Maritime Lawyers Serving Georgia Vessel Owners, Maritime Workers, Businesses, and Families
Maritime law is a specialized area of federal law that governs accidents, injuries, contracts, insurance disputes, cargo claims, and commercial activities occurring on navigable waters. Whether your case involves the Port of Savannah, a commercial vessel operating along the Georgia coast, a boating accident on Georgia waterways, or an offshore injury in the Gulf of Mexico, experienced maritime counsel can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
At Johns Law Group, our attorneys focus on maritime and admiralty law. Several members of our team hold advanced LL.M. degrees in Admiralty from Tulane Law School, one of the nation’s leading maritime law programs. We represent clients throughout Georgia and nationwide in complex maritime disputes, maritime injury claims, vessel damage cases, marine insurance litigation, and maritime commercial matters.
Maritime Law in Georgia: Quick Answer
If an injury, accident, contract dispute, insurance claim, or commercial conflict occurs on navigable waters, federal maritime law may apply instead of Georgia state law. Maritime cases often involve unique statutes such as:
- The Jones Act
- General Maritime Law
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
- The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
- The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)
- Federal Admiralty Rules
These laws provide rights and remedies that differ significantly from traditional Georgia personal injury and business litigation claims.
Why Maritime Cases Require Specialized Attorneys
Many attorneys rarely handle maritime matters. However, maritime claims often involve:
- Federal court jurisdiction
- Admiralty procedures
- Maritime liens
- Vessel arrests
- Choice-of-law issues
- International commerce
- Unique statutes of limitation
- Specialized insurance coverage disputes
An attorney unfamiliar with maritime law may overlook critical claims or defenses that could significantly affect the value of a case.
Our maritime attorneys have represented vessel owners, injured seamen, longshore workers, cargo interests, businesses, and marine insurers in a wide range of maritime disputes.
Georgia Maritime Cases We Handle
Maritime Injury Claims
Maritime workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. Injuries frequently occur aboard:
- Tugboats
- Cargo ships
- Tankers
- Fishing vessels
- Offshore support vessels
- Dredges
- Barges
- Cruise ships
- Port facilities
We represent:
- Seamen
- Offshore workers
- Harbor workers
- Longshoremen
- Dock workers
- Vessel crew members
- Maritime contractors
- Injured passengers
Potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability damages
- Maintenance and cure benefits
Jones Act Claims
The Jones Act allows qualifying seamen to sue their employers when negligence causes injury or death.
Examples include:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Defective equipment
- Inadequate training
- Improper staffing
- Failure to follow safety procedures
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation systems, Jones Act claims permit injured maritime workers to pursue substantial damages against negligent employers.
Unseaworthiness Claims
Vessel owners have a legal obligation to provide a seaworthy vessel.
A vessel may be considered unseaworthy when it contains:
- Dangerous equipment
- Inadequate safety systems
- Defective machinery
- Insufficient crew
- Unsafe working conditions
Injured seamen may have separate claims for unseaworthiness in addition to Jones Act remedies.
Marine Insurance Claims
Marine insurance disputes often involve complex policy language and substantial financial exposure.
We represent policyholders in matters involving:
- Hull insurance
- Cargo insurance
- Protection and Indemnity (P&I) coverage
- Yacht insurance
- Commercial vessel coverage
- Coverage denials
- Underpayments
- Bad faith claims
Marine insurers frequently rely on technical defenses and policy exclusions. Our attorneys work to enforce policy rights and maximize recovery.
Vessel Damage Claims
A damaged vessel can result in significant repair costs, business interruption losses, and operational disruptions.
We handle claims involving:
- Vessel collisions
- Allisions
- Fires
- Groundings
- Sinkings
- Hurricane damage
- Docking accidents
- Mechanical failures
Our team works alongside marine surveyors, engineers, and maritime experts to establish liability and recover damages.
Vessel Arrests and Maritime Liens
Maritime law allows creditors and claimants to pursue claims directly against vessels.
We assist clients with:
- Vessel arrests
- Maritime liens
- Crew wage claims
- Fuel supplier disputes
- Shipyard claims
- Mortgage enforcement
- Defense against wrongful vessel seizure
Because vessels can move between jurisdictions quickly, these cases often require immediate action.
Cargo Claims
Cargo disputes can involve substantial losses and multiple parties across different jurisdictions.
We represent:
- Shippers
- Carriers
- Freight forwarders
- Importers
- Exporters
- Cargo insurers
Common cargo disputes include:
- Damaged cargo
- Lost cargo
- Delayed shipments
- Bill of lading disputes
- COGSA claims
- Freight payment disputes
Maritime Commercial Litigation
Maritime commerce depends upon contracts.
We handle disputes involving:
- Charter agreements
- Vessel purchase contracts
- Shipbuilding agreements
- Vessel repair contracts
- Marine service agreements
- Terminal operations
- Offshore service contracts
Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting our clients’ business interests.
Maritime Law and the Port of Savannah
The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the United States and plays a critical role in Georgia’s economy. Maritime activity associated with the port creates substantial opportunities but also significant legal risks. Maritime accidents, cargo disputes, vessel damage claims, and worker injuries frequently arise in connection with port operations.
We represent clients involved in maritime matters arising from:
- Port of Savannah operations
- Coastal Georgia shipping activities
- Offshore energy operations
- Commercial fishing operations
- Recreational boating incidents
- Maritime transportation disputes
Why Clients Choose Johns Law Group
Maritime law is the primary focus of our practice—not an occasional case type.
Our advantages include:
- Attorneys with advanced LL.M. degrees in Admiralty Law
- Experience handling maritime matters nationwide
- Representation in federal admiralty courts
- Extensive maritime litigation experience
- Deep understanding of marine insurance issues
- Experience with vessel owners, workers, businesses, and insurers
- Free consultations
Our firm combines maritime industry knowledge with courtroom experience to help clients navigate complex maritime disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maritime law?
Maritime law, also called admiralty law, governs legal disputes involving navigable waters, vessels, maritime workers, cargo, marine insurance, and maritime commerce.
Does maritime law apply in Georgia?
Yes. Maritime law applies throughout Georgia when claims arise on navigable waters, including matters involving the Georgia coast, commercial shipping, offshore operations, and port activities.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows qualifying seamen to sue employers for negligence-related injuries occurring during maritime employment.
Can I sue after a boating accident in Georgia?
Potentially. Depending on the circumstances, your claim may fall under maritime law, Georgia law, or both.
What is a maritime lien?
A maritime lien is a legal claim against a vessel itself, often arising from unpaid services, crew wages, repairs, supplies, or maritime injuries.
Do I need a maritime lawyer?
Maritime law differs significantly from ordinary personal injury, workers’ compensation, and business litigation. Hiring an attorney experienced in maritime law can help preserve important rights and maximize recovery.
Speak With a Georgia Maritime Lawyer
If you are dealing with a maritime injury, vessel damage dispute, marine insurance claim, cargo loss, vessel arrest, or maritime commercial dispute, Johns Law Group can help.
Our maritime attorneys represent clients throughout Georgia, including Savannah, Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Tybee Island, and coastal communities statewide, as well as clients nationwide.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your maritime claim.