Injured or Lost a Loved One at Sea? We’re Here to Help
Maritime Injury & Death Attorneys in Seattle, WA
We represent individuals and families across Washington who have suffered serious maritime injuries or the loss of a loved one at sea.
What Counts as a Serious Maritime Injury?
Catastrophic maritime injuries often lead to permanent disability, long-term medical care, and lost income and they demand legal action. We help injured seamen, longshore workers, and offshore crew pursue the compensation they deserve.
Traumatic brain injuries
Caused by falling gear, vessel collisions, or impact trauma, often requiring long-term therapy and care.
Spinal injuries
From onboard falls or heavy equipment accidents sometimes resulting in paralysis or mobility loss.
Amputation / Limb Loss
Commonly linked to winch malfunctions, snapped lines, or machinery failures on vessels or docks.
Severe Burns
Due to engine room fires, chemical exposure, or explosions with painful recovery and high medical costs.
Loss of Vision / hearing
A result of onboard explosions, improper equipment, or failure to meet safety standards.
Catastrophic Injury
Any life-changing harm that limits your earning potential or independence, such as severe orthopedic or internal trauma.
Wrongful Death
When safety failures, poor training, or negligent conditions result in the tragic loss of life at sea.
Death or Injury at Sea can be due to a multitude of errors
- Machine Accidents
- Design Failures on Deck
- Processing Ship Hazards
- Unsafe Conditions at Docks & Harbors
- Industrial Plant Risks at Sea
- Vessel Sinking
- Lifting, Crushing or Unsafe Cables
- Line Mishaps
- Explosions
Justice for Maritime Workers Hurt or Killed on the Job
If you’ve lost a loved one due to unsafe conditions aboard a vessel, employer negligence, or equipment failure, we’ll help you pursue a wrongful death claim for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills prior to death
- Loss of companionship and financial support
- Emotional pain and suffering
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for maritime families who faced the unthinkable and we’re here to help yours, too.
Maritime Case Examples & Verdicts
We represent individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one.
$4M
For a tugboat crew member severely injured in an onboard explosion.
$3.5M
Secured for a maritime worker exposed to a toxic cleaning solution.
$2.5M
Won for the widow of a commercial fisherman lost at sea in the Gulf of Alaska.
Proudly Representing Union & Non-Union Maritime Workers
Campiche Andrews PLLC stands behind the hardworking men and women of the sea. We have represented members from:
International Longshore & Warehouse Union
Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific
Sailors’ Union of the Pacific
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
We also represent non-union maritime workers, including:
- Commercial Fishermen
- Seafood Processors
- Ferry workers (Washington State Ferries)
- Offshore engineers and oil rig employees
- Research & military support vessels
- Tugboat and dredging crew
Trusted Maritime Trial Lawyers for Injured Seamen and Families
When facing the emotional and financial aftermath of an injury or loss at sea, you need more than a general personal injury attorney — you need a team with deep maritime experience. Attorney Jeff Campiche has worked on the decks of fishing boats and in the courtroom. He’s represented seamen, dockworkers, and the families of those lost in the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Columbia River, and Pacific Ocean. His first-hand knowledge of vessel operations and union advocacy makes our firm one of the most effective maritime law teams in the country.
Serving Seattle and Communities Across Washington
At Campiche Andrews PLLC, we proudly represent clients in Seattle neighborhoods including Queen Anne, Belltown, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, Magnolia, and Interbay.
Our reach extends far beyond the city. We handle serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Western and Eastern Washington including Renton, Bellevue, Federal Way, Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Kent, Bremerton, Olympia, Shelton, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Spokane.
We also serve clients in Grays Harbor, Pacific, Snohomish, Lewis, and Whatcom counties. No matter where you are in Washington, we’re here to fight for your rights.
Maritime Injury FAQs
What laws protect injured maritime workers?
Maritime workers are protected under the Jones Act, General Maritime Law, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) depending on their classification and role.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act allows seamen injured due to their employer’s negligence to seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering — including maintenance and cure.
Do I qualify as a seaman under maritime law?
If you spend at least 30% of your working time onboard a vessel in navigable waters, you may qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act.
What’s the difference between a longshoreman and a seaman?
Longshoremen typically work loading and unloading cargo at docks and are covered under the LHWCA. Seamen work aboard vessels and are covered under the Jones Act.
Can I sue my employer if I’m injured on a fishing vessel or tugboat?
Yes. If your injury was caused by negligence or an unsafe vessel (“unseaworthiness”), you may have a claim under the Jones Act or general maritime law.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to damages for lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and wrongful death benefits for surviving family members.
How long do I have to file a maritime injury lawsuit?
You typically have three years from the date of injury to file a maritime claim. But acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
“He got me compensation when I didn’t even think I had a case. If you work the water, call Jeff Campiche.”
— Former tugboat crew member
Talk to a Seattle Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed at sea, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis meaning you don’t pay unless we win.