The LeadersIn Maritime Law

Great Lakes Maritime Attorney

The Great Lakes are a group of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America at the Canada-U.S. border. They form the largest group of freshwater lakes on the planet by total surface, which totals 80,545 square miles. They hold an astounding 21% of Earth's total surface fresh water. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario comprise the Great Lakes. The following states border part of one or more of the Great Lakes: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Cargo and vessels moving between ports on the Great Lakes are governed by the Jones Act. This means that when a worker on a vessel is injured, he or she may be entitled to receive benefits under the Jones Act and/or other applicable maritime laws. A Great Lakes maritime injury attorney can help you determine which laws may apply to your particular situation, if you or someone you love has been injured as a maritime worker on any of the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes: Port Information

There are 15 international ports and approximately 50 smaller ports on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system. Some of the key U.S. ports include:

  • Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor is located in Portage, Indiana on the south shore of Lake Michigan. It is approximately 30 miles by land and 18 nautical miles from Chicago.
  • Port of Detroit is located in Michigan and is operated by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.
  • Port of Duluth-Superior is the number one volume port on the Great Lakes and is the second largest dry bulk port in the nation. It is located at the head of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system. It handles both domestic and international cargo.
  • Port of Lorain is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio and is operated by the Lorain Port Authority.
  • Port of Milwaukee is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 75 miles north of Chicago. It is well known for its heavy lift capacity, for both liquid and dry cargo.
  • Port of Ogdensburg is located at the northwest border of York and is the only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence Seaway. It is operated by the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority.
  • Port of Oswego is located in New York at the southeast shore of Lake Ontario. The port processes more than 500,000 tons of cargo every year and is operated by the Port of Oswego Authority.
  • Port of Toledo is located on Lake Erie in Ohio. It is operated by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and handles more than 12 million tons of cargo every year.

At Arnold & Itkin LLP we represent injured seamen, vessel workers, harbor workers, and longshoremen throughout the United States. This includes those working on the Great Lakes as well as those working offshore or in any navigable waters in the nation.

Protecting a Seaman's Rights
Great Lakes Offshore Injury Lawyer

If you are interested in finding out more about your rights as a seaman, longshoreman, or harbor worker, you can count on the knowledgeable guidance an offshore injury lawyer at our firm can provide. We have handled countless maritime claims and have successfully recovered billions of dollars for our clients in settlements and verdicts.

To learn more, contact a Great Lakes maritime injury attorney today.

Areas We Serve

Information Center

Maritime Information

  • September 14 2023

    What Happens to the Environment After an Oil Spill?

  • September 13 2023

    Is Benzene Exposure Dangerous for Offshore Workers?

  • August 29 2023

    Smart Hard Hats & Offshore Head Injury Protection

What is it Like To Work With Arnold & Itkin

Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

I encountered professionalism, understanding, compassion… lot of compassion. They really felt for what me and my wife were going through.
~ Deepwater Horizon Crew Member

Work with a lawyer who truly understands Maritime Law.

Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.

Related Maritime Videos
  • Arnold & Itkin has represented offshore workers nationwide and has recovered billions of dollars. Watch this video to learn how and why that matters.

  • Arnold & Itkin has achieved record-setting verdicts for offshore workers across the country, representing survivors and victims of the nation’s biggest offshore tragedies.

  • At Arnold & Itkin, our success can be traced to one core belief that we've held throughout the years: every case is personal to our team.

  • At Arnold & Itkin, we pride ourselves on giving our clients access to the best lawyers and best legal team possible. Because that's how you get the best results.

  • Our founding partners have worked together for more than a decade.

  • We know this a difficult time. Let us help.

Discuss Your Legal Rights & Options

Free Case Evaluation

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your email address.
  • Please enter your phone number.
  • Please make a selection.