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Maritime and Admiralty Law in North Carolina
Legal Representation for Maritime Workers, Boaters, and Commercial Vessel Injury Victims.
At Kellum Law Firm, we provide trusted legal guidance for individuals involved in maritime and admiralty law matters across North Carolina. From injured commercial seamen and port workers to recreational boaters and passengers, our team is equipped to handle a wide range of legal issues arising on or near navigable waters.
PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO / MOTORCYCLE / TRUCK ACCIDENTS | WORKERS’ COMP. | SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY | WRONGFUL DEATH
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If you’ve been injured in a maritime setting—whether aboard a commercial vessel, working at a port, or involved in a boating accident—our legal team is here to help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under state or federal law.
At Kellum Law Firm, we have decades of experience handling complex maritime and admiralty claims throughout North Carolina. Our maritime attorneys negotiate directly with insurers and employers to protect your rights—and if needed, we’ll take your case to court to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
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RALEIGH | NEW BERN | WILMINGTON | JACKSONVILLE | MOREHEAD CITY | GREENVILLE | GOLDSBORO | WILLIAMSTON | ROCKY MOUNT | ROANOKE RAPIDS | DURHAM | FAYETTEVILLE
North Carolina Maritime & Admiralty Law
We Provide Experienced Legal Representation for Injured Maritime Workers, Boaters, and Commercial Vessel Passengers
Kellum Law Firm proudly represents individuals across North Carolina who have been injured on or around the water. Whether you’re a commercial seaman, dockworker, port employee, or recreational boater, maritime and admiralty law offers specific protections—and our attorneys are here to help you understand and exercise those rights. With decades of experience handling maritime-related injury claims, we’re equipped to guide you through complex legal issues and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether your case falls under federal admiralty law or North Carolina’s maritime regulations, our attorneys bring decades of experience to the table. We understand the complexities of maritime claims and are committed to helping you recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime & Admiralty Law
1. What is Maritime Law?
Maritime law—also called admiralty law—is a specialized area of law that governs accidents, injuries, and disputes that occur on navigable waters. It covers a broad range of issues, from commercial shipping and fishing accidents to recreational boating injuries and cargo-related claims. It also provides protections for maritime workers, passengers, and in some cases, dock and port employees.
2. How and When Does Maritime Law Apply?
Maritime law typically applies when an injury or incident occurs on navigable waters such as oceans, rivers, bays, harbors, and certain lakes. It may also apply to work-related injuries involving vessels or offshore operations, even if the injury didn’t occur at sea. Whether the case is handled under federal maritime law, state law, or a combination depends on the location of the incident, the type of vessel involved, and the injured person’s role.
3. Who Does Maritime Law Protect?
Maritime law protects a wide range of individuals, including commercial seamen, longshore and harbor workers, cruise ship and ferry passengers, offshore oil and gas workers, and even recreational boaters in some cases. Workers injured aboard vessels may be covered under the Jones Act, while those on docks or near ports might be protected by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
4. What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover in a Maritime Injury Case?
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
5. Do I Need a Lawyer with Maritime Law Experience?
We strongly advise that you consider consulting with an experienced attorney if you beleive you have a case or claim. Maritime law is highly specialized and different from typical personal injury or workers’ compensation law. It involves unique rules, short deadlines, and specific qualifications for filing claims. Working with an attorney who understands the intricacies of admiralty law ensures that your case is properly handled and that your rights are fully protected.
Kellum Law Firm’s Approach to Maritime Injury Claims
Maritime cases often involve unique procedures and strict filing deadlines. Our attorneys investigate each case thoroughly, preserve vital evidence, and work with maritime experts when necessary. We’re prepared to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies or take your case to court when needed.
We handle a variety of maritime case types, including:
- Commercial fishing and shipping accidents
- Dock and port injuries
- Boating and jet ski collisions
- Fires, explosions, or mechanical failures aboard vessels
Contact Our Maritime and Admiralty Lawyers
Contact Kellum Law Firm today for a free consultation. Use the form on this page or call our toll free number below – we’re here to help you 24/7.
Our experienced maritime attorneys will review your case and explain your legal options with no obligation to retain our services.
“We’re With You All The Way”
E. Winslow Taylor
facing life-changing incidents at sea and supports our coastal offices with deep experience
in Jones Act claims, commercial fishing injuries, and offshore workplace accidents.
Why Work With Kellum Law Firm?
At Kellum Law Firm, we understand maritime law—and the communities it impacts. With offices in New Bern, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and Morehead City, we’re positioned in the heart of North Carolina’s coastal region and have strong ties to the local boating and commercial fishing communities.
Whether you were injured on a vessel, at a port, or while working offshore, our proximity to the coast and decades of experience in maritime injury law make us uniquely qualified to handle your case.
Where Will My Maritime Case Be Heard in North Carolina?
That depends on the type of case—but don’t worry, we’ll help guide you through the process.
Many maritime and admiralty cases in North Carolina are handled in federal court, especially when they involve injuries on commercial vessels, claims under the Jones Act, or other incidents that fall under federal maritime law. In these cases, your claim may be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, with courthouses in places like New Bern, Greenville, and Wilmington.
However, not all maritime claims have to be heard in federal court. Some cases—such as recreational boating accidents, personal injuries, or wrongful death claims—can be filed in North Carolina state courts, depending on the details. State courts can apply maritime law when necessary, and they often hear cases where boating or waterfront injuries overlap with general personal injury law.
And yes—regular judges hear these cases in both state and federal court. In some situations, your case may be decided by a judge (called a bench trial), while in others, you may have the right to a jury trial, especially if your claim falls under laws like the Jones Act.
At Kellum Law Firm, we’ll help determine the best place to file your case and handle all the legal steps for you—so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Are These Types of Cases Common?
U.S. Recreational Boating Statistics (2023):
- Total Accidents: 3,844 reported incidents [US Coast Guard News | USCG Boating | Marine Retailers Association | ]
- Fatalities: 564 deaths [NC State Center for Health Statistics | Marine Retailers Association | USCG Boating | ]
- Injuries: 2,126 non-fatal injuries [NC State Center for Health Statistics | HSToday | USCG Boating | ]
- Property Damage: Approximately $63 million in damages [Marine Retailers Association | USCG Boating | US Coast Guard News | ]
These figures represent a decrease from the previous year, with fatalities down by 11.3% and overall incidents reduced by 4.9%. [SAFETY4SEA | HSToday | Marine Retailers Association | ]
Global Shipping Losses (2023):
The maritime industry saw 26 large ships reported as total losses in 2023, a decline from 41 in 2022. This improvement reflects ongoing advancements in maritime safety and regulations.
Regional Insights:
While nationwide data indicates an overall improvement in maritime safety, specific statistics for North Carolina are not readily available in the provided sources. However, the U.S. Coast Guard’s annual reports offer comprehensive data on boating accidents and can be a valuable resource for more localized information. USCG Boating
For individuals involved in maritime activities in North Carolina, staying informed about safety regulations and adhering to best practices is crucial to ensure personal safety and the well-being of others on the water.
Maritime and Admiralty Law Representation Across North Carolina
Injuries that occur on the water — whether offshore, on rivers, or at port — involve complex maritime laws that require experienced legal guidance. Our attorneys represent injured seamen, boaters, and dock workers across North Carolina:
- Helping maritime injury victims in Wake County navigate complex claims – Raleigh
- Representing dock and boating accident victims across Craven County – New Bern
- Fighting for maritime workers’ rights throughout coastal North Carolina – Wilmington
- Supporting Onslow County residents after boating and offshore injuries – Jacksonville
- Guiding Pitt County clients through maritime law and Jones Act claims – Greenville
- Helping Halifax County families after serious water-related accidents – Roanoke Rapids
- Advocating for injury victims throughout Durham County and the Triangle – Durham
- Providing legal help for maritime and boating injuries in Cumberland County – Fayetteville
- Standing up for maritime accident victims across Mecklenburg County – Charlotte
- Serving Carteret County’s Crystal Coast communities with maritime law expertise – Morehead City
- Helping rural clients in Martin County access experienced maritime legal counsel – Williamston
- Protecting the rights of Wayne County residents injured on the water – Goldsboro
- Supporting Nash and Edgecombe County boating and maritime injury claims – Rocky Mount
Water-based accidents require experienced, aggressive representation. At Kellum Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of maritime and admiralty claims — and we’re ready to help from any of our North Carolina offices.
Maritime / Admiralty Accident Resources
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New Legal Guide Series on Maritime Law in North Carolina
Featured And Recognized
Our Office Locations
RALEIGH | NEW BERN | WILMINGTON | JACKSONVILLE | MOREHEAD CITY | GREENVILLE | GOLDSBORO | WILLIAMSTON | ROCKY MOUNT | ROANOKE RAPIDS | DURHAM | FAYETTEVILLE | CHARLOTTE
Kellum Law Firm's corporate headquarters is located in New Bern, NC and has offices around North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greenville, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and more. We provide local residents with legal services focusing on personal injury law including automobile accidents, social security disability, workers' compensation, elder abuse, and more.