Adam Lotkin, my attorney, was straight forward and solid. He did what he said he would do. He kept reassuring me I was in good hands, and in the end, he proved, I was. When my case was finished, they treated me fairly and worked quickly to pay out my settlement. When going up against large insurance companies, Rutter Mills proved, your law firm does matter. Thank you all again, for taking a difficult time in my life and making it bearable.
Adam Lotkin Named Go To Maritime Lawyer
VA Lawyers Weekly Names Adam Lotkin a Go-To Maritime Lawyer
VIRGINIA LAWYERS WEEKLY OCTOBER 2025
Maritime injury cases are some of the most complex to pursue. Accidents can occur in international waters and involve global shipping corporations with extensive legal representation. That is exactly why Attorney Adam Lotkin is drawn to them.
“Maritime injury law is one of the last frontiers where David goes toe-to-toe with Goliath — where a lone worker can challenge billion-dollar corporations and demand justice.” – Adam H. Lotkin, Partner/Litigation Manager at Rutter Mills LLP
Based on recent peer reviews and nominations, Adam H. Lotkin was named by VA Lawyers Weekly as the “Go-to Maritime Lawyer.” Adam’s history of taking on claims by injured maritime workers and winning earned him the prestigious award.
You can read the full article on VA Lawyers Weekly website here.
A LEGACY BUILT ON THE WATER
For more than 65 years, maritime law has anchored the legacy of Rutter Mills. What began as a passion for justice on the water evolved into a defining pillar of who we are. Long before maritime law was a search term, Brother Rutter and his father, Art Rutter were charting new waters.
Standing among the country’s most respected maritime injury lawyers, their work didn’t just win cases — it helped shape the very laws that protect seamen, longshoremen, and offshore workers today. The Rutter’s deep understanding of these complicated laws are shaping the maritime team at Rutter Mills.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Adam came to Rutter Mills as a seasoned trial attorney with a successful record. He credits much of his success in maritime and admiralty law to mentorship and teamwork:
“Our firm has a long history of handling these types of cases, and my mentoring from Brother Rutter— and his from his dad, Art — gave me a strong foundation to add to my litigation experience, now coming up on 30 years in practice.”
Lotkin is joined by Rutter Mills Attorney Georgina Montgomery, as co-counsel on many of his maritime cases. Her passion for protecting injured workers is matched by her skill in the courtroom.
The Importance of Maritime Law
With over 90% of the world’s economy traveling across the ocean, accidents at sea are unfortunately common. Maritime cases often begin long after the injury occurs, an injured worker may not contact an attorney until days or even weeks after disembarking. In that time, crucial details fade, and the timeline becomes unclear.
Building a case requires reconstructing events piece by piece. First-person statements, collecting information about the ownership and safety practices of the vessel’s operators. From there, we track medical timelines, gather witness testimony, and connect every detail back to the company policies. Gathering this evidence presents its own challenges. Witnesses are often hesitant to speak, fearing retaliation or job loss for going against an employer.
“The most helpful witnesses are honest people caught in a difficult situation,” Lotkin says. “Our job is to protect them while pursuing the truth.”
The Complexities Beneath the Surface
Unlike traditional personal injury cases, maritime law, or admiralty law is governed by a web of federal laws and international regulations. These cases often involve foreign companies, offshore jurisdictions, and injuries that occur thousands of miles from shore.
“When accidents happen on the water, the laws are different and the cases become exponentially more complex,” Attorney Lotkin explains.
Lotkin describes the process of building winning such cases as a meticulous investigation that can span continents. From coordinating with international experts to navigating multiple layers of liability, maritime cases require a lawyer who not only understands the law but also the maritime industry itself.
“Not just any injury lawyer can successfully represent a maritime worker,” Lotkin notes. “Only attorneys experienced in the nuances of Admiralty Law and the Jones Act can truly advocate for clients in these complex cases.”
Read more about his strategy in Adam’s article published by Lawyers Monthly, a global legal news resource. In 2024 and 2025, the magazine also named Lotkin as the Maritime Injury Lawyer of the year. His experience in maritime law is now globally recognized as a leader in this practice area.
Contact a Local Jones Act Lawyer for Maritime Injury Claims
If you’ve been injured while working at sea or on navigable waters, a Jones Act lawyer can help you understand your rights and recover the money you deserve. The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, allows injured maritime workers—including seamen, deckhands, and crew members—to file claims against their employers when negligence causes an accident. The Jones Act provides broader protection and recovery for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future earning capacity. At Rutter Mills LLP, our experienced Jones Act lawyers understand the complexities of maritime law and are committed to fighting for injured seamen. If you’ve been hurt while working offshore, our dedicated maritime team will guide you through every step of your Jones Act claim and help you secure the justice you deserve.
Contact us today to speak with one of our Maritime Attorneys today.
Legacy
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Convenient Locations in Hampton Roads
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Team Members Ready to Help
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Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
