Maritime Work Connects Delaware County to the World
Though Delaware County sits on land, its workers and families are tied closely to the water. Ships and barges travel the Delaware River and nearby waterways, moving cargo in and out of local and regional ports. Tugs, supply boats, and other vessels support that traffic. At the same time, residents use the water for fishing, recreation, and travel.
With all that activity comes risk. A simple mistake with a heavy line, a missed step on a wet ladder, a dropped load from a crane, or a navigation error in a narrow channel can cause serious injuries or even death. The laws that apply to these cases are different from ordinary car crash or slip and fall claims, so it is important to work with someone who understands maritime rules.
A maritime accident lawyer in Delaware County, PA helps injured seamen, longshore workers, and passengers bring claims under the Jones Act, general maritime law, and related statutes.
Seamen, Harbor Workers, and Passengers: Different Rights, Different Laws
Maritime law looks at your role on or near the water when deciding which protections apply. Many crew members qualify as “seamen” when they spend a significant part of their work life aboard a vessel on navigable waters and contribute to the mission of that vessel. Seamen are covered by the Jones Act and related protections.
Harbor and dock workers, such as longshoremen, crane operators, and some shipyard staff, are often covered by special federal compensation laws and may also have negligence claims against vessel owners or other companies when unsafe conditions cause injury.
Passengers on commercial boats, ferries, or tour vessels are usually protected by general negligence standards under maritime law. They can bring claims when operators fail to provide a reasonably safe vessel and voyage, or when crew members act carelessly.
A Delaware County maritime injury attorney looks at where the accident occurred, how long you spend on the water, and who controlled the operation to pick the right path for your case and avoid losing benefits by filing under the wrong statute.
Types of Maritime Accidents Handled for Delaware County Clients
The Schuster Law maritime practice focuses on people hurt on vessels and platforms in both territorial and international waters, as well as in ports and harbors.
Typical cases include:
Deck injuries from slips, trips, and falls caused by water, oil, ice, or clutter
Line and winch accidents when lines part, jump, or are mishandled
Cargo handling injuries involving cranes, forklifts, and unsecured loads
Gangway and ladder falls between vessel and dock
Collisions, allisions, and groundings tied to poor navigation or lookout
Offshore platform and rig accidents affecting crew and support staff
These incidents may lead to broken bones, crushed limbs, spine and brain injuries, burns, hypothermia, and near drowning events that leave permanent harm.
Maritime Rights Under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law
Seamen injured in service of a vessel have several key rights. Under the Jones Act, they can sue their employers when company or crew negligence plays any part in causing the injury. The legal standard is more favorable than in many land based cases; even a small amount of employer fault can support recovery.
Seamen are also entitled to maintenance and cure. Maintenance covers basic living costs such as food and housing while the seaman is recovering away from the vessel. Cure covers reasonable medical care related to the injury or illness until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement. These benefits are owed regardless of who was at fault.
In addition, vessel owners must provide a seaworthy vessel. Claims for unseaworthiness arise when equipment is unsafe, the crew is too small or poorly trained, or the ship is otherwise not reasonably fit for its intended use. An injured seaman may bring both a Jones Act negligence claim and an unseaworthiness claim in the same case.
A maritime accident lawyer in Delaware County, PA helps you combine these tools to pursue the full range of compensation available, instead of settling for maintenance and cure alone.
What To Do After a Vessel, Barge, or Dock Injury
Right after a maritime accident, you may feel pressure to keep quiet, finish the job, or sign company forms without much thought. That can hurt your claim later. Steps that usually help include:
Report the incident promptly to a supervisor, captain, or port manager and request a written report.
Seek medical treatment without delay, on board at first if needed, then at a clinic or hospital on shore.
Describe your symptoms honestly and explain that they started with the accident.
If safe to do so, take photos or brief video of the area, equipment, and any obvious hazards.
Note the names of crew members or coworkers who saw what happened or know the conditions on board.
Avoid signing statement forms or broad releases before speaking with a maritime accident lawyer.
Memories fade and conditions on vessels change quickly, so early documentation can make a big difference in proving what really happened.
How a Delaware County Maritime Accident Lawyer Supports You
Maritime claims often involve large shipping companies, global insurers, and employers that handle these cases regularly. Trying to manage a serious injury and a complex legal system at the same time is a heavy burden.
A maritime accident lawyer serving Delaware County can gather records, ship logs, safety manuals, and witness accounts; consult with experts in navigation, marine engineering, and occupational medicine; prepare and file Jones Act and related claims; and negotiate directly with insurers for a fair settlement. If a reasonable offer is not made, the firm can take your case into federal or state court, depending on what best fits your situation.
Most maritime law firms handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay an attorney fee unless they recover money for you through a settlement or verdict. That fee structure lets injured workers and families pursue justice without adding new bills at a time when income may already be reduced.
If a vessel, barge, dock, or port accident connected to the Delaware County area has changed your life, you do not have to face the future alone. A local maritime accident lawyer can explain your rights, protect your claim, and work to secure the compensation you need to regain stability on shore.
