Maritime Law

Expert Maritime and Admiralty Law Representation

Introduction to Life on the Water
For many of us, the water is a source of livelihood, recreation, and commerce. However, the laws that govern the waterways are vastly different from those that apply on land. At Gordon T. Carey, Jr., P.C., we have a deep appreciation for the maritime industry and the unique community that surrounds it. Whether you are a seaman, a dock worker, or a recreational boater, the legal landscape you face when something goes wrong is known as Admiralty or Maritime Law. This is a highly specialized field, and having a general personal injury lawyer often isn’t enough. You need a dedicated maritime attorney who understands the specific statutes, history, and nuances of federal maritime regulations. We are here to guide you through these choppy waters with confidence and compassion.

Protecting Our Maritime Workers: The Jones Act
If you work on a vessel—whether it is a tugboat, a fishing trawler, a barge, or a deep-sea cargo ship—you are likely protected by a federal statute known as the Jones Act. Unlike land-based employees who rely on standard workers’ compensation, seamen have the right to sue their employers for negligence. This is a crucial distinction that a skilled Jones Act attorney knows how to leverage.

We understand that an injury at sea can end a career. It isn’t just about paying medical bills; it is about the loss of your livelihood and the pain you endure. Under the Jones Act, “negligence” can be something as minor as a slippery deck, a broken piece of equipment, or an unsafe instruction from a captain. We work closely with injured seamen to investigate exactly what happened. We look at maintenance logs, interview crew members, and reconstruct the accident to prove that your injury was preventable. You work hard to keep our economy moving on the water, and we work just as hard to ensure you are protected when that work leads to injury.

Support for Longshoremen and Harbor Workers
Not everyone who works in the maritime industry goes to sea. Thousands of hardworking men and women support the industry from the shore as longshoremen, harbor workers, shipbuilders, and ship repairers. If you are a dock worker injury attorney, you know that the docks are among the most dangerous worksites in the country. Heavy cranes, shifting cargo, and massive machinery create constant hazards.

For these workers, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides federal workers’ compensation benefits. This system is distinct from state workers’ compensation and generally provides better benefits. However, navigating the LHWCA can be incredibly frustrating. Claims are often denied or minimized by insurance companies looking to save money. As your longshoreman injury lawyer, we step in to handle the paperwork, the medical evaluations, and the appeals. We ensure that you receive the correct amount of compensation for your lost wages and medical treatment. Furthermore, if your injury was caused by a third party—such as a vessel owner or an outside contractor—we can help you pursue a separate claim for damages, maximizing the financial support available to you and your family.

Recreational Boating and Marina Accidents
The water isn’t all work; it’s also where we go to relax. However, a fun weekend can turn tragic in an instant due to negligence. As a boat accident lawyer, we see far too many incidents involving speeding, boating under the influence, and operator inexperience. When a collision happens on a lake, river, or ocean, the rules of the road are different than on the highway. Determining fault in a boating accident requires a maritime law attorney who understands navigation rules and right-of-way laws on the water.

We also represent individuals injured in marina accidents. Marinas have a duty to keep their premises safe, yet we frequently see cases involving rotten docks, electrical hazards, and poorly maintained walkways. If you have been injured while enjoying your time on the water or at a marina, we are here to listen to your story. We investigate the circumstances thoroughly to determine if a vessel owner, operator, or marina management failed in their duty to keep you safe.

Commercial Disputes and Insurance Issues
Beyond personal injury, the maritime industry is driven by contracts and commerce. When business deals go wrong on the water, the stakes are incredibly high. We serve as trusted advisors for commercial vessel disputes, helping boat owners, charterers, and shipyards resolve conflicts efficiently. Whether you are dealing with a breach of contract regarding the sale of a vessel, a dispute over repairs at a shipyard, or a disagreement over cargo, we bring a practical, business-minded approach to litigation.

One of the most complex areas we handle is maritime insurance disputes. Marine insurance policies are notoriously dense and difficult to interpret. It is not uncommon for insurance carriers to deny valid claims by citing obscure exclusions or alleging that a vessel was not “seaworthy.” As experienced shipyard injury attorneys and maritime litigators, we know how to read the fine print. We hold insurance companies accountable, ensuring that they honor the policies you paid for. Whether your vessel was damaged in a storm or you are facing liability claims from a third party, we act as your shield and your sword in these high-stakes financial battles.

Why Choose Gordon T. Carey, Jr., P.C. for Maritime Law?
Maritime law is not a hobby for us; it is a core pillar of our practice. We understand that cases involving the water require a specific rhythm and knowledge base. We know that the statute of limitations can be different, the courts may be federal rather than state, and the opposing counsel will likely be specialized maritime defense firms. We are prepared to meet them head-on.

When you hire us, you aren’t just getting a lawyer; you are getting a team that respects the maritime tradition. We know that whether you are a deckhand or a marina owner, your reputation and your finances are on the line. We take the time to explain the legal process in plain English, avoiding legal jargon so you always know where your case stands. We are here to help you navigate the storm and bring you safely to harbor.