Injured at sea, on the bay, or at the dock in Oakland? You may have a maritime injury claim.
If you're trying to get compensated for your injuries, you're up against a big insurance company that is only after their own interests. I level the playing field.
If you were hurt while working on or around the Oakland waters, your case may fall under maritime law—not California workers’ compensation or general personal injury rules. That changes everything.
At the Law Office of Thomas E. Sokat, we represent injured seamen, dockworkers, ferry crew, divers, and even recreational boat passengers in Oakland. Maritime law offers strong protections—but it’s complicated and time-sensitive. We’re here to make sure your rights are protected and your recovery is maximized.
What counts as a maritime injury?
We handle a wide range of claims, including:
Shipboard accidents – Slips, trips, fires, or faulty equipment
Fishing vessel injuries – Dangerous work environments, poorly maintained vessels
Tug and barge accidents – Collisions, winch/machinery failures, line injuries in the San Francisco Bay
Ferry worker injuries – Accidents caused by employer negligence or unsafe conditions
Longshore and Oakland harbor accidents – Injuries while loading/unloading cargo on the Oakland docks
Cruise or charter boat injuries – Injured guests or crew
Boating accidents – Collisions, reckless operators, or intoxicated boaters
Diving injuries – Commercial diving incidents, decompression sickness, gear failures
Maritime law is different—and so is the Jones Act
Maritime law includes a specific set of federal rules and timelines. If you’re a “seaman” (someone who spends substantial time working on a vessel), you may be protected by the Jones Act—a federal law that allows you to sue your employer directly for negligence or unsafe conditions.
Yes, you heard me right. You may be able to sue your employer!
This isn’t workers’ comp. It’s potentially much more powerful—but also more complex. We’ll help you determine if you qualify and guide you through your best legal options.
Note: We cover Jones Act eligibility, compensation, and examples in detail in our blog. Read about the Jones Act here.
Why choose me
I understand the nuances of maritime law
I have years of experience settling maritime cases and getting my clients the compensation they deserve
We move quickly to preserve evidence and file within strict deadlines
I fight for maximum compensation for lost wages, future earnings, pain, and suffering
We’re a local, responsive firm—not a high-volume case mill
What You Should Do Right Now
If you were injured on a vessel, or even near the water while working in Oakland, you don’t have time to wait. Your time to file may be limited—especially under maritime law.
Call me. Even if you’re not sure you have a case. Even if another lawyer turned you down. You deserve a real conversation with someone who knows this area of law and who actually gives a damn.
I’ll listen. I’ll dig in. And if I take your case, I’ll fight like hell to win it.
Call (925) 648-2075 or submit your request via our online email form below.
— Tom
