Hawaii's waters are central to its economy and culture — but maritime accidents can leave victims seriously injured and navigating complex federal law. We fight for your rights on and off the water.
Hawaii's island geography means that boats, ferries, commercial fishing vessels, tour charters, and harbor work are part of everyday life. When accidents happen on the water — whether due to a negligent operator, an unseaworthy vessel, or dangerous conditions — the injuries can be catastrophic and the legal framework is unlike standard personal injury law.
Maritime law (also called admiralty law) is a specialized body of federal law that governs accidents on navigable waters. At Mattoch & Kirley, our attorneys are experienced in these unique statutes and fight hard to secure maximum compensation for injured seamen, passengers, and maritime workers across the Hawaiian islands.
If you are a seaman — someone who works on a vessel in navigation — the Jones Act gives you the right to sue your employer for negligence. This is a powerful remedy that can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The definition of "seaman" can be broad, and our team can evaluate whether you qualify.
Injured seamen are also entitled to "maintenance and cure" — a form of compensation that covers daily living expenses (maintenance) and medical treatment (cure) until you reach maximum medical improvement, regardless of who was at fault. Employers who refuse or delay these benefits may face additional penalties.
A vessel owner has an absolute duty to provide a seaworthy ship — one that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. If a defective vessel, unsafe equipment, or an incompetent crew member contributed to your injury, you may have a strong unseaworthiness claim in addition to any Jones Act claim.
Dock workers, longshoremen, ship repairers, and harbor construction workers who are not seamen may be covered by the LHWCA, a federal workers' compensation scheme that can provide significant benefits for workplace injuries on or near navigable waters.
If you were a passenger on a tour boat, charter, ferry, or recreational vessel and were injured due to the operator's negligence, you may have a claim under general maritime law. These cases often involve strict notice requirements and shorter limitation periods than standard injury claims.
Maritime law is a complex, federally governed area with its own statutes of limitations, procedural rules, and venues. Missing a deadline or filing in the wrong court can jeopardize your entire claim. Our attorneys understand these nuances and move quickly to protect your rights from the moment you contact us.
We investigate vessel maintenance records, crew credentials, Coast Guard reports, and safety equipment logs to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and is evaluated on its own facts.
The Jones Act allows seamen who are injured due to their employer's negligence to sue for compensation. A "seaman" is generally someone who spends a substantial portion of their work time on a vessel in navigation. We can quickly evaluate your situation to determine whether you qualify and what remedies are available.
Maritime cases are governed by federal admiralty law, which has its own statutes of limitations, filing procedures, and damage rules. Depending on your role (seaman, passenger, dock worker), different laws apply. It is critical to contact an attorney promptly.
Possibly, yes. Tour operators and charter companies have a duty of care to their passengers. If negligence — such as reckless operation, failure to warn of hazards, or inadequate safety equipment — contributed to your injury, you may have a strong claim. Note that many passenger tickets contain notice and limitation provisions, so act quickly.
Depending on the applicable law, you may recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and in seaman cases, maintenance and cure. Wrongful death cases may also include loss of financial support and loss of companionship for surviving family members.
No. We handle maritime injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Your initial consultation is always free.
We serve injured maritime workers, seamen, and passengers throughout the Hawaiian islands from our three office locations.
Serving Oʻahu from our Bishop Street office. Honolulu Harbor and the surrounding waterways are among the busiest in the state.
Serving East Hawaiʻi Island from Keawe Street. Hilo Bay and the Big Island's fishing industry create unique maritime risks.
Serving West Hawaiʻi Island from Hanama Place. Kona's sport fishing, dive, and tour boat industry is a hub of maritime activity.
A sample of settlements and verdicts we have secured for maritime accident clients. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Seaman sustained injuries while working resulting in severe pain, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Severed arteries and leg fracture as a result of mooring lines.
Severe burns as a result of boating accident.
While working, sustained severe injuries to hand, fingers, both knees and thigh.
Severe burns as a result of boating accident.
Amputated right finger as a result of boat accident.
The settlement and verdict amounts listed are examples of results obtained in specific cases. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar outcome in any future case.
Maritime law is complex. Our attorneys know it well. The consultation is free, we are available around the clock, and you owe nothing unless we win.
Call 808-523-2451