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If you spend any time along the waterfront, you’ve probably watched shrimpers returning in the early morning light or waved to a container ship sliding under the bridge. In Charleston, the water shapes our routines, not just our view. Most days end with nothing more than tired muscles and a good story to tell. Other days, a slick deck or a snapped line can land you in the emergency room. Suddenly, you’re dealing with admiralty law, a body of rules very different from the ones that apply to a fender‑bender on land. It’s a lot to take in when you’re hurting, but you don’t have to tackle it by yourself. Attorney Trey Harrell can help with your Charleston boating accident.
Understanding Maritime Injury Law
The legal framework for accidents at sea evolved over centuries of seafaring. Modern maritime law is a mix of federal statutes and court cases, often called admiralty law. It applies to incidents on vessels operating in navigable water, such as: the Cooper River, a fishing boat off Isle of Palms, or a dredge in the harbor. Once you step onto a working boat or barge, state negligence rules make way for federal ones.
One of the key statutes is the Jones Act. It gives crewmembers the right to hold negligent employers accountable and obligates employers to cover daily living expenses and medical treatment while the worker heals. To qualify, your duties must further the mission of a vessel, and you must spend a substantial part of your time aboard. Workers who load and unload cargo, repair ships, or oversee terminals are usually covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act instead of a special benefit system for land‑based maritime workers. When a death occurs more than three miles from shore, the Death on the High Seas Act gives surviving families a way to seek compensation.
Why point out all these details? Because the rules vary widely. Each statute has its own criteria, benefits and time limits. Figuring out which one covers your situation can change the outcome of a claim. A lawyer who handles maritime cases will look at your job description, where and how the injury happened, and guide you accordingly.
Common Scenarios on Charleston’s Waters
Maritime accidents aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all. In Charleston, we’ve seen incidents ranging from commercial mishaps to weekend outings gone wrong. A fisherman slips on a diesel‑slick deck while unloading a catch on the Market Street dock. A deckhand is struck by a swinging crane while securing a container at Columbus Street Terminal. A tour boat operator misreads the weather and motors into a fast‑moving squall, causing passengers to be thrown against railings. A recreational boater consumes alcohol and collides with a kayaker near Patriots Point. We’ve even seen clients exposed to toxic fumes from poorly maintained fuel systems and workers burned in small engine fires.
These stories share a frustrating theme: when someone gets hurt, the process that follows is unfamiliar. Companies may argue that the boat was perfectly safe or that you weren’t part of the crew. Insurance representatives often minimize injuries or push for a quick payout. All the while, your rent and hospital bills keep coming. Promptly reporting what happened, getting proper treatment, gathering photos, jotting down witness names, and consulting an attorney can make a big difference later on.
Remember, Trey Helps!
Our founder, Trey Harrell, was born and raised in Charleston and spent time as a federal prosecutor before opening this firm. That combination of local roots and federal experience helps us understand both the legal landscape and the people we represent. When you sit down with us, the first thing we do is listen. We want to know where you were working or boating, what you were doing, and how you’re feeling now. There’s no time limit on telling your story. We care about how your injury is affecting your work, your family, and your day‑to‑day life.
Once we understand what happened, we dig into the details. We’ll look at maintenance logs, weather reports, and safety procedures. We talk with coworkers and passengers and, when necessary, bring in maritime experts to piece together how the accident unfolded. If the Jones Act applies, we add up your lost pay, medical bills and the impact on your daily life. For longshore and harbor workers, we help navigate the federal benefit system. In the tragic event of a death, we go over how the Death on the High Seas Act works and what options your family has. Throughout it all, we’re upfront about what we can and can’t promise. Trey will help keep you informed, but we never guarantee a specific outcome.
We make it easy to get in touch. Some people like to sit across the table from us at our Sam Rittenberg Boulevard office; others are more comfortable with a phone call or video chat. However you choose to contact us, there’s no charge for the first meeting. Maritime claims can be confusing, so we stay available to answer follow‑up questions 24/7, whether it’s about a form your employer asked you to sign or how to handle a medical bill.
Questions You Might Be Asking
What should I do right after I’m injured on the water? See a doctor right away, even small injuries can turn serious if you ignore them. Tell your captain or supervisor what happened and make sure an incident report is filed. If it’s safe, take photos of the area and the equipment involved, and write down the names of any witnesses. Don’t sign any paperwork until you’ve had a chance to talk with a lawyer.
What compensation can I pursue? Crew members covered by the Jones Act can seek repayment for lost income, medical costs and the physical and emotional harm caused by the accident. Longshore and harbor workers have access to medical care and disability benefits through a separate system. Families who lose someone at sea can ask for funds to cover funeral expenses and the income the deceased would have provided. Because the facts of each case are different, you’ll want advice tailored to your situation.
How long do I have to file? Maritime law generally gives you up to three years to bring a claim, but there are exceptions. Recreational boating claims may have shorter timelines. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to recover anything. Getting legal advice soon after an accident helps ensure you meet the necessary deadlines.
See our full list of FAQs here and explanations
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Charleston has always been shaped by the tides. People here make their living and their memories on the water, and when an accident threatens that connection, it can be devastating. You don’t need a lawyer from somewhere else. You will need someone who knows these waters and the laws that apply. If your injury happened on a container ship, a shrimp boat, a charter vessel or your own craft, just remember, Trey Helps! Contact us at 843-636-8739, use the live chat on our website or drop by our office. We help people from Charleston, Summerville, Greenville, and communities across the state find a way forward.
