Maritime suits may be brought in State or Federal courts, depending upon the circumstances. Suit may be brought in various jurisdictions, based on the place of employment, place of injury, vessel owner's residence or present location of the vessel. The choice made in your case would be on the basis of what is most advantageous to you.

As to how long it will take to resolve your case, the basic guideline is the sooner begun, the sooner resolved. Most vessel owners or insurers will not rush to compensate you, and will settle the case only when liability has been established and the damages demonstrated. Likewise, court calendars are congested, so the sooner an action is filed, the sooner the case will be resolved.