California Maritime Accident Lawyers
Our California maritime accident lawyers will provide you with answers and produce results to help you and your family recover the proper compensation you deserve following a maritime injury or death of a loved one at sea.
With over 800 miles of coastline and eight major ports, California receives thousands of vessels involved in international trade every year. If you are injured while working on inland, harbor or coastal waters of California as a commercial fisherman, international merchant mariner, offshore driller or vessel crew, you may be covered by the Jones Act.
Claims under the Jones Act are highly complex and unique. Successful navigation of the legal procedures and guidelines requires detailed knowledge of maritime law and court expectations. U.S. admiralty law can fall under federal court jurisdiction as well as state court jurisdiction. This allows you to hire an experienced law firm located anywhere in the nation, provided your attorney has the resources and ability to work with local counsel in California.
At Doyle Dennis LLP, we have years of experience working in the maritime law industry which we will use to assist you in your fight. We use this accumulated experience daily to help our clients and their families assess their claims so that they receive full compensation from their injury or wrongful death at or near the sea. The maritime industry has a large variety of jobs on many different types of vessels so an attorney experienced in the field may be necessary to make sure your claim does not get sold short of its true value. Allow us to share our experience working in the maritime law industry to help you understand what you are facing and what you are entitled to following your injury.
Maritime injuries can lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. We understand the importance of your claim to you and your family. We have succeeded in recovering much needed compensation for dozens of merchant seamen, fishermen, and injured offshore drillers. We aim to get our clients the fair and rapid treatment they deserve throughout the legal process by putting a primary focus on the most efficient services possible. Decades of experience allow us to advance cases along promptly and help our clients to seek potential compensation for their injuries.
Doyle Dennis LLP is fully aware of the constant and significant risk of injury faced by maritime workers, and we remain committed to providing personalized assistance to victims of all maritime accidents. California’s economy, and indeed the nation’s economy, relies heavily on the important contributions of maritime workers in industries such as oil and gas exploration, fishing and seafood production, and commerce on California’s waterways. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right legal representation to assist you in your fight for compensation and justice if you or someone you know has been injured or killed while working in the California maritime industry. Don’t hesitate to contact Doyle Dennis LLP today for reliable and dedicated legal assistance. Our experienced team of attorneys is ready to assess your unique situation and fight for your rights. Call us now to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing the brighter future you deserve.
Anchoring Down: Steps to Take After a California Maritime Accident
- Take action to protect yourself: After a California maritime accident, protecting yourself from further harm should be your top priority. Seek assistance from a crew member or qualified individual if you’re unable to move or find yourself in a hazardous location. Take action to protect yourself from any additional hazards that may be present, such as staying afloat in the water or wearing a personal flotation device on board a vessel. Remember, prompt action can make a significant difference in your well-being and recovery, so don’t hesitate to ask for help and prioritize your safety.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Seeking medical treatment after a maritime accident is an important step that should not be overlooked. Whether you sustained minor injuries or more serious ones, it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible to ensure your well-being and recovery. This might involve being taken to a doctor or other medical facility, or receiving medical attention from an on-board medical professional. Delaying medical treatment could lead to complications and affect your overall health. Remember, seeking medical assistance promptly can make a significant difference in your recovery, so prioritize your health and seek medical care without delay.
- Alert the proper officials: One of the most important steps to take after a maritime accident is to alert the appropriate authorities. This means reporting the incident to a supervisor or other designated authority as quickly as possible. Doing so will ensure that the accident is properly documented, which can aid in investigations and the resolution of any issues. Promptly reporting the accident can also help prevent future incidents from happening. In addition, having a record of the incident can be crucial for anyone impacted who needs to seek compensation. Remember, taking action to alert the proper officials is a vital step in the aftermath of a maritime accident, so do not delay in reporting the incident.
- Record the Details of the Incident: Documenting the details of a maritime accident is a crucial step that can help protect your legal rights and aid in the investigation process. Start by recording the exact date, time, and location of the incident. Take detailed notes and photographs of any injuries or damage that may have occurred. When filing relevant accident reports and any other related material, be sure to be thorough and record all the facts and details that pertain to the event. It’s also important to consider preserving any evidence that may have been left behind, such as equipment or tools, to have a complete record of the incident. By keeping accurate and detailed records, you can ensure that you have the evidence necessary to support any potential legal action and help prevent future accidents from occurring.
- Gather information from witnesses: Obtaining statements and contact information for witnesses is crucial in the event of a maritime accident. Their accounts and testimony may serve as critical evidence in a legal case. It is important to collect their contact information and document their statements as soon as possible. Asking questions to clarify any discrepancies in their accounts can help ensure the accuracy of their testimony. It is also recommended to keep a record of their contact information in case they need to be called for further testimony in the future.
- Contact a lawyer specializing in maritime cases: Seeking legal advice from a maritime injury lawyer is important after being involved in an accident while working at sea, especially if you suspect negligence on the part of your employer or another party. By consulting with an experienced admiralty injury lawyer, you can gain a better understanding of your legal rights and options, and determine the best course of action to take. It’s important to choose a law firm with relevant experience in this area to ensure the best possible outcome. A skilled maritime attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of maritime law.
- Follow up with medical care for your injury: It’s important to follow the recommendations of your medical provider and continue to receive necessary medical care after sustaining an injury in a maritime accident. This may include physical therapy, rehabilitation services, or other medical treatments that your doctor has prescribed. Although it may be difficult or uncomfortable at times, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and complete the recommended treatments to aid in your recovery. Remember, by following your medical provider’s advice, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your injury.
- Plan for your recovery and future health: After suffering a maritime injury, taking care of your physical and mental health is essential. It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If possible, engaging in light exercises or physical therapy can help promote healing and improve your overall well-being. Additionally, eating a nutritious and balanced diet, getting sufficient rest, and seeking support from friends and family can aid in your recovery. It’s also essential to prioritize your mental health and seek help from a mental health professional if necessary. By taking proactive steps towards long-term health and wellness, you can regain some control and move forward with your life after the incident.
Injured in California Waterways?
California’s extensive waterways provide a vital source of income for the state’s economy through various industries, including commercial fishing, shipping, tourism, and offshore oil and gas production. However, accidents and injuries can occur, and it’s essential to understand the common causes to stay safe while enjoying the water.
Below are some common parties and locations involved in maritime injuries in California waterways:
- Operators of container ships, tankers, and other vessels that transport goods and materials through California’s ports, such as the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of Oakland. These jobs typically involve ship operators, pilots, and support staff.
- Workers in the offshore oil and gas industry, who operate drilling rigs, platforms, and support vessels. These jobs include drilling rig workers, platform workers, and support staff.
- Commercial trading and fishing boat accidents on San Francisco Bay, Monterey bay, Grizzly Bay, Santa Monica Bay, and other coastal locations and waterways.
- Cruise ships sailing out into the Pacific from California are covered under federal maritime law. This allows for you to pursue claims in a federal maritime court if you are injured aboard a ship in the pacific.
- Commercial fishermen who work along California’s coast and catch a variety of species, including salmon, tuna, and shellfish. This involves jobs such as deckhands, skippers, and processors.
- Crew members on passenger vessels that operate along California’s coast and inland waterways, such as cruise ships, ferries, and tour boats. These jobs include crew members, captains, and engineers.
- California maritime accidents in channels and ports such as the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, Port of Hueneme, Port of San Diego and rivers such as the Colorado River, Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, Pit River, Eel River, and other rivers in California.
- Boatswains, deckhands, and other crew members on research vessels, survey vessels, and other specialized vessels that support scientific research and resource management in California’s waters.
- Maritime business interruption litigation such as oil spills and other maritime accidents caused by negligence that cause you to lose work.
- Fishing guides and boat captains who offer recreational fishing and boating services to tourists and locals alike.
- Maintenance and repair workers who service vessels at shipyards such as the
National Representation
Contact us for a free consultation with one of our veteran maritime accident lawyers. We work on cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay attorneys’ fees unless you receive compensation due to our help.
Why Do I Need a Specialized California Maritime Attorney?
No Win No Fee
Top Trial Lawyer
Why choose Doyle Dennis LLP for your California Maritime Accident?
Free Consultation · Contingency Fee Basis · Nationwide Representation
At Doyle Dennis LLP, we believe in a contingency fee basis. Simply put, this means we do not get paid, unless you get paid. We take on all the financial risk because we only take on cases where we believe in our clients. Not a single cent of your money will be used to take on your claim unless we are able to help you with a financial recovery. Our firm also holds the opinion that people should be able to seek legal counsel without any cost. You are welcome to contact us anytime to set up a free consultation regarding your potential claim. We understand the hardship that an injury or illness may bring, so we focus on building a strong attorney client relationship to treat you with respect and trust every step of the way.
Doyle Dennis LLP Trial Lawyers is respected as one of the nation’s most experienced maritime law firms. From our home in Texas, our lawyers have successfully helped dozens of injured maritime workers pursue financial damages and receive maintenance and cure while recovering from injuries. We are responsive, professional and offer experience you can depend on to support your injury claim.
Our Past California Maritime Cases include:
Representing a California Jones Act Seaman who suffered severe injuries while fulfilling their duties for their Washington-based employer in Northern California waters. As a chief engineer, our client was operating their vessel when a collision with another vessel occurred, causing harm due to the unseaworthiness of the vessel and the negligence of their employer. With a deep understanding of maritime law and the Jones Act, Doyle Dennis LLP fought vigorously on behalf of our injured client to ensure that their rights were protected, and they received fair compensation.
Our firm’s dedication to our client’s case resulted in a confidential settlement, and we remain proud to have helped our client navigate such a difficult time. We continue to advocate for seamen’s rights and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, particularly in complex maritime legal matters. We understand the intricacies of this field and strive to ensure that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve under the law. At Doyle Dennis LLP, our mission is to provide our clients with the highest level of legal representation and advocate tirelessly on their behalf.
For additional information on our successful cases, please visit our significant cases page.
California’s bustling maritime industry sees vessels of all shapes and sizes passing through its waters and ports on a daily basis. The owners of these vessels have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their crew members, including those working in contact with their vessels. In the event of an accident resulting in injury, federal law mandates that the vessel owner must provide immediate medical care, along with maintenance and cure to cover the injured worker’s financial losses and medical recovery. Regardless of the cause of the injury, American maritime employers are required to provide maintenance and cure for their employees.
Maintenance payments are a crucial source of financial support that aim to cover the living expenses of injured or ill seafarers who are unable to work. These expenses may include rent, transportation costs to medical appointments, food, utilities, and other necessary expenses. The primary objective of maintenance payments is to help injured or ill seafarers maintain a sense of normalcy during their recovery process. However, it’s worth noting that the amount of funds provided for maintenance may not be as high as expected, as it is meant to cover only basic expenses.
Cure refers to the medical expenses that workers face while they are recuperating. Employers must cover the cost of medical treatment for the injury. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide maintenance and cure, irrespective of whether the accident was caused by negligence. This obligation remains in effect until the seafarer reaches the point of maximum medical improvement, which means the worker has recovered to the best of their ability.
It’s worth noting that maintenance and cure can be claimed regardless of whether a separate Jones Act claim is pursued. However, a Jones Act claim may be applicable if the injury was caused by negligence. Negligence is a broad term that encompasses a range of situations that may have led to the injury. One example of negligence is unseaworthiness, which arises from unsafe conditions on a vessel, including the tools and machinery used while working on board. Seeking the guidance of an experienced admiralty attorney can help you navigate the intricate nuances of maritime law and increase your chances of receiving adequate financial compensation for your injury or illness.
Representing Injured Seamen and Their Families in Ports Nationwide
Maritime workers such as seamen, oil rig workers, and fishermen who have been injured on vessels within California’s coastal boundaries should seek the guidance of experienced California maritime accident lawyers. At Doyle Dennis LLP, we have a team of skilled attorneys with extensive knowledge and experience in handling complex admiralty law cases, which can fall under both federal and state court jurisdictions. Regardless of your location within the U.S., our firm has the resources and expertise to work with local counsel to provide you with effective legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek the recovery you deserve.
California Maritime Accidents due to Unseaworthiness
Unseaworthiness is a legal concept that has significant implications for the California maritime industry. It refers to a vessel’s inability to safely perform its intended function due to a variety of factors. These failures can include a lack of proper maintenance or repair, the absence of necessary safety equipment, or improper loading or crewing.
A vessel can be considered unseaworthy if it fails to meet certain standards of safety, such as those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or the U.S. Coast Guard. For example, if a vessel lacks adequate firefighting equipment or fails to meet other safety standards, it may be deemed unseaworthy.
The concept of unseaworthiness is particularly important in cases of maritime accidents, where it can be a contributing factor. For example, if a vessel is unseaworthy due to a lack of proper maintenance, this could lead to equipment failure or other issues that could cause an accident. In other cases, improper loading or crewing could lead to instability and cause the vessel to capsize or sink.
The legal implications of unseaworthiness can also be significant. If a vessel is found to be unseaworthy and this contributes to an accident or injury, the shipowner may be held liable for damages. This could include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Ultimately, unseaworthiness is a critical concept in the maritime industry, and it has significant implications for both safety and legal liability. Ensuring proper maintenance, repair, and equipment is essential for ensuring that vessels are seaworthy and can safely perform their intended function. However, when an employer fails to meet these standards, accidents and injuries can occur. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a specialized maritime attorney to pursue compensation for damages resulting from accidents caused by unseaworthiness. Such legal action can help hold shipowners accountable and provide injured parties with the financial resources needed to recover and move forward after a devastating accident.
When to Hire a California Maritime Injury Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a maritime accident or disaster in California, such as a drilling accident, offshore oil spill, or other incident resulting in personal injury or death, it’s crucial to know when to hire a California Maritime Injury Lawyer. While your top priority is always your safety, seeking legal representation when the immediate danger has resided from an experienced maritime attorney can be the key to protecting your rights and obtaining fair compensation.
At Doyle Dennis LLP, our team of Jones Act trial lawyers has the knowledge and expertise needed to help you navigate the complex legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that maritime accidents can take, which is why we provide compassionate and personalized legal services to our clients.
Our California Maritime Injury Lawyers have experience handling a variety of maritime accidents, including drilling accidents, offshore oil spills, and boating accidents, among others. We know the nuances of maritime law, and we’re dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident or disaster in California, it’s essential to hire a California Maritime Injury Lawyer to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. With our understanding of maritime law and our commitment to client satisfaction, you can trust us to fight for your rights and obtain the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait to seek legal help if you’ve been involved in a maritime accident in California. Contact our Maritime Injury Lawyers at Doyle Dennis LLP today for a free case evaluation and let us help you get the compensation you need to move forward. With our experience and expertise, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
Get the Justice You Deserve: Choose Doyle Dennis LLP for Your Maritime Injury Claims
Looking for a reliable and experienced law firm to handle your maritime injury case? Look no further than Doyle Dennis LLP. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable maritime trial lawyers are here to offer injured seamen and offshore workers a powerful ally in their fight for justice.
With decades of experience handling complex maritime matters that involve both local, federal and international parties, our attorneys have the expertise and resources needed to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to after a devastating maritime injury or the loss of a loved one.
At Doyle Dennis LLP, we understand that maritime litigation can be mentally and emotionally draining for our clients. That’s why our compassionate team is dedicated to providing you with clarity and answers throughout the legal process, giving you the comfort and security of knowing that you have a team of dedicated professionals on your side.
If you’re in California and need a free case evaluation, don’t hesitate to contact Doyle Dennis LLP today. Our team is ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
