Suffered a knee injury in a maritime accident? Contact the top maritime knee injury lawyer to seek justice and compensation.
A blown-out knee can end a maritime career in seconds. Whether you tore your ACL on a slippery deck, fractured your kneecap in a crane accident, or damaged cartilage during a gangway fall, the injury leaves you facing surgery, months of rehabilitation, and bills your family cannot afford.
The physical demands of maritime work make knee injuries particularly devastating, you need full mobility to climb ladders, maintain balance on moving vessels, and handle heavy equipment safely.
The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor represents injured maritime workers, including seamen, longshore workers, dock workers, and cruise passengers who suffered knee injuries because of someone else’s carelessness. We bring extensive maritime experience from our Long Beach office serving the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.
Get started with a free consultation and discover how a maritime knee injury lawyer can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Why You Need a Knee Injury Lawyer With Maritime Experience
A general personal injury attorney often does not know the specific federal laws that decide maritime claims. The waterfront operates under a separate legal system, and the difference matters when your income and medical care are on the line.
- Different federal laws apply: Seamen, longshore workers, and cruise passengers each fall under entirely separate statutes with different rules, benefits, and deadlines.
- Multiple liable parties: Employers, vessel owners, terminal operators, and contractors may all share fault for the same accident.
- Tight deadlines: Federal rules and cruise ticket contracts can significantly shorten the time you have to take legal action.
- Insurance tactics: Carriers routinely blame pre-existing or degenerative knee problems to reduce your payout.
We pursue maintenance and cure for injured seamen, fight for full LHWCA benefits for longshore workers, and hold negligent vessel owners accountable under Section 905(b). We push back with strong medical evidence and deep knowledge of maritime law to protect what you are owed.
What Accidents Cause Knee Injuries on Ships, Docks, and Cruise Lines?
How and where you were hurt determines your legal path. The maritime environment creates hazards that are rarely found in any other workplace, leading to common maritime injuries like the ones listed below.
Common scenarios include:
- Slips and trips on wet decks, oily holds, and steep gangways
- Falls from ladders and stairs on commercial vessels and cruise ships
- Cargo, crane, and line-handling incidents on docks and terminals
- Forklift and yard vehicle impacts in busy port terminals
- Sudden vessel movement and gangway missteps that throw passengers off balance
A tactic we see repeatedly from adjusters handling knee injury claims at the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles is downplaying a torn meniscus or ACL as a pre-existing degenerative condition rather than a direct result of the accident.
We routinely obtain the pre-accident medical records and compare them against the post-accident imaging to show the injury did not exist before the fall.
What Knee Injuries Qualify for a Claim?
A serious knee injury can prevent you from returning to physically demanding maritime work and may require multiple surgeries over several years. The most common injuries we see include:
- ACL, MCL, and PCL ligament tears
- Meniscus tears
- Patella fractures and kneecap dislocations
- Quadriceps or patellar tendon ruptures
- Chondromalacia, bursitis, and post-traumatic arthritis
- Severe joint damage requiring a total knee replacement
Medical imaging, surgical records, and physical therapy notes are the foundation of a strong claim.
What Laws Apply to Your Maritime Knee Injury Claim?
The law that covers your injury depends on your job title and where the accident happened. We evaluate your situation to identify exactly which federal protections apply.
| Law | Who It Protects | What It Provides |
| Jones Act | Seamen and crew on vessels in navigation | Right to sue your employer for negligence |
| LHWCA | Longshore, harbor, and shipyard workers | No-fault medical and wage benefits |
| Section 905(b) | LHWCA workers hurt by vessel negligence | Separate claim against the vessel owner |
| General Maritime Law | Cruise passengers on vessels | Negligence claims against the cruise line |
Seamen are also entitled to maintenance and cure. Maintenance covers your daily living costs while you recover, and cure covers all necessary medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement.
Who Is Liable for a Maritime Knee Injury?
More than one party often shares responsibility for a maritime knee injury. We identify every liable company so your recovery is not limited to a single source.
“This was my first major injury and also first dealings with an attorney in this sort of case. The firm was exceptionally professional, well informed and knowledgeable of injury cases. They built my trust from the first interview and proved to be the perfect firm for me to use. My attorney, Peter Forgie, is wonderful and kind, and an easy person to work with.
My questions were answered and my concerns were treated as important. I was treated with respect. Thanks to all of you for your time and effort on my part. I really appreciate it!” – Darlene, Cruise Injury Client
Employer Negligence Under the Jones Act
Employers must provide a reasonably safe vessel, proper training, and working equipment. Even slight employer negligence can support a valid Jones Act claim.
Vessel Owners and Section 905(b)
A vessel owner is responsible for maintaining safe conditions for anyone working on board. When an unsafe gangway or poorly maintained hatch injures a longshore worker, we pursue a separate claim against the vessel owner under Section 905(b) of the LHWCA.
Terminal Operators and Contractors
Many companies operate within a single port. When a contractor or terminal operator creates a dangerous condition in a container yard or shipyard, we hold them accountable through a third-party negligence claim.
Cruise Lines and Excursion Vendors
Cruise lines must keep walking surfaces safe and warn passengers of known hazards. Shore excursion operators can also be held liable when they fail to protect guests during offshore activities.
In our experience handling maritime knee injury cases in Long Beach, the issue that surfaces most often is a terminal operator or excursion vendor blaming the vessel crew, and the vessel crew blaming the terminal, while the injured worker is left waiting for someone to accept responsibility.
We name every potentially liable party at the outset so a dispute between defendants does not delay your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Knee Injury?
The compensation available to you depends on which maritime laws apply to your claim. We build your case to pursue every category of damages you are entitled to.
LHWCA benefits include:
- All reasonable medical care, including surgery and physical therapy
- Two-thirds of your average weekly wages while you cannot work
- Permanent impairment ratings and vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your prior work
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Jones Act, Section 905(b), and general maritime claims add:
- Full lost wages and future earning capacity
- All past and future medical expenses not covered by LHWCA
- Compensation for physical pain and loss of enjoyment of life
- Maintenance and cure for injured seamen
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious employer conduct
Knee replacements and permanent physical limitations typically increase the value of a claim because they involve higher medical costs and lasting disability.
“Working with Mr. Charles Naylor and George Jones was reassuring and highly professional. I definitely would like to thank them for their efforts, as well as (my paralegal) Gladis Morales.” – F.G., Cruise Injury Client
What To Do After a Knee Injury on a Vessel or in Port
The steps you take immediately after a knee injury can protect or seriously damage your claim. We guide you through this process so you do not make costly mistakes.
Step 1: Get Medical Care and Report Your Injury Promptly
Seek medical care right away and report the injury to your captain, supervisor, or guest services in writing. Longshore workers must provide written notice to their employer within 30 days under the LHWCA.
Step 2: Document the Scene and Identify Witnesses
If you are physically able, photograph the hazard that caused your fall. Write down the names of any crew members or bystanders who witnessed the accident and request that any security footage be preserved.
Step 3: Avoid Recorded Statements and Company Doctors
Never give a recorded statement or sign any release form without speaking to a lawyer first. Company-appointed doctors often minimize injury severity to protect the employer’s insurance carrier.
Step 4: Call a Maritime Knee Injury Lawyer
Early legal representation protects critical evidence and ensures you meet strict federal deadlines. The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor offers a free consultation, and you pay no fee unless we win.
How Long Do You Have to File a Knee Injury Claim?
Missing a filing deadline permanently eliminates your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case is.
- LHWCA claims: Provide written notice to your employer within 30 days, and file a formal claim within 1 year
- Jones Act claims: 3 years from the date of injury
- Death on the High Seas Act: 3 years from the date of death
- Cruise ship claims: Most ticket contracts require written notice within 6 months and a lawsuit filed within 1 year, often in a specific city
Evidence on vessels and in port terminals can disappear within days. Acting quickly protects both your legal rights and the proof that supports your claim.
Across the maritime knee injury claims we’ve worked through at the Port of Long Beach, we consistently see clients underestimate how quickly the LHWCA’s 30-day notice window closes while they are still in physical therapy. Filing that written notice early, even before surgery is scheduled, protects your right to benefits regardless of how your recovery progresses.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor?
- Five decades of maritime focus: We handle maritime injury cases every day, which means we know the evidence, the experts, and the legal strategies that produce results.
- Located at the ports: Our Long Beach office sits at the center of the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach, two of the busiest maritime hubs in the world.
- Nationally recognized: Charles D. Naylor holds Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and AV Preeminent ratings, the highest professional and ethical rating available from Martindale-Hubbell.
- Trial-ready preparation: We build every case as if it will go before a jury, which means insurance companies take our demands seriously.
- No fee unless we win: You pay nothing out of pocket while we handle the legal process.
Our firm has secured significant jury awards and settlements in longshore wrongful death cases, LHWCA amputation claims, and cruise ship slip-and-fall injury cases.
“The Law firm of Charles D. Naylor accomplished and successfully fought for my case where other attorneys wouldn’t even bother looking at my complex case. Mr. George Jones, with his professional staff, carried out this nailbiting process like a breeze. Thank you.” – AW, Defense Base Act Client
FAQs: Knee Injury Lawyer
Do I Qualify Under the Jones Act or LHWCA if I Hurt My Knee at Work?
Your qualification depends on whether you work as crew on a vessel in navigation or whether you work on docks, terminals, or shipyards. We review your specific job duties and work location to determine exactly which federal law applies to your claim.
Can I Receive LHWCA Benefits and Still Sue a Negligent Vessel Owner?
Yes. You can collect no-fault LHWCA benefits from your employer while also pursuing a separate negligence claim against a vessel owner under Section 905(b), which allows you to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering.
Does a Pre-Existing Knee Condition Disqualify My Claim?
No. Maritime law still allows you to recover compensation when a workplace accident aggravates a pre-existing knee condition. We use your medical history to prove that the recent incident made your condition significantly worse.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Maritime Knee Injury?
Longshore workers generally have the right to select their treating physician, and seamen have similar protections under maritime law. You should contact us before agreeing to see any doctor chosen by your employer or their insurance carrier.
What Deadlines Apply if I Was Hurt on a Cruise Ship?
Most cruise ticket contracts require written notice of your injury within 6 months and a lawsuit filed within 1 year, often in a specific city designated in the contract. These deadlines are shorter than standard personal injury statutes of limitations.
How Much Does a Maritime Knee Injury Lawyer Cost?
The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees or case costs unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
How Does Knee Surgery Affect the Value of My Maritime Claim?
Surgery, implanted hardware, and permanent physical restrictions increase the value of a maritime knee injury claim because they represent higher medical expenses and documented long-term disability. We work with orthopedic specialists to fully document the impact of your injury on your ability to work.
