Seattle Maritime & Jones Act Lawyer

Seattle Maritime Attorneys Fighting for Injured Offshore Workers in Washington

As one of the busiest ports in the country, Seattle experiences high levels of commerce. Thousands of offshore workers come and go daily, making sure industry and business continue to flow smoothly.

Lehmbecker Law is one of the top Seattle maritime law firms for injured maritime workers. Our years of experience make us one of the most trusted offshore lawyer services in the area.

Through dedication and hard work, each Jones Act attorney in our firm fights to get injured offshore workers the compensation they need to deal with the losses their injuries have caused.

Maritime Injury Claims We Handle for Injured Seamen

At Lehmbecker Law, we represent injured seamen and other workers in the maritime industry in a variety of situations, including:

• Jones Act claims;
• Commercial fishing injury cases;
• Maintenance and cure claims;
• Unseaworthiness claims;
• Medical negligence and malpractice at sea;
• Wrongful death claims;
• Issues involving workers' compensation;
• Issues and disputes involving insurance claims.

Every maritime injury lawyer at our firm has the experience, skill, and passion necessary to provide each of our clients with the high level of representation they deserve.

We know how devastating maritime accidents are and fully understand how important compensation is for our injured clients. So we fight as long as it takes for our clients to get the justice and compensation that they deserve.

Maritime & Offshore Maritime Accidents Statistics in Washington State

Washington state's population approaches 8 million and is home to the most extensive ferry system in the United States.

Tens of millions of passengers travel from north Pacific ports to numerous locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, thanks to the thousands of ferry workers, from captains and masters to seamen, engineers, and oilers.

Additionally, Washington State and King County are home to numerous workers employed in other aspects of the maritime industry, including crew members of fishing vessels and other workers who spend at least 30% of their time aboard U.S. vessels in the navigable waters of the Pacific Ocean.

With so many workers out on navigable seas, it is not surprising that some of them suffer injuries due to the negligence of others. Fortunately, they can pursue compensation with the help of an offshore injury lawyer.

Common Maritime Industry Injuries on Maritime Worksites

Seamen face some of the most dangerous conditions found in any type of employment. Threats to their safety abound and come from various sources, including cargo, equipment, dangerous weather, and hazardous materials.

Some of the more frightening injuries seamen face include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
• Back and neck injuries;
• Spinal column and spinal cord injuries;
• Lung disorders;
• Burns and other skin injuries;
• Amputations;
• Hypothermia;
• Compartment syndrome and PTSD;
• Wrongful death.

Any of these injuries can lead to significant medical costs and substantial time off work. Anyone who has experienced one should contact a maritime injury lawyer to help them fight to get their losses covered.

Your Rights Under the Jones Act and Federal Maritime Law

Workers who are under the jurisdiction of the Jones Act and federal maritime laws have rights that allow them to take legal action when they are injured.

Maintenance and Cure

Perhaps the most basic form of compensation a seaman can pursue, maintenance and cure provides compensation for injured seamen without requiring them to prove that someone else caused their injuries.

• Maintenance covers an injured seaman's living expenses while they heal;
• Cure covers an injured worker's medical expenses while they recover.

Although the easiest form of compensation to acquire, challenges do arise during the claims process, making it wise to hire an experienced Seattle maritime lawyer for representation.

Unseaworthiness Doctrine

Claims filed under the unseaworthiness doctrine are based on the theory that ship owners have a duty to ensure their vessels are reasonably safe or seaworthy.

If they are not and cause a seaman to suffer an injury, the seaman can seek compensation based on unseaworthiness.

Jones Act

The Jones Act allows seamen to seek compensation for all manner of damages if they can prove their injuries came about through the negligence of their employer.

Typical forms of employer negligence that can sustain a Jones Act claim include greasy or slippery decks, improperly maintained equipment, improper equipment, and co-worker assault.

What Can Be Recovered from a Maritime Personal Injury Claim?

Workers who are injured at sea in navigable waters can file maritime injury claims to recover compensation for a variety of damages. 

The laws governing these claims include the Jones Act, the Longshore Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, and general maritime law, and they are markedly different from those that control injured workers on land.

Unlike with workers' compensation claims for injuries on land, injured seamen can seek full compensation for the losses they have suffered due to their injuries, including:

• Medical bills and expenses for treatment, hospitalization, and long-term care;
• Lost wages, including lost future income, and losses due to missed economic opportunity;
• Damages associated with pain and suffering;
• Mental anguish;
• Loss of consortium;
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

When seeking compensation for your losses, it is important to hire a maritime injury attorney who understands the intricacies of maritime law and knows how to pursue the full extent of the damages you have suffered due to your maritime accident.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law Firm for Your Offshore Accident Maritime Claim?

At Lehmbecker Law, our experience working with maritime personal injury cases allows us to provide high-quality representation for our clients. We understand maritime law and how to navigate the complex rules and regulations of the maritime industry and recover the funds that will help our clients put their lives back together.

For over 35 years, we have represented clients in admiralty law claims and have built a reputation as a firm that faithfully and fiercely fights to get clients the maximum compensation available for their claims.