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MARITIME INJURY LAWYER IN MOBILE, AL

Working in a maritime industry comes with significant risks, from hazardous offshore conditions to dangerous equipment failures. If you’ve been injured while working on a vessel, oil rig, dock, or harbor, you may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime laws. However, securing the benefits you deserve isn’t always straightforward—employers and insurance companies often try to limit or deny claims. That’s where an experienced Mobile maritime injury lawyer can make a difference.

At Long & Long, we specialize in representing injured seamen, offshore workers, and dock employees around Mobile, AL, and along the Gulf Coast. With a deep understanding of The Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and other maritime laws, our team fights to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

We don’t charge any upfront fees and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us today for a FREE case review.

72k

Clients Served

30+

Years In Practice

$600M+

Recovered For Clients

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What’s On This Page

Our Maritime Injury Settlements

$5,750,000

Maritime/Admiralty -Wrongful Death Case – Mobile County, Alabama

$625,000

Offshore Maritime Injury Case – New Orleans, Louisiana

$150,000

Offshore Maritime Injury Case – Mobile County, Alabama

$135,000

Maritime Injury Case – Mobile County, Alabama

Why You Need an Attorney For Your Maritime Case

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Maritime injury claims are far more complex than standard personal injury cases. Unlike traditional workplace accidents that fall under state workers’ compensation laws, maritime injuries are governed by federal laws such as The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These laws provide injured maritime workers with legal protections, but navigating the claims process requires a deep understanding of maritime statutes, employer responsibilities, and insurance company tactics.

If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, you’ve made it to the right place. Our team is well equipped to handle the unique complexities involved in maritime accident cases, and our team is here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We take the stress and frustration off your shoulders and help you get your life back together as soon as possible. Contact us for a free case review today.

Long & Long Maritime Lawyers Can Help

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What You’ll Get When You Work With Us

  • Free consultations
  • No out of pocket cost to you
  • Stress-free experience
  • 24/7 access and support
  • Proven track record of great results

Maritime Cases We Can Help With

  • Offshore oil rig and platform accidents
  • Tugboat, barge & ferry worker injuries
  • Commercial fishing & shrimp boat accidents
  • Dock, harbor, &longshore worker claims
  • Cruise ship & recreational boating accidents
  • Toxic exposure & repetitive stress injuries

3

Easy Steps

1.

HIRE LONG & LONG

We take it from here — building your case and fighting for maximum compensation.

2.

FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH

Your only job now is to rest, recover, and let us handle your case.

3.

You Get Paid

We fight hard to maximize your claim.

“Most people come to us on one of the worst days of their lives and they don’t know what to do. We work injury cases every single day, and we know how to make the legal process as easy as possible for our clients and maximize results.”

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Put an Award-Winning Law Firm at Your Side

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State Bar of Georgia
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What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Maritime Injury

If you’ve been injured while working offshore, taking the right immediate steps can protect your health, your job, and your legal rights. To maximize your claim and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve, follow these steps:

1. Report the Injury to Your Employer

Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Many maritime laws have strict deadlines for reporting workplace injuries.

Request a written accident report and ensure it accurately describes the incident and your injuries.

If your employer pressures you to downplay your injuries, document everything and consult a maritime lawyer before signing anything.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional.

If your employer provides a company doctor, you still have the right to see your own physician for an independent evaluation.

Getting immediate medical attention will also produce reliable evidence to support your claim. Make sure to keep detailed medical records of all treatments, diagnoses, prescriptions, etc.

3. Gather Evidence & Witness Statements

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident.

Collect witness statements from coworkers or others who saw the accident.

Preserve any protective gear or equipment involved in the injury, as it may provide valuable evidence of employer negligence.

4. Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Advice

Your employer or their insurance company may offer a quick settlement, but it’s often far less than you deserve. The insurance company is a for-profit business–they will do everything they can to minimize your claim in order to protect their bottom line.

Never sign a settlement, waiver, or release form without speaking to a maritime lawyer first. Signing too soon could mean giving up your right to full compensation, including compensation for future medical bills and lost wages.

5. Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Maritime law is highly specialized—having an experienced maritime injury lawyer on your side will help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Our maritime injury lawyers can determine which maritime law applies to your case. We'll handle all negotiations with your employer, the insurance companies, and courts, so you can focus on recovery.

Don’t Wait—Get a Free Case Review Today

If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. At Long & Long, we have the experience and resources to help you get the compensation you deserve. Get started today with a free case review.

What Makes Maritime Law Different?

Maritime law, also known as “admiralty law,” is a unique legal field that governs injuries and accidents that occur in navigable waters. Unlike standard workers’ compensation laws, which cover most land-based employees, maritime workers are protected by unique federal laws designed specifically for their hazardous work environments.

Whether you were injured offshore, on a vessel, or at a harbor or dock, your legal rights depend on where the accident happened and the type of work you perform. The two most important laws that protect maritime workers are The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a fundamental law that allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, which does not require proving fault, The Jones Act requires seamen to show that their employer’s negligence contributed to their injury—even if only in a small way.

Under The Jones Act, eligible workers may recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages and future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Living expenses while recovering (maintenance and cure)

Who Is Covered by The Jones Act?

To qualify for protection under The Jones Act, a worker must meet specific criteria:

  • Must be classified as a “seaman”, meaning they spend at least 30% of their working time on a vessel in navigation.
  • The vessel must be operational, afloat, and capable of moving (not permanently docked).
  • Jobs covered include deckhands, captains, engineers, commercial fishermen, offshore oil workers, and tugboat crew members.

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The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

Maritime employees who work on docks, shipyards, harbors, or loading/unloading vessels but do not qualify as seamen under The Jones Act may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

The LHWCA provides compensation for:

  • Medical treatment for work-related injuries
  • Temporary and permanent disability benefits
  • Rehabilitation services for injured workers
  • Survivor benefits for families of workers killed on the job

Who Qualifies for LHWCA Benefits?

  • Longshoremen and dock workers
  • Shipbuilders and ship repair workers
  • Harbor construction crews
  • Cargo loaders and crane operators
  • Other workers who support maritime commerce but do not work aboard vessels full-time

Unlike The Jones Act, LHWCA does not require proving employer negligence—it functions more like traditional workers’ compensation. However, employers and insurance companies often dispute claims, which is why having a maritime injury attorney on your side is important.

How Maritime Laws Protect Injured Workers

Maritime workers face some of the most dangerous job conditions in the country. Fortunately, federal maritime laws ensure that injured workers receive the compensation and medical care they need to recover.

  • “Maintenance and Cure” Benefits – Injured seamen under The Jones Act are entitled to living expenses (maintenance) and medical care (cure) until they reach maximum medical improvement.
  • Legal Protection Against Employer Retaliation – It is illegal for employers to fire, threaten, or retaliate against maritime workers for filing injury claims.
  • Right to Sue for Full Compensation – Unlike land-based workers’ comp, The Jones Act allows injured seamen to file lawsuits for full compensation, including pain and suffering.
  • Access to Federal Benefits – Dock workers and longshoremen under LHWCA receive structured benefits for medical care, lost wages, and permanent disabilities.

If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, it’s important to understand which laws apply to your case and how to maximize your compensation. At Long & Long, we have extensive experience handling Jones Act and LHWCA claims and will fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free maritime injury claim review.

Common Maritime Accidents & Injuries

Working in a maritime industry presents unique dangers that can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. Whether offshore or onshore, maritime workers face hazardous conditions that often result from employer negligence, unsafe equipment, or poor safety protocols.

These are some of the most common maritime accidents and injuries. If any of these sound like your situation, there’s a fair chance you have a valid maritime injury case and could be entitled to substantial compensation. To find out if you have a valid claim, contact our maritime injury attorneys today for a free case review.

Common Maritime Accidents

Slip & Falls on Decks, Docks, and Rigs

Slippery decks, oil spills, and unsecured equipment can cause severe falls that lead to broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries. Employers are required to maintain safe working conditions under maritime law.

Heavy Equipment & Machinery Accidents

Many maritime jobs require the use of cranes, winches, and forklifts, which can malfunction or be improperly operated. Crush injuries, amputations, and severe trauma often result from poorly maintained equipment.

Fires & Explosions on Vessels & Oil Rigs

Oil rigs, ships, and fuel-handling facilities present serious fire and explosion hazards. Lax safety measures and/or faulty equipment can lead to catastrophic accidents. Victims may suffer severe burns, respiratory damage, and permanent disabilities.

Drowning & Overboard Accidents

Maritime workers, especially commercial fishermen and offshore oil workers, face the constant risk of falling overboard. Failure to provide proper safety harnesses, training, and rescue procedures can make employers liable.

Toxic Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

Shipyard and dock workers may be exposed to toxic fumes, asbestos, or other hazardous chemicals, leading to lung disease, cancer, or neurological conditions.

Repetitive Stress & Overexertion Injuries

Lifting heavy cargo, performing repetitive tasks, and working long shifts can result in chronic back injuries, joint pain, and musculoskeletal disorders. Many maritime workers develop long-term disabilities that impact their ability to work.

Common Serious Maritime Injuries We Handle

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Head injuries from falls, equipment strikes, or explosions can result in memory loss, cognitive issues, and permanent disabilities that have severe effects on your ability to work.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Severe falls and crush accidents can cause paralysis, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
  • Burn Injuries – Unlike land-based workers’ comp, The Jones Act allows injured seamen to file lawsuits for full compensation, including pain and suffering.
  • Broken Bones & Amputations – Maritime accidents often result in fractures, crush injuries, and limb amputations due to heavy machinery or falls.
  • Hearing Loss & Vision Damage – Exposure to explosions, loud machinery, and chemical burns can cause permanent sensory impairment.

Our Maritime Injury Lawyers in Mobile

Our team of Mobile, AL maritime injury attorneys specialize in maritime injury claims, and are well-equipped to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness. We have more than 200 years of combined experience representing injured maritime workers. Working with our team means being in the best hands possible.

Earle W. Long, IV

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Attorney N. Staples Wood of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

N. Staples Wood

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Attorney Walton Hickman of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Walton Hickman

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Attorney Mac McClurkin of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Mac McClurkin

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Attorney Cate E. Biggs of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Cate E. Biggs

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Attorney Jack "Trip" Smalley III of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Jack “Trip” Smalley III

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Attorney Andrea Butler Headshot

Andrea F. Butler

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Attorney Alan Colvin of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Alan Colvin

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Attorney John H. Leech, Jr. of Long & Long Injury Attoneys

John H. Leech, Jr.

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Attorney Erick Bussey of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Erick Bussey

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Attorney Jennifer Perez of Long & Long

Jennifer Perez

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Attorney Russell Johnson of Long & Long Injury Attorneys

Russell Johnson

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