Mobile, Alabama Maritime Accident Lawyers
The waters surrounding Mobile, Alabama are among the busiest in the Southeast. The Port of Mobile, offshore drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico, and countless commercial vessels create constant maritime activity. When accidents occur on the water, they often result in catastrophic injuries that can change lives forever.
Maritime accidents fall under the general federal maritime law, which is different from typical Alabama injury cases. If you've been injured working on a vessel, at a shipyard, on an offshore rig, or in any maritime accident, you need attorneys who understand these complex federal laws.
The maritime accident lawyers at Tobias & Comer Law have over 75 years of combined experience handling Jones Act claims, and other maritime injury matters. We have recovered more than $100 million for clients, including a $12.3 million settlement in a maritime injury case.
Types of Maritime Accidents We Handle
Offshore Oil Rig Accidents
Workers on Gulf Coast drilling platforms face serious risks including explosions, fires, blowouts, equipment failures, falls from heights, and crane accidents. These incidents often result in catastrophic injuries including severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations.
Vessel Collisions and Allisions
Mobile's busy shipping channels see constant traffic. Collisions between vessels or allisions where vessels strike docks, bridges, or other fixed objects can result from poor visibility, equipment failure, inadequate training, or human error.
Commercial Fishing Vessel Accidents
Commercial fishing remains one of America's most dangerous occupations. Hazards include vessel capsizing, man overboard incidents, entanglement in fishing gear, equipment malfunctions, and severe weather exposure.
Shipyard and Dock Accidents
Workers at the Port of Mobile face dangers from crane accidents, falling objects, slip and falls, being struck by cargo or equipment, falls from heights, and defective equipment.
Jones Act Seamen Injuries
Seamen working aboard vessels face risks including slip and falls on deck, injuries from defective equipment, rope and cable accidents, crush injuries, and injuries from unsafe working conditions.
Longshore and Harbor Worker Injuries
Longshoremen and stevedores handle heavy cargo and operate dangerous equipment, facing risks from cargo handling accidents, container accidents, forklift collisions, and falls from ships or docks.
Barge Accidents
Barges transporting cargo through Mobile's waterways can be involved in collisions, explosions, fires, capsizing, and loading/unloading accidents.
Recreational Boating Accidents
Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast see frequent recreational boating accidents involving jet skis, motorboats, and other pleasure craft, often caused by operator inexperience, alcohol impairment, or equipment failures.
Understanding Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Maritime law provides several legal options for injured workers and passengers. The applicable law depends on your specific situation:
The Jones Act
The Jones Act protects seamen injured while working on vessels. If you spend substantial work time aboard a vessel in navigation, you may qualify. Jones Act seamen can sue employers for negligence and recover full damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.
Unseaworthiness Claims
Vessel owners must provide seaworthy vessels. A vessel can be unseaworthy due to defective equipment, inadequate crew, improper maintenance, or unsafe conditions. If unseaworthiness contributed to your injury, you can pursue compensation regardless of fault.
Maintenance and Cure
Seamen injured while in service of a vessel are entitled to maintenance (daily living expenses) and cure (medical treatment) until reaching maximum medical improvement. These benefits are owed regardless of fault.
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The LHWCA provides benefits to maritime workers who are not seamen, including longshoremen, harbor workers, ship builders, and ship repairers. Benefits include compensation for lost wages, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Injured workers may also pursue third-party negligence claims.
General Maritime Law
Passengers and others injured on navigable waters can pursue claims under general maritime law. Vessel owners and operators owe passengers a duty of reasonable care and can be held liable for negligence.
What to Do After a Maritime Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a maritime accident protects your health and legal rights:
Seek Medical Attention: Get treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries don't show symptoms right away.
Report the Accident: Notify your employer or vessel owner as soon as possible. LHWCA requires notice within 30 days.
Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, equipment, and injuries. Get witness contact information. Keep all medical records and communications.
Preserve Evidence: Don't dispose of damaged clothing or equipment involved in the accident.
Don't Sign Anything: Insurance companies may ask you to sign statements or releases. Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first.
Contact Our Maritime Attorneys: Maritime law is complex and time-sensitive. Early legal representation protects your rights.
Compensation in Maritime Injury Cases
Depending on your situation and applicable law, you may be entitled to compensation including:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing care)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Permanent disability compensation
- Maintenance and cure benefits for seamen
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The attorneys at Tobias & Comer Law have recovered substantial compensation for maritime injury victims, including a $12.3 million maritime injury settlement and a $12 million bench verdict in an industrial accident case.
Important Time Limits:
- Jones Act: Typically 3 years from injury date
- LHWCA: Notice within 30 days, claim filed within 1 year
- General maritime claims: Usually 3 years, but shorter periods may apply
Contact our attorneys immediately after your injury to ensure your rights are protected.
Why Choose Tobias & Comer Law for Your Maritime Accident Case
Deep Maritime Law Experience
Our attorneys have handled hundreds of maritime injury cases over 75 years of combined practice. We understand the Jones Act, LHWCA, unseaworthiness claims, and maintenance and cure. We know how maritime companies and their insurers operate, and we know how to hold them accountable.
Proven Results
We have recovered over $100 million for clients, including:
- $12.3 million maritime injury settlement
- $12 million bench verdict for industrial accident
- $7 million personal injury verdict
- $3.4 million for crane accident victim
Trial-Ready Attorneys
Unlike some firms that settle every case, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys have tried more than 100 civil jury and bench trials combined. Insurance companies know we will not back down from a fight.
Local Mobile Roots
We are Mobile natives with deep connections to the maritime community. We understand the Port of Mobile, the local maritime industry, and the companies operating in our waters. We have relationships with maritime experts and medical providers who understand maritime injuries.
Personal Attention
We work each client's case personally, from start to finish. You will work directly with experienced attorneys, not paralegals or case managers. We return phone calls promptly and keep you informed throughout the process.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This means you can afford experienced maritime attorneys regardless of your financial situation.
Contact Our Mobile Maritime Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, time is critical. Strict deadlines apply to maritime injury claims, and evidence must be preserved quickly. Insurance companies are already working to minimize your claim. You need experienced maritime attorneys on your side now.
The team at Tobias & Comer Law is ready to help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Don't face the maritime companies and their insurance adjusters alone. Contact us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (251) 432-5001 or email info@tobiascomerlaw.com
We represent injured maritime workers, seamen, longshoremen, and passengers throughout Mobile, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Saraland, Satsuma, and across Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Tobias & Comer Law
1203 Dauphin Street
Mobile, Alabama 36604
Real people helping real people.
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