If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime or offshore accident in North Carolina, understanding your legal rights is an important first step to compensation. To help you navigate the complex legal landscape, Kellum Law Firm has published our Maritime and Admiralty Law Guide — a comprehensive content series that provides actionable insights for workers and civilians alike. Our Maritime attorneys have represented clients from across coastal North Carolina, including Wilmington, Morehead City, New Bern, and Jacksonville. These resources are part of our ongoing commitment to client education, and we encourage you to take advantage of them — whether you’re currently seeking legal help or simply want to understand your rights in the event of an accident on or near the water. 
Featured Maritime Law Guides
- Offshore Work Injuries and Maritime Worker Rights
- Understanding the Jones Act and Your Rights as a Maritime Worker
- Maritime Law vs Personal Injury Law in North Carolina
- Understanding Boating Accidents and Liability in North Carolina
- Maritime Law Guide Index
Each article takes a deeper dive into key maritime law concepts while integrating real-world local relevance. Whether you’re a commercial deckhand injured offshore or a recreational boater hurt in a collision, these pages offer a reliable starting point for understanding your options. 
Our Office Locations
Legal guidance from a maritime lawyer in North Carolina is never far away. With strategically located offices across the coast, Kellum Law Firm makes it easy to get personalized support in your area.
- Wilmington Office – Serving New Hanover County and the Cape Fear Region
- Morehead City Office – Convenient for Carteret County and Crystal Coast communities
- New Bern Office – Based in Craven County near the Neuse and Trent rivers
- Jacksonville Office – A short drive from Camp Lejeune and Onslow Bay
Why Maritime Law Matters in NC
North Carolina’s coastline, rivers, and waterways provide employment and recreation for thousands. But with that opportunity comes risk — especially for those working aboard commercial vessels, fishing boats, and dredges. When maritime injuries happen, the laws that apply are very different from those in typical personal injury cases. Federal regulations like the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and general maritime law all come into play. Even non-workers — such as passengers on ferries, fishing charters, and jet skis — can face jurisdictional challenges when trying to pursue injury compensation. That’s why these new pages are a must-read for anyone spending time on North Carolina waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is maritime law? Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal issues that arise on navigable waters, including injuries, contracts, and disputes involving ships, crew members, and passengers.
- Who does the Jones Act protect? The Jones Act specifically protects seamen injured while working aboard vessels in navigable waters. It allows them to sue their employers for negligence and seek compensation beyond standard workers’ comp benefits.
- Can I sue for a boating accident injury in North Carolina? Yes. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence — whether a boat operator, rental company, or tour operator — you may have grounds for a civil claim. Learn more about boating liability in our boating accidents guide.
- What’s the difference between maritime and personal injury law? Maritime law applies to injuries that occur on or near navigable waters and involves federal laws like the Jones Act. Personal injury law applies to land-based accidents and is governed by state tort laws. We cover this in-depth here.
- What if I was injured offshore but I live in Wilmington? That’s common. You may still have a maritime case under federal law. Start with our offshore injury guide tailored to the Wilmington region.
- How do I know if I qualify as a seaman? Seamen typically spend 30% or more of their employment time on a vessel in navigable waters. Courts also consider your duties and relationship to the vessel. A maritime attorney can help determine eligibility.
- What benefits can maritime workers claim? Depending on your classification, you may be entitled to maintenance and cure, medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering under maritime law.
- Are there time limits for filing a claim? Yes. Maritime injury claims are subject to statutes of limitation — typically 3 years for Jones Act claims. Don’t wait — speak with a maritime lawyer promptly.
- Can I sue a charter fishing company for injuries? Possibly. If their negligence caused your injury — unsafe equipment, inadequate instruction, etc. — you may have a claim under maritime or general negligence law.
- Where can I get help after an offshore boating accident in NC? Start with the Maritime Injury Lawyers at Kellum Law Firm. We serve clients statewide and offer free consultations. You can also visit one of our coastal offices for local support.
Protect Your Rights — Speak with a North Carolina Maritime Lawyer
Whether you’re a longshore worker, deckhand, boat passenger, or injured tourist, maritime law is complex. At Kellum Law Firm, our team has deep experience handling injury claims that arise on the water — and we’re ready to help you understand your options. Call us on 1-800-ACCIDENT or request your free consultation online. Learn more about our Maritime Law legal services here.
