Surrounded by water on almost every side, Florida has one of the most robust maritime industries in the United States. With cruise lines, shipyards, and maritime training facilities, Florida has a strong economy built on the back of maritime employees. That’s why it’s so important for maritime workers to understand their rights. This field is inherently dangerous, and maritime law offers substantial protections to those who work aboard or near vessels.
Why Choose BoatLaw, LLP After a Florida Maritime Injury?
Why Choose BoatLaw, LLP After a Florida Maritime Injury?Our focus on maritime law for over four decades has given us a strong understanding of the maritime industry and the unique demands our nation’s maritime workers face. Attorneys Nick Neidzwski and Douglas Williams have fought for justice for injured maritime workers, and our Florida maritime lawyers have the experience to assist with any circumstance.
Our team is always working to protect the rights and improve the lives of maritime workers in Florida. Wherever you may live and work in Florida, our team is ready to advocate for you as you recover.
Click here to submit a contact form or call (800) BOATLAW to schedule a FREE consultation.
“I would like to thank my counsel for his steadfast advocacy and taking my case across the finish line. We received a favorable result and I’m most grateful for his unwavering support through this process.” – Maurice B.
We Represent a Wide Range of Victims
With our exclusive focus on maritime law, we’ve gotten the chance to learn about the variety of victims that the maritime industry leaves in its wake. Although the majority of our clients are those who work in the maritime industry and suffer injuries as a result of their labor, we also help clients who are otherwise affected by maritime accidents, including:
- Commercial fishermen
- Ferry passengers and workers
- Cruise ship passengers
- Barge workers
- Tugboat crew
- Deckhands
- Military Sealift Command
- Merchant mariners
Throughout the decades, we’ve helped clients with many types of maritime accidents and injuries. This includes injuries and losses caused by capsized or sunken vessels. When a boat capsizes and sinks, the losses can be tremendous. Not only is there the potential for serious injuries, but loss of life is a very likely outcome. You also have to consider the destroyed vessel and lost cargo. All in all, these accidents can result in millions of dollars of losses, and it’s crucial to have the right Florida maritime injury attorney fighting for you.
We help victims injured in maritime accidents throughout Florida including the following ports:
- Key West Port Operations
- Port Canaveral
- Port of Jacksonville
- Port of Miami
- Port of Palm Beach
- Port Tampa Bay
- SeaPort Manatee
Click here to submit a contact form or call (800) BOATLAW to schedule a FREE consultation.
Key Pieces of Maritime Law
The field of maritime law has evolved over the course of hundreds of years, dating back to the very first sailors who risked their lives to transport cargo and passengers. This area of law can be difficult to understand, because it generally supersedes state law and, depending on location, may lean heavily on federal or international law.
One important piece of legislation that guides maritime law is the Jones Act. Known also as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, this law gives injured seamen the right to sue their employers when their employers’ negligence causes them to become injured. This is a significant benefit for injured maritime workers; with the Jones Act, they are typically limited to maintenance and cure. While maintenance and cure can provide significant compensation, the Jones Act allows for more substantial compensation across a greater number of categories.
Another crucial piece of legislation is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. This is similar to the Jones Act, but rather than helping injured seamen, it helps those who work as harbor workers and longshoremen. Like the Jones Act, it expands the type of compensation these workers may be entitled to if their injuries are the result of an employer’s or vessel owner’s negligence.
Do You Need a Maritime Injury Lawyer, a Workers’ Comp Lawyer, or a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A number of our clients come to us because they first seek out a personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyer, who then tells them that they actually need a maritime injury lawyer. While there’s no cut-and-dry answer to this question, talking to an experienced attorney is your first step. If your injury occurred at sea or while adjacent to the water—for example, at a harbor or shipyard—there’s a good chance that you’ll need a maritime attorney. Even if your case ends up being a standard personal injury or workers’ compensation case in Florida, you may find that a lawyer with maritime law experience understands the unique challenges of your case.
Take the First Step and Call Our Team Now
Maritime injuries can leave you unable to provide for your family, advance in your career, and get ahead. We’re here to help. If you’re struggling to get the compensation you deserve after an injury, let’s talk. Contact our maritime injury law firm online or call us at (800) BOATLAW to schedule a free consultation.
