From Dock to Docket: Maritime Injury Law

Maritime personal injury cases often operate under a distinct body of laws and procedures that can differ from state laws. This seminar will equip attorneys with the skills needed to spot maritime injury issues early and ensure the correct legal framework is applied to their clients’ cases. In this complex and nuanced field of law, applying the wrong laws, missing claims, procedural errors, and malpractice exposure can occur, among other problems. Which is why it is essential to understand the fundamentals of maritime personal injury law, including negligence under general maritime law, the Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims, longshoreman third-party claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), and the Limitation of Liability Act. Attorneys will also gain practical tools for identifying maritime cases and understanding jurisdictional nuances.

This course is designed for attorneys with any amount of experience. Personal injury attorneys, workers’ compensation lawyers, and general practitioners who may encounter clients injured on or near navigable waters are encouraged to attend.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify when an injury falls under maritime jurisdiction versus state law.
2. Explain passenger claims for negligence under general maritime law.
3. Explore crew claims for maintenance and cure, negligence, and unseaworthiness under the Jones Act and general maritime law. 
4. Examine the basics of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) and Section 905(b) vessel negligence claims.
5. Describe the purpose and application of the Limitation of Liability Act and its impact on maritime litigation.