In Maritime Personal Injury Cases
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE IN THE SAME BOAT
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE IN THE SAME BOAT
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Maritime Injury FAQ
Answers from Seattle Maritime Injury Lawyers
At Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, we represent injured seamen, fishermen, tugboat crew, ferry workers, and other maritime employees throughout Seattle, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from maritime workers after an accident at sea.
What Is a Maritime Injury Case?
A maritime injury case is any legal claim brought by a maritime worker who is injured while working on or near navigable waters. These cases often arise from:
- Fishing vessel accidents in Alaska and the Bering Sea
- Tug and barge operations on Puget Sound or the Columbia River
- Ferry worker injuries in Washington State
- Offshore oil, cargo, or supply vessel accidents
Unlike land-based workplace injuries, maritime law provides special rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law, allowing seamen to sue for negligence and recover broader damages than traditional workers’ compensation.
What Is the Jones Act and Why Is It Important?
The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. §30104) protects seamen injured due to the negligence of their employer, co-workers, or unsafe conditions on a vessel. Key features include:
- Right to sue for negligence rather than being limited to workers’ comp.
- Compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and future disability.
- Employer liability for failing to provide a safe workplace.
Because many Seattle and Alaska maritime workers spend months at sea in dangerous conditions, the Jones Act is one of the most powerful tools to secure fair compensation.
Who Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?
To qualify as a seaman, you generally must:
- Spend at least 30% of your work time aboard a vessel in navigation
- Contribute to the vessel’s mission (e.g., fishing, transport, towing, ferry operations)
Examples include:
- Alaska crab fishermen and salmon processors
- Deckhands and engineers on tugboats or ferries
- Tanker and cargo ship crew
- Offshore supply vessel workers
Each case is fact-specific, so consulting a Seattle maritime injury lawyer helps determine eligibility.
What Is “Maintenance and Cure”?
One of the oldest rights in maritime law, maintenance and cure ensures injured seamen receive:
- Maintenance: a daily living allowance for food and housing
- Cure: payment of medical expenses until maximum medical improvement
If a company wrongfully denies maintenance and cure, courts may award punitive damages, sending a strong message against bad faith treatment of injured seamen.
What if I Am Injured in Alaska on a Fishing Boat?
Alaska is one of the most dangerous places to work in the world. Injuries often occur on:
- Bering Sea crab boats
- Longline and trawl vessels
- Salmon tenders and processors
If you are injured in Alaska, you may be able to file your claim in Seattle courts, since many fishing companies are based in Washington. Our lawyers regularly handle Alaska fishing injury cases for crew members throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Maritime Injury Case?
Depending on your circumstances, you may recover:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Disfigurement or disability damages
- Maintenance and cure
- Punitive damages if benefits are wrongfully denied
How Long Do I Have to File a Maritime Injury Claim?
Most Jones Act cases must be filed within three years of the injury. However:
- Claims against government-owned vessels may have shorter deadlines
- Maintenance and cure disputes can be ongoing
- Evidence can be lost quickly at sea
For these reasons, it’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.
Do I Need a Maritime Lawyer in Seattle?
Yes. Maritime law is complex and different from state personal injury law. Employers and vessel owners often try to shift blame or minimize injuries. A skilled Seattle maritime attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and secure evidence
- Work with medical experts to prove long-term damages
- Fight for full compensation in settlement or trial
At Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, we focus exclusively on personal injury and maritime law. Our firm has represented maritime workers from Puget Sound to the Bering Sea for decades.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maritime Lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you. Initial consultations are free and confidential.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Maritime Injury?
Report the injury to your supervisor.
Seek prompt medical care.
Document the accident — photos, witness names, incident reports.
Do not sign paperwork from the company or insurer without legal advice.
Contact a maritime lawyer before giving recorded statements.
Why Choose Kraft Davies Olsson Pllc?
- Seattle-based maritime injury lawyers with decades of experience
- Successful track record representing injured fishermen, ferry workers, tugboat crews, and offshore seamen
- Millions recovered in Jones Act and maritime cases
- Deep knowledge of Alaska and Pacific Northwest maritime industries
Call for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured working at sea, call Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC at (206) 624-8844 or visit www.marineinjurylaw.com to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Seattle maritime lawyer. We proudly represent maritime workers throughout injured on waters off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.