Maritime work is among the most dangerous industries in the United States, and accidents can have life-changing consequences for workers and their families. While many people assume maritime law only applies at sea, the truth is more complex. These protections often extend to land-based activities closely connected to maritime work.
At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, our Louisiana-based legal team has represented seamen, longshoremen, shipyard workers, and others across the Gulf Coast for decades. Whether your job takes you offshore, dockside, or into a shipyard, maritime law may provide you with powerful protections.
What Is Maritime Law?
Maritime law (also known as admiralty law) is a specialized body of federal law that regulates the maritime industry and protects the rights of those who work in it. Because maritime jobs are so dangerous, these laws were designed to make sure injured workers and their families have legal remedies when accidents occur.
Not every attorney is familiar with these unique protections, which is why it’s essential to work with an experienced maritime injury lawyer if you’ve been hurt while working in the industry.
Does Maritime Law Apply on Land?
Yes. Maritime law applies not only to work performed offshore, but also to certain land-based activities that are “maritime in nature.” That means protections extend beyond open waters to inland rivers, lakes, harbors, ports, and shipyards.
In many cases, maritime law can cover:
- Crew members working in harbors and ports
- Shipbuilders, ship repairers, and dockworkers
- Cargo handling and loading operations
- Property damage or losses are handled through marine insurance
So even if you weren’t injured offshore, you may still be protected under federal maritime statutes.
Common Maritime Laws That Protect Workers
Over the years, maritime law has evolved into a broad area of practice. For injured workers, several key federal laws provide critical protections.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act is one of the most important laws for seamen. It allows injured offshore workers to recover compensation for work-related injuries and guarantees maintenance and cure benefits.
- Maintenance covers daily living expenses while you’re unable to work, such as rent, groceries, and utilities.
- Cure covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and transportation to and from appointments.
Unlike some other laws, the Jones Act also lets seamen sue their employer or the vessel owner for negligence or unseaworthy conditions.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The LHWCA applies to maritime employees who don’t qualify as seamen but whose jobs are still maritime in nature. This includes dockworkers, shipbuilders, and cargo handlers.
Under the LHWCA, injured workers may receive:
- Medical care
- Disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for surviving family members if a worker is killed on the job
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
The Death on the High Seas Act applies when a maritime worker dies due to negligence more than three nautical miles from the U.S. shoreline. It gives families the right to pursue compensation for financial losses tied to their loved one’s death.
Why These Laws Matter
Whether your work is offshore or dockside, maritime law recognizes the serious risks you face each day. These protections help ensure you and your family aren’t left to shoulder the costs alone after an injury or tragic loss. Without them, employers and vessel owners could walk away without being held accountable.
Contact The Maritime Injury Law Firm in Louisiana
Every day, maritime workers report to some of the toughest and riskiest jobs in America. You deserve respect, fair treatment, and full compensation if something goes wrong. At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, attorney George Vourvoulias and our team have over 20 years of experience standing up for injured maritime workers and their families throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, determine which laws apply to your situation, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Maritime Law and Land-Based Work
- Does maritime law only apply to offshore workers?
No. Maritime law can also apply to land-based activities that are maritime in nature, such as shipbuilding, ship repair, and dock work. Workers in ports, harbors, and shipyards may still be protected under federal maritime statutes like the LHWCA. - How do I know if the Jones Act applies to me?
The Jones Act typically applies to “seamen,” or employees who spend a significant portion of their work time aboard a vessel in navigation. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, an experienced maritime attorney can help determine your eligibility. - What’s the difference between the Jones Act and the LHWCA?
The Jones Act protects seamen who work primarily on vessels, while the LHWCA covers land-based maritime workers like longshoremen, dockworkers, and shipbuilders. The type of work you perform usually determines which law applies. - Does maritime law cover inland waters?
Yes. Maritime law applies not only to the ocean and seas, but also to inland bodies of water like rivers and lakes that are used for commerce. - Can families of maritime workers recover damages if their loved one dies at sea?
Yes. The Death on the High Seas Act allows families to seek compensation if a maritime worker dies due to negligence more than three nautical miles from the U.S. shoreline. - Do I need a lawyer to file a maritime injury claim?
While it’s not legally required, it’s highly recommended. Maritime law is complex, and employers often have legal teams working to minimize payouts. Hiring an experienced maritime injury attorney ensures your rights are fully protected and gives you the best chance at fair compensation.
