Protecting the Rights of Seamen, Longshoremen, and Seafarers Nationwide with The Mitchell Firm

Who We Are

The Mitchell Firm is a team of dedicated maritime law attorneys based in San Diego, serving clients throughout the United States. We specialize in advocating for longshoremen, seamen, and seafarers who have been injured or faced injustices while working on or near the ocean. Our mission is to ensure you receive the protection and compensation you deserve under maritime law.

What We Do

Championing the Rights of Maritime Workers

Have you been injured while working on or off a vessel or ship? Are you facing pressure from your employer to return to work prematurely? Do you have questions about your rights under maritime law? We are here to help.

• Injury Claims: Assisting with injuries sustained at sea or in shipyards where the vessel is still afloat.
• Legal Guidance: Providing clarity on your rights and protections under maritime law.
• Employer Disputes: Advocating for you when employers neglect your well-being or push you beyond your limits.

Understanding Maritime Law

What Is Maritime Law?

Maritime Law, also known as Admiralty Law, governs legal issues that occur on navigable waters. It covers torts, contracts, injuries, and offenses that take place on the waters we navigate. It’s a combination of international and U.S. laws designed to protect those who work in maritime professions, including:

• Seamen
• Longshoremen
• Seafarers

Am I Protected Under These Laws?

Your Rights Under Maritime Law

To determine if you are protected under maritime law, certain conditions must be met:

1. Vessel Involvement: There must be a vessel involved.
2. Location of Incident: The incident must have happened on navigable waters.
3. Employment Status: You must have been performing your job when the injury occurred.

How Maritime Law Benefits You:

• Owner’s Responsibility: Vessel owners have a strict duty to maintain their vessels and may be responsible for providing compensation if the vessel is deemed unseaworthy.
• Potential Compensation:
  • Wages
  • Transportation
  • Room and Board
  • Medical Services

The Mitchell Firm can determine if you’re covered under maritime law, including the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Regardless of which law applies, we’ll find out how to assist you and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

The In’s and Out’s of Maritime Law

Comprehensive Expertise in Maritime Law

Although maritime laws are continuously evolving, The Mitchell Firm and our partners are well-versed in:

• Legislation Development
• Customs and Regulations
• Anglers and Fishing
• Insurance Claims
• Damage to Property
• Accusations of Stowaways on Vessels
• Pollution and Toxic Torts
• Personal Injury
• Shipwreck and Salvage
• Passenger and Container Matters
• Pirates (Yes, there are pirates out there!)

We’ve streamlined the complexities of maritime law to make it accessible and understandable for you. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

What Is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

Protection Under the LHWCA

The LHWCA is a federal law that protects workers disabled while performing job-related duties on navigable waters of the United States, including adjoining areas like docks and terminals used for loading, unloading, repairing, or building vessels.

Benefits Include:

• Compensation
• Medical Care
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services

This law allows for a broader approach to filing claims, even for non-seamen, such as passengers on cruise ships. Whether you’re a seaman or not, if you’re hurt on the water, you could be entitled to file a claim. The Mitchell Firm is here to provide answers and guide you through the process.

The Mitchell Firm Approach

Thinking Outside the Box for Your Justice

The Mitchell Firm has an “outside the box” approach to get you the justice you deserve.

• We Advocate for You: When employers try to prioritize profits over the well-being of their crew, we step in to enforce maritime laws designed to protect you.
• Protecting the “Little Guys”: Our focus is on safeguarding longshoremen and seafarers from exploitative employer practices.
• Client Testimonials: Our clients attest to how we’ve protected them throughout the entire process, ensuring their rights and quality of life are restored.

Did You Know?

Common Misconceptions and Your Rights

• Accident Determination: In case of an accident, it’s not solely up to the insurance or employer to define the circumstances.
• Employer Pressure: Doctors or employers may unjustly require you to return to work, denying your injuries.
• Forced Labor: You might be deemed “able-bodied” and forced to work despite your injuries.

The Mitchell Firm has helped longshoremen fight against such injustices, implementing new laws that protect maritime workers.

5 Things Your Employer Might Not Tell You

1. “You Cannot Sue Us if You’re Injured.” Even if you signed an arbitration agreement, you have the right to consult legal experts. We can often dismiss unfair “fine print” that violates your rights.
2. “You Have No Rights.” You always have rights, especially when injured on the job at sea. Maritime law exists to protect you.
3. “You’re Replaceable.” This scare tactic is used to keep you silent. We can help eliminate the fear of being fired unjustly.
4. “No Insurance for Part-Time Employees.” Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. You are entitled to coverage.
5. “Loyalty Equals Job Security.” If your employer made you return to work prematurely, compromising your health, their loyalty is in question.

Don’t allow yourself to be victimized. When employers enter our legal arena, they no longer hold the upper hand.

How We Fight for You

Your Advocates in Maritime Law

The Mitchell Firm:

• Protects Your Rights: We work tirelessly to safeguard your quality of life and financial stability.
• Educates and Empowers: We help you understand how our partnership benefits you and advances maritime law.
• Overcomes Challenges: We find solutions to new challenges, changing how employers conduct business to protect seamen like you.

When to Contact Us

Don’t wait. If you’ve been injured, faced unjust treatment, or have questions about your rights under maritime law, reach out to us immediately.

• Call us at (800) 917-0911 for a free consultation.
• Fill out our contact form to get started.

Remember: You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Let us guide you towards justice.

Your Trusted Maritime Advocates

At The Mitchell Firm, we value the dedication you’ve shown in your maritime career. We are committed to protecting you from the dangers and injustices you’ve encountered. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to ensure your rights are upheld.

Contact The Mitchell Firm Today

Safeguard your rights and livelihood. Take the first step toward justice and reclaim control of your life.

• Call us at (800) 917-0911 for a free case review.
• Fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation.
• No fees unless we win your case

We’re here to help you weather the storm. Reach out today.

Maritime law won’t cease, and neither will our commitment to you.

Contact us today using the contact form or call us at (800) 917-0911 and let us help you through this difficult journey.

Let The Mitchell Firm be your compass in navigating the complexities of maritime law. Together, we’ll steer towards justice and a brighter future.