Russian transportation city officials are blaming errors made by the captain as the reason for the sinking of an Indonesia-flagged vessel in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Learn More >>Virginia Maritime Lawyer and Jones Act Attorneys
Virginia maritime industry work comes with a certain level of risk, as workers who are employed as seamen, drilling rig hands and port workers know. The hazards of this work can be minimized by proper safety measures and training; however, when a maritime company or worker is negligent, serious injuries can occur. If you’ve been injured in the course of your maritime job, one of the first steps your should take after seeking medical attention is to contact a Virginia maritime lawyer.
The maritime laws of the United States can be confusing, and when it comes to compensating injured workers, these laws can differ quite a bit from workers’ compensation laws for other occupations. The type of damages you may be entitled to also vary depending on the nature of your work in this industry. The Virginia Jones Act attorneys at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer and Harris have decades of experience in helping injured maritime workers. Contacting them after your maritime injury will get you on the right path to understanding your rights and getting the fullest compensation possible.
Virginia Maritime Commerce And Ports
A key part of the Virginia maritime trade is the port system. Ports are a turning point for inbound and outbound cargo, vessels and workers of all kinds in the maritime commerce industry. Port workers also fall under the protections of maritime laws in many cases, and our Virginia maritime attorneys can help when they’ve been injured on the job. Some of the main ports in the state are:
1. Newport News -- The Port of Newport News, at the mouth of the James River, is a vital part of the state’s maritime trade. With a reputation for efficiency and quality, the port handles a great deal of steel and project cargo.
2. Norfolk -- The Port of Norfolk at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay features 14 of the world’s largest and most efficient cranes.
3. Portsmouth -- On the Elizabeth River, also at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay and only 7 miles from the Port of Norfolk, is the Port of Portsmouth. It is part of a natural harbor known as the Hampton Roads, saw more than 51 million tons of cargo in 2008, and has the state’s second largest container terminal.
Other ports in the state include the Port of Alexandria, Port of Cape Charles, Port of Chesapeake, Port of Yorktown and Port of Hopewell. The many workers in these ports of call, as well as the workers on vessels who travel through them, can benefit greatly from the help of our Virginia maritime attorneys in the event of an on-the-job injury.
Let Our Virginia Maritime Attorneys Help You
Whether you are a seaman trying to file a Virginia Jones Act claim or an injured port worker who needs help understanding which maritime law to file under, the Virginia maritime lawyers at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer and Harris have the experience to help. We’ve spent decades representing the rights of injured maritime workers in a wide range of jobs with many different circumstances. Let our experience help you in your time of need.
Our Virginia Jones Act lawyers will fight to get you the fullest compensation possible so that you can focus on healing and taking care of your family. Don’t wait. Call us today for a FREE consultation.

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