Maritime work can be hard and dangerous, but unfortunately many accidents that occur happen because of the negligence or irresponsibility of someone else. Aside from the inherent danger of working in a hazardous environment like the water, a number of other controllable conditions can contribute to an accident, be it a member of the crew, the shipowner or operator, or the condition of the vessel.

There are literally thousands of different types of ships, boats, crafts, and vessels accidents that can occur that can cause injury, harm, or death to innocent seamen, sailors, and longshoremen. From ferry accidents to oil rig collapses to overturned barges and even planes lost on the high seas, chances are one of the United States admiralty laws provides protection to injured workers or their families.