San Diego Longshore Accident Lawyer

If you earn your living on the docks or aboard vessels calling at the Port of San Diego and you have been hurt on the job, you may be covered by the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). 

Strict filing deadlines apply, so it is CRITICAL to move quickly to safeguard your benefits.

The Law Offices of Preston Easley APC offers seasoned advocacy from a San Diego longshore accident lawyer who knows the waterfront, the law, and the tactics employers and insurers use to limit payouts.

Contact us today at (619) 699-4884 for a free, confidential claim review with a knowledgeable San Diego longshore injury attorney. We will explain your rights, outline your legal options, and help you decide your next steps with confidence.

Recent Review From Our San Diego Office:
“Very knowledgeable attorneys in the area of Maritime law with decades of experience to help you get what you are entitled to.”
Verified Review on Google from Steve S.

Why Choose Longshoremen Attorney Preston Easley?

• Over 40 years of maritime litigation experience on both California coasts
• Millions of dollars recovered for longshoremen, harbor workers, and seafarers
• Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis—bringing firsthand insight into maritime operations
• Contingency-fee representation: no legal fees unless we are successful in your claim

Hazards Facing Workers in San Diego Harbors

Working on piers, wharves, and ships exposes longshore crews to a wide range of dangers. Common accidents include:

• Chemical exposure, fires, or explosions
• Crane, winch, and rigging failures
• Forklift or yard-tractor collisions
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
• Heavy-machinery malfunctions or poor maintenance
• Ladder or gangway collapses
• Repetitive-strain injuries from inadequate tools or staffing

Underlying causes often trace back to defective equipment, inadequate safety training, poor storage of hazardous materials, or lack of proper personal protective gear.

San Diego’s Busy Port Operations

Although smaller than its Los Angeles counterpart, the Port of San Diego remains a vital commercial hub. In fiscal-year 2023 the port moved more than 2.4 million tons of cargo, including fresh produce, break-bulk steel, and bulk commodities. 

Activity is spread over two primary facilities—Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, which handles refrigerated containers, break-bulk, and bulk cargo, and National City Marine Terminal, the West Coast gateway for imported automobiles. 

Cruise traffic adds another layer of complexity to commercial vessel activity. The 2024-2025 season alone is expected to bring approximately 265,000 passengers through the B-Street Pier terminal.

With vessels loading and unloading around the clock and multiple trades working side by side, accidents can happen in seconds—making experienced legal help essential.

How Law Offices of Preston Easley APC Can Help

• Immediate investigation to document unsafe conditions and preserve evidence
• Coordination with medical specialists to support accurate diagnoses and ongoing treatment
• Filing and litigating LHWCA claims and, where appropriate, third-party lawsuits against negligent ship owners, stevedoring companies, or equipment manufacturers
• Pursuing full compensation for wage loss, medical bills, vocational retraining, and permanent disability

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation can I receive after a longshoremen injury?

Under the LHWCA you are generally entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a capped maximum. Additional recovery may be available through third-party claims (for example, against an equipment maker or negligent subcontractor).

What should I do right after my accident?

1. Notify your employer within 30 days—sooner is better.
2. Seek medical care immediately and keep all records.
3. Document the scene with photos and collect witness information.
4. Consult a San Diego longshore accident lawyer to file the necessary claim paperwork on time.

Talk With a San Diego Longshore Attorney Today

The clock is already ticking on your right to benefits. Call the Law Offices of Preston Easley APC at (619) 699-4884 or reach out online to scheudle a free consultation. We will answer your questions, handle the paperwork, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.