Maritime injuries can be some of the most serious and complicated personal injury cases because working at sea is so different from other jobs.
If you work on a cruise ship, in a harbor, on an offshore boat, or as a longshoreman, you are at risk of getting hurt at sea, and the laws that protect victims are just as clear.
If you work on or near the water in Long Beach or elsewhere, it’s essential to understand the common types of injuries in maritime jobs, so you can stay safe and know your rights.
For decades, the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor have helped sailors and passengers. We are based in Long Beach, California, and our primary goal is to help individuals who have been injured at sea obtain compensation through the Jones Act, general maritime law, and other applicable legal protections.
What Makes Maritime Injuries Unique?
Injuries that happen at sea are very different from those that occur on land. They often occur in areas where medical assistance isn’t readily available, in unpredictable weather conditions, and are not typically covered by standard state workers’ compensation rules.
Instead, they are covered by a complicated set of federal maritime laws.
People who work on the water, like cruise ship crew members and rough-and-tumble offshore seamen, are courageous. They have to work long hours, perform physically demanding tasks, contend with harsh weather conditions, and worry about their equipment malfunctioning.
This isn’t just a job; it’s a life filled with unique risks that can leave a worker feeling isolated and vulnerable when something goes wrong.
The very nature of the maritime environment means that many of these serious injuries occur in isolated or high-risk settings, far from the comfort and safety of shore.
This unfortunate reality amplifies the suffering and creates profound challenges for victims and their families:
Emergency care is delayed:
Picture getting hurt badly far out at sea. On land, people often take for granted that they can get immediate, advanced medical care.
But that’s not the case here. As victims wait for transportation to a proper medical facility, precious hours can pass, making their injuries worse and their pain worse.
This delay could mean the difference between a full recovery and a permanent disability, making victims feel helpless and worried about what will happen next.
Witnesses may be limited:
Because the crew of a ship is usually small and close-knit, there may not be many, if any, impartial witnesses to an accident.
Without any proof, it can be challenging for an injured worker to demonstrate what happened, which can make them feel like no one is listening to or supporting them.
Employers may try to cover up incidents:
Sadly, in some cases, employers may care more about making money than about their workers’ health and safety.
They might try to downplay injuries, change records, or even pressure witnesses, which would make the injured worker feel betrayed and make it harder for them to get justice.
This betrayal can be extremely difficult to cope with.
Evidence is more difficult to secure:
Before an investigation can begin, necessary evidence such as broken equipment, accident scenes, or even a ship’s logs can be lost, altered, or relocated far away. The fact that the sea is constantly changing means that critical evidence can sail away, leaving victims feeling helpless.
These serious problems make it hard for injured maritime workers to fight for their rights and health. That’s why it’s not only a good idea to hire a maritime attorney, but it’s also imperative.
A good legal team knows how to deal with these unique problems and how to work through this complicated area of federal law to protect your rights and fight for the money you need and deserve.
The Legal Framework Behind Maritime Injury Claims
If you suffer a maritime personal injury, your case may fall under different federal protections. These include:
The Jones Act
Protects seamen who are injured due to employer negligence. Learn more on our Jones Act lawyer page.
General Maritime Law
Covers unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure (medical support and daily living costs), and wrongful death.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Protects non-seamen who work on docks, in shipyards, or in harbor areas.
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
Applies when maritime deaths occur more than 3 nautical miles from shore.
Knowing which law applies to your maritime incident is key to recovering full compensation. You can also explore our cruise ship injury attorney services for cases involving passengers or crew.
Common Types of Maritime Injuries
Maritime workers are without a doubt exposed to some of the most difficult and dangerous conditions in any field.
The numbers show this reality clearly. The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that maritime jobs always have some of the highest rates of injuries and deaths.
Brave men and women put their lives on the line every day, and a normal shift can turn into a tragedy that changes their lives forever. These marine injuries that are often reported aren’t just numbers; they mean broken lives, a lot of pain, and a lot of uncertainty for people who work on the water.
Here are the most common and serious types of maritime injuries that workers and their families have reported across the industry:
1. Back and Spinal Injuries
Lifting heavy cargo, repetitive motion, or falling on wet decks can lead to disc herniation, spinal fractures, or paralysis.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Falls, crane accidents, or being struck by equipment can cause concussions or permanent brain damage.
3. Broken Bones and Fractures
Ship movement, ladders, and unstable equipment can easily result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or hips.
4. Burns and Chemical Injuries
Fuel leaks, engine room fires, or contact with hazardous substances can cause severe chemical or thermal burns.
5. Crush Injuries
Caught-in-between accidents on docks, inside cargo holds, or during rigging operations are common and often deadly.
6. Amputations
Ropes, winches, or anchor chains can entangle workers and lead to limb loss in a split second.
7. Hypothermia and Cold-Related Illnesses
Extended exposure to cold water or weather, especially in overboard incidents, can cause dangerous body temperature drops.
8. Repetitive Stress Injuries
Seamen often develop long-term conditions like tendinitis or carpal tunnel from routine physical labor over months or years.
9. Respiratory Issues
Inhaling engine fumes, asbestos, or mold in poorly ventilated ship quarters can cause severe lung conditions.
These types of maritime personal injury incidents not only inflict profound physical pain and emotional trauma but also severely impact a worker’s ability to earn a living at sea, often jeopardizing their entire future and the financial stability of their family.
The unique legal system governing these claims further complicates matters. Working with a Long Beach-based company like ours can help you get better and get the justice you deserve.
You have the right to know your rights and seek full compensation if you or a loved one has been hurt at sea while working on a ship or at the docks. Don’t take on the big shipping companies or insurance adjusters alone.
Get in touch with the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor right away for a free and private case review. Our maritime lawyers have extensive experience and are here to help you navigate these challenging times with care and strong representation.
Maritime Injuries Aboard Cruise Ships
Cruise ship workers and passengers are also vulnerable to serious injuries. If you’ve experienced an injury at sea while on a cruise from Long Beach, you may have a claim under maritime law.
Common incidents include:
- Falls on wet decks or in stairwells
- Norovirus or foodborne illness outbreaks
- Physical or sexual assault by staff or other passengers
- Injuries during shore excursions or tender transfers
The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor offers 24/7 support through our cruise injury hotline, and you can explore passenger-specific claims in our cruise injury video guide.
What Should You Do After a Maritime Injury?
After a maritime accident, acting quickly and strategically is key to protecting your rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or ship captain
- Document the scene – take photos, write down details, and gather witness names
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Keep copies of medical records, receipts, and injury logs
- Do not sign anything from your employer or cruise line without legal review
- Contact a maritime attorney in Long Beach who handles seaman injuries and cruise-related claims
Visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation or request a case review via our get a free case review form.
Who Can File a Maritime Injury Claim?
You may be eligible to file a claim if you are:
- A seaman working aboard a commercial vessel
- A longshoreman or harbor worker injured while loading, unloading, or repairing ships
- A cruise ship employee
- A passenger hurt during an excursion, onboard event, or transfer
- A fisherman or offshore rig worker
- A ferry operator or crew member
Compensation Available for Maritime Injuries
Every case is different, but an experienced marine injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for all your medical costs, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications, and any immediate treatments related to your injury.
Ongoing and Future Care
Beyond immediate medical bills, you may be entitled to damages for future medical care, long-term therapy, rehabilitation, and assistive devices that your injury necessitates.
Lost Income
Suppose your injury has prevented you from working. In that case, you can pursue compensation for lost wages from the time of the injury, as well as lost earning potential if your ability to work or earn a living has been permanently impaired.
Pain and Suffering
This category covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injury. It includes both your present and anticipated pain and suffering.
Disability and Disfigurement
If your injury has led to a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be compensated for the impact these have on your quality of life, independence, and self-esteem.
Emotional Distress
Beyond physical pain, injuries can cause significant psychological harm. You can seek compensation for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress resulting from the incident.
Wrongful Death
In tragic cases where a maritime injury results in a fatality, wrongful death compensation may be available to the deceased’s family, covering losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
If employer negligence or unseaworthiness caused your injury, additional damages may be available under the Jones Act or general maritime law.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor?
With over 40 years of experience in maritime injury law, our Long Beach-based team is nationally recognized for handling high-stakes marine and cruise ship claims. When you work with us, you get:
Direct Access to Expertise
When you choose the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, you’ll have a direct line to a board-certified trial lawyer. This means you’re getting personal attention from an attorney with proven qualifications and extensive experience in maritime injury law.
Compassionate and Focused Guidance
Our team provides compassionate legal guidance that’s always focused on your recovery. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to supporting you throughout every step of the legal process, ensuring that your well-being is at the forefront.
Unparalleled Legal Knowledge
With us, you benefit from a deep knowledge of U.S. maritime laws and international standards. With over 40 years of experience in this specialized field, we’re well-versed in the complexities of marine and cruise ship claims, providing you a significant advantage.
Track Record of Success
We have a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Our national recognition for handling high-stakes cases demonstrates our ability to achieve significant compensation for our clients.
Don’t take our word for it—see what past clients have said on our testimonials page.
Speak to a Long Beach Maritime Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt at sea, you probably have a lot of questions about medical bills, paperwork, and whether your employer will even help. We can help you with that. The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor are dedicated to making sure that cruise passengers, harbor workers, and seamen are all treated fairly by the law.
We work with clients all over Long Beach and Southern California, and we’re ready to talk whenever you are.Call us now or reach out via our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also visit our practice areas to learn more about how we help victims of maritime accidents and cruise ship injuries.
