For more than 30 years, we’ve helped injured maritime workers across the Gulf South and nationwide. During that time, we’ve taken countless calls from seriously injured maritime workers who already hired an attorney — only to discover their attorney couldn’t handle the complexity of the case. After listening to their stories, we’ve compiled this list of the top mistakes we see over and over again.
If you’ve been injured offshore or while working on the water, here are three of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a maritime lawyer—and how to avoid them.
1. Hiring an Attorney Who Doesn’t Focus on Maritime Law
Not every lawyer needs to exclusively handle maritime cases — but they should have significant experience in this area. Maritime law is very specialized. It’s complex and very different from typical personal injury or car accident claims. These cases are governed by Federal maritime law, and often are filed and tried in Federal court.
Making sure your attorney knows maritime law and has handled hundreds such cases is the first step. Look for a maritime injury attorney who has handled hundreds of similar claims and understands how to navigate the Jones Act, unseaworthiness claims, maintenance and cure disputes, and more.
2. Choosing a Lawyer Who Never Goes to Trial
Maritime injury claims are hard-fought, and employers know which attorneys are serious about trial — and which aren’t. If your lawyer has a reputation for always settling, you may never get the compensation you truly deserve.
Ask potential lawyers:
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How many maritime cases have you tried?
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When was your last trial?
Companies aren’t afraid of attorneys who never go to trial. They offer low settlements and expect quick resolutions. You need a lawyer who’s trial-ready and willing to fight for you.
3. Falling for the 80/20 Rule Trap
Finally, one of the biggest challenges you have with hiring the right maritime injury attorney for your case is the 80/20 rule. In contingency fee cases, some lawyers try to put in 20% of the effort and still collect 80% of the results. That may be great for them—but it’s bad for you. You deserve an attorney who’s 100% committed to getting you the maximum compensation possible.
If your case doesn’t settle fairly, your lawyer should be ready to take it to court without hesitation. Don’t settle for someone looking to cut corners. This is your case—and your future.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Time is critical after a maritime injury. Evidence disappears, deadlines approach, and the wrong legal advice can cost you everything.
Call us today at (504) 680-4100 or schedule a free consultation with our legal time using the form above. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and show you why so many offshore workers trust us to deliver results.
