Maritime workers injured in NYC waters, New Jersey ports, or offshore locations have specialized legal rights under federal maritime law. Our experienced maritime accident attorneys help injured seamen, dock workers, and offshore employees recover full compensation for workplace injuries through Jones Act claims, vessel negligence lawsuits, and maintenance and cure benefits.
Serving injured maritime workers throughout New York City, Newark, Jersey City, and all major ports in the NYC metropolitan area. We understand the unique challenges maritime workers face and fight aggressively to protect your rights under federal maritime law.
Please contact our office at 212-465-8840 for a FREE, personalized review of your case.
Free Maritime Injury Consultation
What to Do After a Maritime Accident in NYC
Critical Steps to Protect Your Rights
- Seek immediate medical attention - Your health comes first, and medical records are crucial evidence
![maritime workers]()
- Report the accident to your supervisor - Follow company protocols but avoid detailed statements
- Document everything - Take photos, collect witness information, and preserve evidence
- Do not sign any documents - Especially waivers or settlements without legal review
- Contact an experienced NYC maritime attorney immediately to protect your rights
Understanding Your Maritime Worker Rights
Unlike typical workplace injuries, maritime accidents are governed by special federal laws that provide enhanced protections:
- Jones Act protection - Right to sue employer for negligence
- Maintenance and cure benefits - Medical care and living expenses during recovery
- Unseaworthiness claims - Additional compensation for unsafe vessel conditions
- No workers' compensation restrictions - Full damages including pain and suffering available
Time is critical in maritime injury cases. Evidence can disappear quickly, and federal law requires prompt action to preserve your rights. Learn more about Jones Act claims in NYC.
Our New York Maritime Injury Lawyers Represent Workers Nationwide
Maritime occupations can encompass a wide range of jobs, both in the water and on land. At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our New York maritime attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of all maritime workers injured on the water or docks in New York, in our nation's harbors and inland waterways, and out at sea. Injured maritime workers we commonly represent include:
Seamen
Seamen are essential crew members who operate various commercial vessels on oceans, lakes, and rivers. Their duties can include:
- Standing watch and navigating the vessel.
- Operating deck machinery and cargo handling equipment.
- Maintaining the vessel's cleanliness and safety.
- Performing repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Assisting the Captain and other officers with various tasks.
Fishermen
Fishermen work on commercial fishing vessels to catch fish and other seafood for consumption or sale. Their responsibilities may involve:
- Operating fishing gear like nets, trawls, or lines.
- Sorting, cleaning, and processing the catch.
- Maintaining fishing equipment and gear.
- Assisting the Captain with navigation and boat operation.
- Ensuring adherence to fishing regulations and quotas.
Dock Workers
Dock workers play a crucial role in loading and unloading cargo from ships at ports and harbors. Their duties can include:
- Operating cranes, forklifts, and other cargo handling equipment.
- Securing cargo for safe transport.
- Inspecting cargo for damage or inconsistencies.
- Maintaining a safe and efficient work environment on the docks.
- Following safety regulations and procedures.
Harbor Workers
Harbor workers are responsible for various tasks that ensure the smooth operation and safety of harbors. Their responsibilities may involve:
- Assisting with ship docking and mooring procedures.
- Operating tugboats to maneuver ships in and out of harbors.
- Maintaining navigational aids and harbor infrastructure.
- Performing security checks on vessels and cargo.
- Enforcing maritime regulations within the harbor area.
Ship Builders![cargo ship]()
Ship builders are skilled workers who design, construct, and repair ships and other marine vessels. Their tasks may include:
- Welding, cutting, and fabricating ship components.
- Assembling and installing ship parts and equipment.
- Maintaining and repairing existing ships and boats.
- Reading and interpreting blueprints and technical specifications.
- Ensuring adherence to safety standards and quality control measures.
Even if you don’t see your specific title listed here, you may still be eligible to file a legal claim as a maritime worker. Our maritime injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
Federal Maritime Laws Protecting NYC Workers
The Jones Act: Your Primary Protection
The Jones Act is the most important federal law protecting maritime workers. Our Jones Act attorneys in NYC help injured seamen recover compensation when employer negligence contributes to their injuries.
Jones Act coverage includes:
- Crew members on commercial vessels
- Workers on tugboats, barges, and ferries
- Offshore platform employees
- Ship repair and maintenance workers
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The LHWCA covers dock workers, longshoremen, and other maritime employees not covered by the Jones Act. Our LHWCA lawyers in New Jersey help injured workers navigate this complex federal compensation system.
General Maritime Law
General maritime law provides additional protections including:
- Maintenance and cure - Employer must pay for medical treatment and basic living expenses
- Unseaworthiness doctrine - Vessel owners must provide a seaworthy vessel and equipment
- Right to jury trial- Maritime workers can have their cases heard by a jury
Types of Maritime Injury Claims We Handle
Our NYC and New Jersey maritime attorneys handle all types of maritime injury cases throughout the metropolitan area:
Offshore Platform Accidents
Offshore oil rigs and platforms present unique dangers. Our offshore accident attorneys represent workers injured in:
- Equipment failures and explosions
- Falls from height
- Crane and heavy machinery accidents
- Chemical exposures
- Helicopter transport accidents
Commercial Vessel Injuries
Injuries aboard commercial vessels in NYC waters require specialized legal knowledge:.jpeg)
- Slip and fall accidents on deck
- Cargo handling injuries
- Engine room accidents
- Fire and explosion injuries
- Collision and grounding incidents
Port and Dock Accidents
Our dock accident lawyers in NYC represent longshoremen and port workers injured in:
- Crane and container accidents
- Forklift and vehicle collisions
- Loading and unloading injuries
- Toxic substance exposures
- Repetitive stress injuries
Tugboat and Barge Accidents
The busy waterways around NYC see frequent tugboat and barge operations. Common injuries include:
- Line handling injuries
- Deck accidents in rough weather
- Collision-related injuries
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
Fishing Vessel Injuries
Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations.
Compensation Available for Maritime Injuries
Jones Act Damages
Jones Act claims allow recovery of full damages, similar to personal injury cases:
- Medical expenses - All past and future medical treatment
- Lost wages - Past and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering - Compensation for physical and emotional distress
- Disability benefits - Compensation for permanent impairments
- Loss of enjoyment - Damages for reduced quality of life
Maintenance and Cure Benefits
Every injured seaman is entitled to maintenance and cure regardless of fault:
- Maintenance - Daily living expenses during recovery
- Cure - All reasonable medical treatment until maximum recovery
- No time limits - Benefits continue until you reach maximum medical improvement
Unseaworthiness Claims
Separate from Jones Act claims, unseaworthiness provides additional compensation when:
- Vessel equipment is defective or inadequate
- Safety procedures are insufficient
- Crew is inadequately trained
- Vessel structure is unsafe
Recent NYC maritime settlements: Our firm has secured millions in compensation for injured maritime workers, including a $2.3 million settlement for a dock worker injured by defective crane equipment and a $1.8 million recovery for a tugboat worker who suffered back injuries. View our maritime injury case results.
Common Maritime Accidents in NYC Waters
Staten Island Ferry Incidents![nyc ferry accident]()
The Staten Island Ferry system sees frequent worker injuries due to:
- Vehicle loading and unloading accidents
- Passenger-related incidents
- Mechanical equipment failures
- Slip and falls on wet decks
Brooklyn Navy Yard Operations
The active maritime industry at Brooklyn Navy Yard creates risks for:
- Ship repair workers
- Dry dock operators
- Welders and fabricators
- Crane operators
Hudson River Commercial Traffic
Heavy commercial traffic on the Hudson River leads to injuries involving:
- Barge operations
- Tugboat assistance
- Passenger vessel interactions
- Construction vessel operations
Port Authority Facilities
Our martime injury attorneys handle cases at major facilities including:
- Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal
- Brooklyn Marine Terminal
- Staten Island Container Terminal
- Red Hook Container Terminal
Environmental Hazards in NYC Waters
Maritime workers in the NYC area face unique environmental risks:
- Contaminated water and sediment exposure
- Chemical spills and cleanup operations
- Extreme weather conditions
- Ice and winter hazards
How We Build Strong Maritime Injury Cases
Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Maritime accident scenes change quickly. Our legal team immediately:
- Secures accident site - Photographs and measurements before conditions change
- Interviews witnesses - Crew members and other workers often transfer quickly
- Preserves equipment - Defective machinery may be repaired or replaced
- Reviews vessel logs - Maintenance records, weather logs, and crew schedules
- Obtains company documents - Safety procedures, training records, and incident reports
Expert Maritime Analysis
Complex maritime cases require specialized expertise:
- Naval architects - Vessel design and seaworthiness analysis
- Marine engineers - Equipment failure and maintenance issues
- Safety experts - Industry standards and best practices
- Medical specialists - Maritime-specific injury treatment and prognosis
Understanding Maritime Industry Standards
Our attorneys work closely with maritime industry consultants who understand:
- Coast Guard regulations and compliance
- International safety standards
- Union contract provisions
- Industry training requirements
Aggressive Settlement Negotiation
Maritime companies and their insurers often try to minimize payouts. Our approach includes:
- Thorough documentation of all damages
- Detailed economic loss calculations
- Strong medical evidence of injuries
- Willingness to take cases to trial when necessary
Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Injuries
When would I need a maritime accident lawyer?
You need a maritime accident lawyer if you were injured while working on a vessel, offshore platform, dock, or port facility. Maritime workers have special legal rights under federal laws like the Jones Act that require specialized legal expertise. Even minor injuries can become serious, and maritime employers often try to limit their liability.
What compensation can I recover for a maritime injury in NYC?
Maritime injury compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability benefits, and maintenance and cure. The amount depends on the severity of injury and circumstances of the accident. Unlike workers' compensation, maritime law allows recovery of full damages including pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim in New York?
Maritime injury claims generally have a 3-year statute of limitations under federal law. However, some claims may have shorter deadlines, and maintenance and cure benefits should be claimed immediately. It's crucial to consult with a maritime attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
What is the Jones Act and how does it protect maritime workers?
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence. It provides broader protection than workers' compensation and allows recovery of full damages including pain and suffering. To qualify, you must work on a vessel that spends at least 30% of its time in navigation.
Can I be fired for filing a maritime injury claim?
It is illegal for maritime employers to retaliate against workers who file legitimate injury claims. If you experience retaliation, you may have additional claims for wrongful termination and damages. Learn more about your rights against retaliation.
What if my maritime injury was partially my fault?
Maritime law follows comparative negligence principles, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you won't be completely barred from compensation like in some workers' compensation systems.
Why Choose Hofmann Law Firm for Your Maritime Case
Decades of Maritime Law Experience in NYC![paul hofmann]()
Our maritime attorneys have successfully represented injured maritime workers in New York and New Jersey for over 35 years. We understand the complexities of federal maritime law and have the experience to handle even the most challenging cases.
Proven Track Record of Results
We've recovered millions of dollars for injured maritime workers throughout the NYC metropolitan area. Our recent successes include:
- $2.3 million settlement for dock worker crane injury
- $1.8 million recovery for tugboat worker back injury
- $1.2 million verdict for offshore platform explosion injuries
- $950,000 settlement for ferry worker slip and fall
Local Knowledge of NYC Maritime Industry
As a New York and New Jersey firm, we understand the local maritime industry including:
- Major employers and their safety records
- Local court procedures and judges
- Regional maritime unions and contracts
- NYC-area medical specialists and treatment facilities
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all maritime injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront legal fees - We only get paid if we win your case
- Free case evaluation - No cost to discuss your legal options
- We advance all costs - Including expert witnesses and investigation expenses
- You owe nothing if we don't recover - No hidden fees or surprise bills
Recognized expertise: Our attorneys are members of the Maritime Law Association and regularly speak at maritime law conferences.
Contact Our NYC Maritime Accident Lawyers Today
Don't let maritime employers or insurance companies take advantage of you. You have valuable rights under federal maritime law, but these rights must be protected from the moment of your injury.
Free Consultation - No Obligation
During your free consultation, our maritime attorneys will:
- Review the details of your maritime accident
- Explain your rights under federal maritime law
- Discuss potential compensation you may be entitled to
- Outline our strategy for your case
- Answer all your questions about the legal process
