Newport News Maritime Lawyers

Newport News Maritime Accident Lawyers

Newport News Maritime

Newport News, Virginia, is a key maritime hub, playing a significant role in the shipping, naval, and offshore industries. Located along the James River and Hampton Roads harbor, the city is home to vital maritime facilities, including the Newport News Marine Terminal and Newport News Shipbuilding, making it a cornerstone of both commercial and military maritime activities.

Newport News’ strategic deep-water access on the East Coast also supports extensive commercial shipping operations. If you or a loved one has been injured on the water, contact the Newport News maritime lawyers at Rutter Mills. We are committed to protecting the rights of victims of maritime negligence for injuries sustained both on the job and off the clock.

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Injuries that occur when you’re working or playing on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime law, also known as admiralty law. Cases like these in Newport News can involve local, state, and federal laws, so you need an attorney well-versed in all three. Not every attorney is experienced enough to navigate the complexity of this niche practice area.

Maritime cases often involve unique legal challenges due to:

The dangerous conditions offshore workers face.
Jurisdictional disputes, particularly with offshore accidents.
Compliance with federal and maritime regulations.
Complications in determining liable parties.
Challenges in obtaining fair compensation for injuries.

Common Types of Maritime Injury Cases in Newport News

Workers on cargo ships and tankers often face hazards like falls, being struck by heavy cargo, or equipment malfunctions. Tugboat operators, who endure long hours in unpredictable weather, are at risk for crush injuries, falls overboard, and incidents involving towlines. Offshore oil rig workers face threats from explosions, fires, and falls from high platforms, especially in remote locations with limited emergency response.

Working out at sea is never easy. As the need for energy sends workers further offshore, maritime laws provide protection and compensation for injuries that occur on the water. Newport News is involved in offshore projects, including wind farm construction and maintenance of wind turbines, as well as the maintenance of gas pipelines. Workers in these fields face unique risks, such as electrical hazards, machinery-related injuries, and falls. Diving accidents are another concern, with divers at risk of decompression sickness, equipment malfunctions, and underwater entrapment.

If you’ve been hurt doing offshore work, a Newport News maritime lawyer has the expertise, resources, and renowned reputation to take on the big insurance companies and fight for the justice you deserve.

The beautiful waterways of Newport News attract recreational boaters, but accidents involving jet skis, sailboats, and yachts are common. Operator inexperience, high speeds, and changing weather conditions often result in collisions, falls overboard, or capsizing. Cruise ship passengers may also experience injuries from slip and fall incidents or other accidents during their voyage.

Fishing and crabbing are integral to Newport News’ local economy, but these jobs come with significant risks. Accidents involving heavy equipment, wet surfaces, and dangerous weather can result in severe injuries. Commercial fishermen often face entanglement hazards, falls, or injuries from onboard equipment, making it one of the most hazardous industries.

Key Federal Laws That Protect Maritime Workers

Each of the following laws plays a crucial role in providing protections and remedies for different categories of maritime workers and their families, depending on where and how the injury or death occurred.

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, allows seamen who work on vessels to seek compensation from their employers if they are injured due to employer negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. It provides the right to sue for damages, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Jones Act lawyers have been winning record-setting verdicts for maritime cases for decades.

Longshore and Harbor Workers‘ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides compensation and medical benefits to dockworkers, crane operators, shipbuilders, ship repairers, and other maritime workers involved in land-based activities near navigable waters. It covers workers not classified as seamen (i.e., those who do not work primarily on vessels).
Death on the High Seas Act (DOSHA). This act allows families to pursue a cause of action for wrongful death if a loved one dies due to negligence or wrongful acts occurring in international waters (beyond 12 nautical miles from the U.S. shore). Compensation is typically limited to financial losses, such as loss of support and funeral expenses.

Why Newport News Maritime Workers Trust Rutter Mills

When you have a serious injury, you need a law firm with the size, strength, and experience to take on the big insurance companies. Choose Rutter Mills. Our Newport News maritime attorneys are here to make a real difference in your life, providing the personalized attention and communication you deserve. When your future is on the line, don’t trust your case to anyone. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

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At Rutter Mills,
every case is a serious case-because it's your case.

All Services

Personal Injury

We are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our top-rated attorneys will fight the insurance companies and get you back on your feet.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Car Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life. Then we’ll tell you what options are available to you to get on the road to recovery.

Car Accident Lawyers

Maritime/Jones Act Law

Personal injuries that happen when you’re working – or playing – on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime laws under the Jones Act– also known as admiralty law.

Maritime Lawyers

Motorcycle Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on listening to not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often serious. We are here to listen to your story so we can guide you to healing. Our team has represented some of the largest truck accident cases in Virginia. Call us and see how we can help you today.

Truck Accident Lawyers

Workers Compensation

If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.

Workers Compensation Lawyers

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When you’ve been injured, you’ve got a lot at stake – but so does the insurance company. Being represented by a serious lawyer makes all the difference. Call Rutter Mills today and let us even the playing field for you.

Paul M

I should have posted this a while ago, but Rutter-Mills represented me after a drunk driver plowed into my motorcycle head-on. Which was even worse since I was on it at the time. At first, the insurance company on the vehicle was willing to pay the full liability amount, which meant we'd be unable to sue for more. But the team at Rutter-Mills, lawyers, paralegals, and investigators all kept pushing and realized that a legality detail meant the driver's father's insurance was responsible.
I got medically separated from the Navy due to my injuries, which still persist and hinder me to this day. But thanks to the way everyone at Rutter Mills treated me and worked to get me compensation that set me up for life. They're the first lawyers I refer people to if they've been injured and they're first lawyers I'll go to of anything ever happens to me or my family.

Mary W.

I highly recommend this law firm. They treated not only me, but my husband like family. Heather Bell was very helpful and nice. Eric Porcaro is a great attorney. Together they were wonderful, professional, and caring people. They worked very hard for our case.

Ridge W.

Gina Montgomery and Morgan Phipps did a phenomenal job with my case! I was involved in a car accident and they helped me get the proper care while I was waiting on my case to conclude and also worked very hard to win my case in the court room.

Larry S

Rutter Mills was awesome , they handled everything . I really wasn't planning on hiring an Attorney after my accident . The insurance companies were persistent. They were rushing me to settle when I was still hurting. I called Rutter Mills. They are honest, hardworking and wonderful to deal with. They gave me monthly updates. Their staff was courteous and very helpful The paralegal Lindsay didn't get annoyed with my many questions. Rutter Mills has a great Team! They made the experience less of a hardship for me and my family. I really appreciate all of you! I am so grateful for Rutter Mills!

Terry

I am so grateful and thankful that I chose Rutter Mills to handle my Social Security Disability Application! They completed and submitted the application on our very first office visit. My attorney and staff showed immediate knowledge and understanding of a very complex and time consuming process! I was kept informed and updated on the status of my claim. When I finally received confirmation that my claim had been approved, I couldn't have been any more pleased with my decision to hire Rutter Mills! Two big thumbs up for an awesome job!