If you were injured by a foreign vessel — whether aboard a ship or while near a port — you probably have many questions about your rights. Accidents involving international vessels can be legally complex, but U.S. maritime law does offer pathways for injured individuals to seek justice and compensation. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
Can I file a lawsuit in the U.S. if I was injured by a foreign ship?
Yes. If the accident happened in U.S. territorial waters, including in a port, harbor, or river, then U.S. courts typically have jurisdiction — even if the vessel is flagged in another country. That means you can often file a maritime injury claim in the United States.
What counts as a “foreign vessel”?
A foreign vessel is any ship that is:
- Registered under a foreign flag
- Owned or operated by a foreign company or government
- Crewed primarily by non-U.S. nationals
Examples include foreign-flagged cargo ships, cruise ships, and international tankers or freighters.
What types of injuries are covered?
You may have a claim if you were injured due to:
- A collision with a bridge or port structure
- An onboard accident caused by unsafe conditions, falling equipment, or mechanical failure
- Being struck by parts of the ship, cargo, or rigging while near the dock
- Slips, trips and falls, or burns caused by crew negligence or vessel maintenance issues
Whether you were a dockworker, passenger, visitor, or bystander — if the ship caused harm, you may have legal rights.
Who can be held responsible?
Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be held liable:
- The owner or operator of the vessel
- A foreign government, if the ship was state-operated (with some limitations)
- A crew member or captain who acted negligently
- A third-party maintenance or staffing company
An experienced maritime injury lawyer can help identify all responsible entities and ensure you don’t miss key claims.
What if the ship already left the port?
Time is critical. If the ship leaves U.S. waters, it may be harder to access witnesses, documents, or evidence. However, legal tools such as injunctions or preservation orders may be used if action is taken quickly.
Our team can also work with the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, and foreign agencies to help secure essential evidence.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and hospitalization
- Lost wages or future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death benefits (if a loved one was killed)
Each case is unique, but we work aggressively to recover the maximum compensation allowed under U.S. maritime law.
Do I need a lawyer with maritime experience?
Absolutely. Maritime law is a highly specialized field — and international claims add even more complexity. You need a lawyer who understands:
- Maritime jurisdiction
- International treaties and U.S. maritime law
- Evidence collection before a vessel leaves port
- Claims under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or DOHSA
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our attorneys have decades of experience handling maritime injury and wrongful death cases — including those involving foreign vessels.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a foreign ship in a U.S. port or waterway, don’t wait. Call 713-804-9306 now for a free, confidential consultation. We can help you understand your rights and take swift action to protect your claim.