Under U.S. law, a maritime personal injury claim lies within admiralty and maritime jurisdiction (28 U.S.C. § 1333) — with the “Savings to Suitors” clause allowing injured parties to pursue remedies in state court when appropriate. Courts hold that a tort becomes a maritime tort if it “occurs on navigable waters” and bears a “maritime nexus” to vessel operations.
Common Maritime Accidents We Handle
Maritime work is one of the most dangerous in the world. When safety lapses occur, the consequences can be catastrophic. WVM Law represents injured seamen, offshore workers, and families affected by every type of maritime accident, including:
- Vessel collisions and allisions involving ships, barges, or tugs
- Crane, rigging, and winch failures during cargo or lifting operations
- Explosions, fires, and chemical exposure on vessels or offshore rigs
- Offshore platform and drilling accidents, including blowouts and equipment failures
- Diving and sub-sea operations injuries caused by pressure, entanglement, or faulty systems
- Cargo handling and loading incidents resulting from unsafe procedures or defective gear
- Slips, trips, and falls on decks, ladders, or scaffolds due to poor maintenance or unseaworthy conditions
- Machinery malfunctions and electrocutions from inadequate inspections or design defects
- Wrongful deaths on the high seas, where negligence or unseaworthiness leads to tragedy
Each case requires a rapid investigation and a deep understanding of maritime law. Our attorneys move quickly to secure vessel logs, inspection records, and witness statements—preserving the evidence needed to hold negligent parties accountable.
