Portsmouth Maritime Lawyers

Maritime Injury Lawyers

Portsmouth Maritime Accident Lawyers

PORTSMOUTH, VA

The maritime industry is a cornerstone of Portsmouth, Virginia’s economy and identity. The city’s strategic location in the Hampton Roads area—one of the largest natural harbors in the world—has made it a crucial hub for shipbuilding, naval operations, and commercial port activities for centuries.

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Portsmouth Injury Lawyers

Portsmouth is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, one of the oldest and most important naval shipyards in the United States. The shipyard specializes in ship repair, modernization, and maintenance. The city’s port facilities also support a wide range of commercial maritime activities, including cargo shipping, logistics, and trade, making it an essential part of the regional economy.

Given Portsmouth’s bustling waterways, accidents and injuries are an unfortunate reality. If you were injured on the water, you need an experienced lawyer because these cases are complex. The Portsmouth maritime lawyers at Rutter Mills are here to help.

Important Laws Governing Maritime Personal Injury Cases

As noted above, maritime personal injury cases are complex because they may involve a variety of laws, including:

  • Jones Act: Covers seamen injured due to employer negligence. A Jones Act lawyer helps injured maritime workers secure the compensation they deserve by proving employer negligence and navigating the complexities of maritime law.
  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Covers injuries to longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime employees who do not qualify as seamen.
  • Death on the High Seas Act (“DOSHA”) provides a cause of action for surviving family members of those killed at sea.

Common Types of Maritime Injury Cases in Portsmouth

Offshore workers on oil rigs face dangers like equipment malfunctions, fires, and falls. Under the Jones Act, these workers may seek compensation if employer negligence is involved. With the expansion of offshore wind farms in the region, workers are exposed to electrical hazards, heavy machinery, and rough seas. Our Portsmouth offshore accident lawyers are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance, aggressive advocacy, and fighting insurance companies to get you back on your feet.

Working on tugboats can be dangerous due to heavy lifting, slippery decks, or collisions with other vessels. Injuries often fall under the Jones Act if caused by employer negligence. Accidents involving tugboats and towing barges may result from poorly secured cargo or inadequate safety measures, leading to serious injuries.

Fishermen frequently face hazardous conditions, from rough weather to malfunctioning equipment. Supply vessels also play a vital role in supporting offshore oil and wind operations. Accidents can result from rough seas, loading cargo, or inadequate safety protocols.

Workers involved in the maintenance or installation of gas lines are exposed to risks like underwater explosions, toxic leaks, and high-pressure equipment failures. These cases may involve maritime law and the LHWCA.

Longshoremen and dockworkers working on docks and terminals, such as the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, can lead to injuries from cranes, forklifts, or falling cargo. The LHWCA provides protection for these workers and ensures they receive proper benefits.

Maritime Lawyers
Maritime Lawyers

Serious Maritime Injuries Require Serious Lawyers

Our Portsmouth Maritime Law Experience

Maritime work is one of the most hazardous industries. Conditions on the water, coupled with heavy equipment and changing weather, can result in high accident and fatality rates. We provide tenacious representation to offshore and maritime workers injured on the job and those hurt in recreational water activities.

Our Portsmouth maritime injury attorneys have a long history in this area. In our decades-long residency here, we’ve seen firsthand how vital our many waterways are to our local economy and the livelihood of our neighbors. We are committed to maintaining that tradition by protecting the rights of victims injured by maritime negligence.

Navigating Maritime Law in Portsmouth, Virginia

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, covers a wide range of cases that extend beyond typical workplace injuries. Given the unique hazards of working on or around water, these cases often involve complex legal issues like jurisdictional questions, federal regulations, and disputes over liability and compensation. Workers on vessels, docks, or offshore platforms face unique risks. The maritime injury lawyers at Rutter Mills provide tenacious representation to injured offshore and maritime workers and those hurt in recreational water activities.

Not every attorney is experienced enough to navigate the complexity of a maritime injury case. We have a deep understanding of how local, state, and federal laws apply to your case. Whether you’re a seaman, dockworker, or offshore laborer, our team is equipped to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Why Portsmouth Maritime Workers Trust Rutter Mills

We have served the Hampton Roads area for over 50 years, earning the trust of countless clients who rely on us to protect their rights. Our admiralty lawyers in Portsmouth stand out for several reasons:

  • Local Expertise: Our deep roots in the Portsmouth area mean we understand the unique maritime landscape and legal environment. We know the intricacies of cases involving the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, and other key locations.
  • Experienced Negotiators and Litigators: Maritime cases are rarely simple. They involve powerful employers, insurance companies, and federal regulations that can make compensation challenging. Our legal team is skilled at handling negotiations and taking cases to trial when necessary. Whether it’s securing compensation under the Jones Act or LHWCA, we are relentless in pursuing justice.
  • Client-Centered Approach: We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your unique situation and fight for the best possible outcome. We work closely with each client to ensure they feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their case.

Contact Rutter Mills for a Free Maritime Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured while working (or playing) in or around the waterways, please get in touch with us at Rutter Mills, a Portsmouth maritime injury law firm. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to serving the community of Portsmouth, we pledge to provide the strong legal support you need. Let us help you understand your rights under maritime law and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation.

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

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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
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
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
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
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
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
Workers Comp Lawyer
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GOOGLE REVIEWS

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!

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