Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Jessica Martinez
The rain was coming down in sheets that morning, the kind of sideways Portland drizzle that soaks you through in seconds. I was standing on the dock at RiverPlace Marina, coffee steaming in my hand, watching a client pace the deck of his damaged fishing vessel—the Sea Breeze—and I knew exactly what he was feeling. That mix of frustration, confusion, and plain old Oregon worry. His livelihood was tied up in that boat, and a collision in the Willamette the week before had thrown everything into chaos. Honestly, after fifteen years practicing maritime law here, I’ve learned these cases are as much about understanding our unique waterways as they are about the law itself.
Portland’s relationship with maritime law is different than most coastal cities. We’re a working river town, despite what the food carts and breweries might suggest. From the commercial barges moving freight under the St. Johns Bridge to the weekend sailors out on the Columbia, our legal landscape is shaped by these specific waters. And the truth is, most boat owners and shipping companies here don’t realize how different river law can be until they’re already in trouble.
What Maritime Law Actually Covers Here in Portland
When people hear “maritime lawyer,” they usually think of oceangoing tankers or cruise ship incidents. But here in Portland, it’s almost always about river operations. The legal principles might be federal, but how they apply to our situation? That’s local knowledge.
I had a client last year, a small shipping company operating out of the industrial area near Swan Island. They had a barge break loose during one of our winter windstorms—we all remember that series of storms back in 2021—and it caused significant damage to a docked vessel. They assumed their standard business insurance would cover it. But marine insurance claims operate under different rules, especially when weather is involved. Took us six months to navigate that claim properly.
Common cases I handle here include:
- Boat and vessel collisions on the Willamette and Columbia
- Injury claims for crew members working on local shipping vessels
- Cargo damage disputes for goods moving through Portland’s terminals
- Dock and marina liability issues
- Environmental compliance for vessel operators
- Salvage claims when vessels run aground or sink
You know what’s funny? People always assume maritime law is about international waters. But the reality is, if it involves navigable waters—and both the Willamette and Columbia definitely qualify—federal maritime law applies. Even right here in downtown Portland.
The PortlandSpecific Challenges You Should Know About
Our weather patterns create unique risks that coastal cities don’t always face. The Columbia River Gorge creates these intense wind tunnels that can appear out of nowhere. I’ve seen more than one pleasure boat get into serious trouble because they didn’t check the wind forecast properly.
And the winter weather? Don’t get me started. The ice storm we had in 2024 created absolute chaos on the waterways. Several vessels broke from their moorings, and the resulting damage claims are still being sorted out. The Multnomah County courthouse has seen a steady stream of these cases ever since.
But here’s an insider secret most people don’t realize: The jurisdiction questions around here can get complicated fast. If an incident happens on the Washington side of the Columbia versus the Oregon side, different state laws might interact with federal maritime law. I’ve had cases where we needed to file in both Oregon and Washington courts to properly protect a client’s interests.
Another local factor—the tidal influence on the Columbia. We’re about 100 river miles from the ocean, but we still get tidal effects that can change river levels by a foot or more. That affects everything from docking safety to navigation. I remember a case where a cargo ship captain miscalculated the tide and ended up grounded near Hayden Island. The insurance company initially denied the claim, arguing it was pilot error. Took some serious local expertise to demonstrate how unusual the tidal conditions were that day.
When You Actually Need a Maritime Lawyer in Portland
So when should you call someone like me? Honestly, sooner than most people do.
If you’re involved in any incident on the water—whether it’s a collision, injury, or property damage—the first 24 hours are critical. Evidence disappears fast on the river. Currents move debris, weather changes, and witness memories fade. I always tell clients: document everything immediately. Take photos before you even leave the scene.
Here’s a common misconception: that your regular attorney can handle maritime cases. The truth is, maritime law is its own specialized field with different procedures, different statutes of limitation, and different liability standards. I’ve seen wellmeaning general practice attorneys make basic mistakes that cost their clients significantly.
Wait—actually, let me rephrase that more clearly: It’s not that other attorneys aren’t competent. It’s that maritime law has centuries of unique precedent and procedures that most lawyers never encounter in their careers. The paperwork alone for a simple vessel arrest is enough to confuse anyone who doesn’t do this regularly.
You should definitely consult a maritime specialist if:
- There’s been any injury to crew or passengers on navigable waters
- Your vessel has been damaged in a collision
- You’re facing environmental compliance issues
- There’s a dispute over salvage rights
- You need to file a claim against a shipping company or marina
What This Typically Costs Portland Residents
Let’s talk money, because this is where people get nervous. Most maritime attorneys in Portland work on contingency for injury cases—meaning we only get paid if you recover damages. For other matters like contract disputes or compliance work, it’s usually hourly.
Oregon falls somewhere in the middle for legal costs—not as expensive as California or New York, but definitely not the cheapest. Most maritime legal work here runs between $250$450 per hour for noncontingency matters. The complicated part is that costs can vary significantly depending on which court your case ends up in.
Funny thing is, I’ve had clients try to handle maritime claims themselves to save money. One fisherman from Scappoose thought he could negotiate directly with the shipping company that damaged his boat. They offered him a settlement that didn’t even cover his repair costs. By the time he came to me, we had to play catchup. Ended up getting him three times what they’d originally offered, but it was a much harder fight.
The truth is, investing in proper maritime legal representation usually pays for itself—either through better settlements or avoiding costly mistakes. Most established maritime lawyers in Portland offer free initial consultations, so there’s really no risk in getting professional advice early.
Local Maritime Law Providers in Portland
Based on actual local presence, here are some established providers in Portland:
Schroeter Goldmark & Bender — Serves the downtown Portland area and has handled maritime injury cases.
Gittins Law — Located in Portland with experience in maritime matters.
Mills & Mills LLP — While based elsewhere, they have represented clients in Oregon maritime cases.
When evaluating options, always verify their specific maritime experience. Many personal injury firms will take occasional maritime cases, but you want someone who truly understands the nuances of admiralty law.
Regulatory Bodies and Verification
For official matters, you’ll want to verify credentials and check regulations through the proper channels:
Check credentials through the Oregon State Bar.
For vessel documentation issues, see the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center.
Local maritime regulations can be found through the Port of Portland.
And honestly, the City of Portland’s official website has useful information about local waterway regulations and marina requirements that many people overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim in Oregon?
It’s complicated—maritime cases typically have a 3year statute, but certain claims might have shorter deadlines. Some Oregon state law claims give you 2 years. You really need to consult quickly to avoid missing deadlines.
Does maritime law apply to small recreational boats?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re on navigable waters like the Willamette or Columbia, maritime law applies regardless of boat size. I’ve handled cases involving everything from kayaks to cargo ships.
What if the incident happened on the Washington side of the river?
That’s when it gets interesting. Federal maritime law still applies, but we might need to consider Washington state law too. This is exactly why you need local expertise—we navigate these crossborder issues regularly.
Are maritime lawyers more expensive than regular attorneys?
Not necessarily. Many work on contingency for injury cases, meaning no upfront cost. For other matters, rates are comparable to other legal specialists in Portland.
Looking out my window toward the Willamette now, the water’s calm today. But I know how quickly that can change. If you’re dealing with any kind of boat legal issue here in Portland, my advice is simple: Don’t wait. The river doesn’t care about your schedule, and neither do the insurance companies. Find someone who knows these local waters as well as they know the law, and you’ll navigate this much more smoothly.
That fisherman from RiverPlace? We got his boat repaired and recovered his lost income. Last I heard, he’s back out on the water where he belongs. Some days, that’s what makes this job worthwhile.