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Who We Represent

Since 1977, our law firm has worked tirelessly to help maritime accident victims and their families receive the compensation they need to address the unfortunate losses sustained. As mariners ourselves, we take this duty very seriously and apply the full benefit of our combined 80 years of experience to each case we take.

Throughout the years, we have worked with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. They are deckhands who brave the stormy North Atlantic seas, fish processors working under hazardous conditions, and longshoremen injured by negligent vessel crew. For some of our clients, “home” is a very long way away. As diverse as our clients are, they have a few things in common, including a desire to receive reasonable compensation and justice for the harm they sustained.

Representing Maritime and Harbor Workers Nationwide

Throughout the years, our law firm has worked hard to provide injured seamen and longshoremen the compensation they need to deal with losses resulting from an accident. We have successfully resolved many cases and obtained maximum compensation for our clients in courts coast-to-coast. While our primary offices are located in Seattle and Bellingham, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, CA, our resources and experience extend well beyond our state’s borders.

We are proud to continue our service to the hardworking men and women of the North Pacific, Bering Sea, and Gulf of Alaska maritime community, including:

  • Commercial fishermen
  • Dock and shipyard workers
  • Tugboat crew and officers
  • Passengers
  • Deckhands
  • Oil rig workers
  • Barges
  • Ferry workers
  • Commercial divers
  • Cruise ship employees
  • Recreational boating victims
  • Merchant mariners, including able-bodied seamen, ordinary seamen, and mates

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in the performance of their duties aboard or around a vessel, it’s critical that you carefully consider your legal options. While nothing can undo the pain the accident caused, taking legal action is sometimes the only way to ensure you receive reasonable compensation to deal with piling medical expenses, long-term treatment costs, lost wages, and retraining for another career, among others on a long list of expenses.

Call 1 (800) 262-8529 or send an online message to speak with an experienced attorney at BoatLaw, LLP. Your initial consultation is free and is a great opportunity to learn about the strength of your case and potential outcomes in a no-pressure setting.

You are also not responsible for a single dime in fees unless a recovery is made on your behalf. We invest our time and resources to fight for the justice you deserve and to hold your employer accountable for the harm caused by their careless action or inaction. Contact one of our offices in Washington, Oregon, or California today.

Basic Qualifications for Pursuing a Maritime Claim

Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act (also known as the Merchant Marine Act) was created in 1920 to protect the rights of seamen. However, not all mariners are considered seamen for the purposes of the Jones Act.

To be considered a seaman, you typically must serve in a role that is substantial. “Substantial” is quantified by the length of time served and extent of work done aboard the ship or fleet of vessels. The seaman must have spent approximately 30% or more of their time aboard the ship or fleet when the injury occurred. Time spent on a vessel can also include time spent working on a vessel that is considered still in “navigation.” A boat that is still capable of moving but has not been moved to a dry dock may qualify.

A seaman may be assigned to either a single vessel or a vessel fleet. This is where the Jones Act becomes open to interpretation. The classification of vessel is broad. Of course, it includes traditional vessels, such as tugboats, cargo boats, drilling ships, and supply boats, but it can also include fish processing barges, construction barges, dive boats, or dredges.

Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers land-based maritime employees who are not members of the crew of a vessel and who are not state or federal employees. This includes harbor workers, longshoremen, dock workers, cargo handlers, stevedores, ship repair workers, welders, ship builders, shipbreakers, crane operators and other employees who work on shore. These workers may sue a negligent vessel under the LHWCA.

Death on the High Seas Act

The Death on the High Seas Act covers anyone who died on a U.S. vessel outside of the territorial waters of the United States, which are three miles off the shore. In most places, this can apply to both seamen and passengers.

General Maritime Law

General maritime law applies to most anyone who is injured in a maritime setting, including seamen, harbor workers and passengers.

 

BoatLaw, LLP | Fighting for You Since 1977

If you’ve been injured on the sea or in a harbor, we can represent you. No matter whether you were working on a commercial fishing boat in the North Pacific, operating a crane in the Portland harbor, or were a passenger on a ferry off the coast of Alaska, the experienced maritime lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP can represent you. We’ll find the laws that apply and seek recovery. Call us at 1 (800) 262-8529 or send an online message today for free consultation.

  • The Maritime Law Association of The United States
    The Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA) was founded in 1899. Its formation was prompted by the organization, some three years earlier, of the International Maritime Committee.
  • Washington State Bar Association
    The Washington State Bar Association operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court to license the state's nearly 40,000 lawyers and other legal professionals.
  • Oregon State Bar
    The Oregon State Bar is a government agency in the U.S. state of Oregon. Founded in 1890 as the private Oregon Bar Association, it became a public entity in 1935 that regulates the legal profession.
  • Alaska Bar Association
    The Alaska Bar Association is a mandatory bar association responsible to the Alaska Supreme Court for the admission and discipline process of attorneys for the State of Alaska.