be considered unseaworthy—for example, if:
- Equipment was broken
- Safety gear was missing
- The crew was improperly trained
- The deck was dangerously slippery
Under General Maritime Law, you may be entitled to compensation if the vessel owner failed to provide a safe working environment.
3. Maintenance and Cure
Regardless of fault, injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure, which means:
- Maintenance: A daily stipend to cover food and lodging
- Cure: All reasonable medical expenses until you reach maximum recovery
This is a no-fault benefit, but employers often attempt to delay or underpay. Our attorneys can help enforce your right to full payment.
4. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
If you don’t qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, but you work near or around navigable waters (e.g., dockworkers, shipbuilders, oil terminal staff), you may qualify under the LHWCA. This provides:
- Compensation for medical care
- Disability payments
- Vocational rehabilitation
LHWCA claims do not require proof of employer negligence, but benefits may be more limited than a Jones Act lawsuit.
The moments following a maritime injury can have long-term legal consequences. Protect yourself by following these steps:
Immediately After the Injury:
- Report the injury to your supervisor or vessel master as soon as possible
- Seek medical care right away—even minor injuries can worsen
- Document everything (location, time, weather conditions, witnesses)
Over the Following Days:
- Avoid signing statements or accepting settlements without legal advice
- Keep medical records and track all related expenses
- Speak to a maritime injury attorney before filing any formal claims
Every offshore injury case is unique. The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you’re entitled to under maritime law.
Need help right away? Schedule a consultation with Templer & Hirsch.
Maritime law is not the same as state or standard personal injury law. Employers and insurers often try to minimize claims or argue that the injury occurred off duty or due to your own negligence.
A dedicated maritime injury lawyer can:
- Determine which law applies to your case (Jones Act, LHWCA, or general maritime law)
- Investigate vessel conditions and witness statements
- Secure full benefits including lost income and long-term care
- File your claim before important deadlines expire
At Templer & Hirsch, we’ve spent years protecting the rights of offshore workers and injured seamen. We understand how to build strong cases that hold up in court and maximize your recovery.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Disability benefits (temporary or permanent)
- Pain and suffering
- Maintenance and cure payments
- Vocational retraining (if you can’t return to sea work)
Families of deceased offshore workers may also pursue wrongful death claims under maritime law.
Our firm represents clients injured while working on:
- Tugboats and push boats
- Cargo ships and tankers
- Offshore oil rigs and gas platforms
- Barges and dredges
- Commercial fishing vessels
- Cruise and passenger vessels
- Port and terminal facilities
No matter the size of the vessel or the nature of the job, if you were injured offshore or in maritime operations, you have legal rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured at sea while working on a tugboat, cargo ship, or oil rig, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Maritime law is complex—and employers are often quick to deny responsibility.
At Templer & Hirsch, we help injured maritime workers recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
Call us or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Explore more about our admiralty and maritime law practice to see how we can help you protect your rights.
