If you or someone you know has been injured on a vessel, whether you are on the shore or on the boat, it is recommended that you contact a maritime attorney. An experienced maritime attorney can collect evidence and litigate for your case if needed.

BOATLAW, LLP represents injured victims of negligence-related maritime accidents. Our attorneys understand that federal maritime law can be overwhelming. We want to help you navigate these choppy legal waters. It’s time to get what you deserve.

The attorneys at BOATLAW, LLP represent clients throughout the Southern California area including Los Angeles, Oakland, Hueneme, and San Francisco.

Call us now at 1-800-262-8529 to schedule a free consultation.

San Diego Maritime Injury Attorneys in California

California is known for its thriving maritime industry. The Port of San Diego is essential to the economic success of San Diego County and Southern California. In 2015, the port had an overall economic impact of $8.3 billion. Additionally it currently supports over 20,000 jobs for United States citizens.

The Port of San Diego is 34 miles of waterfront with 2 cargo terminals and 2 cruise terminals. Even with such a thriving success, maritime negligence-related accidents are still common. Any seamen or maritime employee who has been injured in a maritime accident should seek legal representation.

Overview for San Diego Maritime Injury 


Maritime Law in San Diego, California

Maritime law is unique because it can span across waters, shores, and state lines. Due to this, maritime law is under federal jurisdiction. For seamen, the Jones Act protects those who are injured due to negligence-related maritime accidents. Any worker on a passenger transportation vessel, commercial vessel, container ship or barge is covered under the Jones Act.

The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects shoreside workers such as longshoremen, shipbuilders, or dockhands. LHWCA has a system similar to worker’s compensation. However, a person can still file a claim for negligence. Any shoreside employee who’s been injured in a maritime accident should seek a personal injury attorney.

When a person files a personal injury claim, he or she is asking for a settlement for damages from a negligence-related injury. The term “damages” refers to any kind of loss, tangible and intangible that a person experienced because of their injury.

The following are the damages you may be able compensated for in a maritime injury case:

  • Past and future medical costs;
  • Loss of wages;
  • Economic losses for the past and future;
  • Therapy costs;
  • Rehabilitation costs; and
  • Pain and suffering

Examples of Negligent Acts in the Maritime Industry

The maritime industry can be very dangerous for its employees. This is why it is imperative that vessel owners and employers maintain safe working conditions for their employees. Employers who do not uphold a certain duty of care are being negligent in their responsibilities. The following are some examples of negligent acts that can lead to maritime injuries:

  • Improperly working crane operations’
  • Unsafe work surfaces;
  • Inadequate supervision on the job;
  • Hazardous exposure to toxic substances;
  • No safety protocols and policies;
  • Inadequate safety protocols and policies;
  • Lack of proper safety equipment;
  • Overlooked complications leading to vessel collisions; and
  • Insufficient training.

Areas we serve in San Diego, California

The following are the areas we serve by zip code in the city of San Diego, California:

  • 91911
  • 91914
  • 92118
  • 92119
  • 92120
  • 92121
  • 92122
  • 92123
  • 92124
  • 92126
  • 92127
  • 92128
  • 92129
  • 92130
  • 92135
  • 92139
  • 92140
  • 92145
  • 92147
  • 92154
  • 92173
  • 92131
  • 92132
  • 91932
  • 91942
  • 92101
  • 92102
  • 92103
  • 92104
  • 92105
  • 92106
  • 92107
  • 92108
  • 92109
  • 92110
  • 92111
  • 92113
  • 92114
  • 92115
  • 92116
  • 92117
  • 91950
  • 92014
  • 92025
  • 92027
  • 92029
  • 92037
  • 92064
  • 92065
  • 92067
  • 92071
  • 92075

Maritime Personal Injury Resources for San Diego, California

Port of San Diego – Visit the official website for the Port of San Diego and learn more regarding the economic impact of Port San Diego. Find more information surrounding employment, budget and financial reports, and other public records.

The Jones Act – Visit the official website for the Transportation Institute and find more information regarding the Jones Act. Read about the maritime employers duty of care and how they may be held liable for negligent acts.

Offshore Boating Laws – Visit a document detailing the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, which was provided by the Maritime Law Center and Law School. Find more information on how employers may be held legally responsible for negligent acts that lead to maritime accidents.

California Harbor and Navigations Code – Visit the official website for California legislation to read more about state maritime laws. Find more information about vessel requirements, what are navigable waters, and the duties of employers.

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division – Visit the official website for the Coast Guard and find more information surrounding the Strategic Plan of the National Safety Program. Learn about maritime injury statistics and safety tips for boaters.

San Diego Superior Court – Visit the official website for the Superior Court of California for the County of San Diego. Gain access to court records, legal resources, and the legal calendar for the court.


Additional Resources

City of San Diego – Visit the official website for the city of San Diego. Find more information for public programs, current updates from city hall, the boards and commissions and their contact information.

U.S. Transportation Statistics – Visit a document provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Find more details surrounding fatalities for various kinds of transportation including commercial passenger boats, cargo transport, commercial fishing, and recreational boating.


San Diego Maritime Injury Lawyers in California

Maritime employees should seek a personal injury attorney if they have been injured due to a negligent-related accident. A personal injury attorney can assess your case and evaluate if you are entitled to compensation.

The attorneys at BOATLAW, LLP have extensive knowledge and resources for maritime injury laws. With our drive and experience, we will fight for the best possible settlement for your case. Call us now at 1-800-262-8529 for a free consultation. Our attorneys practice throughout Southern California such as the Port of Hueneme, Port of Los Angeles, and the Port of Oakland.


This article was last updated on October 4, 2018.