The Port of Key West serves a crucial role in Florida’s maritime industry, serving three separate docking facilities. As one of the largest cruise ports in the region, it hosts ships from Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, Port Tampa, Port of Jacksonville, and Port of Miami. It’s a huge part of the local economy, creating thousands of jobs and bringing in millions of dollars every single year. The work you do as a maritime worker at the Port of Key West strengthens Florida’s economy, not to mention maritime operations across the country as a whole. Should you become injured, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation under maritime law.
When you’re injured in a maritime accident, having the right attorney truly matters. That’s where the BoatLaw, LLP team steps in to help. With offices located throughout the Pacific Northwest, attorneys Douglas Williams and Nick Neidzwski have handled nearly every type of maritime claim over the firm’s 45+ years in practice.
BoatLaw, LLP uses our expertise and skills to help the maritime workers and families in the Port of Key West region to recover the maximum available compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Find out how our approach to trial preparation can put you on track to get the justice and compensation you need.
While our offices are located in California, Oregon, and Washington, we serve clients throughout much of the country. The maritime industry is one of the largest in the country, demanding a wide range of skill-sets. Our Port Key West maritime lawyers serve locally and throughout Florida via remote calls & Zoom – we meet with clients to fight for their rights after an injury.
Click here to submit a contact form or call (800) BOATLAW to schedule a FREE consultation.
“I was very fortunate to be represented by BoatLaw, LLP. Their team was extremely understanding throughout the entire process, and incredibly kind. They truly go the extra mile for your best interest and care…that’s something you don’t see everyday.” – Jane H.
Important Maritime Legislation
Maritime law, also referred to as admiralty law, is a combination of case law and legislation. Specific aspects of maritime law are enshrined in legislation, such as the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. However, other parts of maritime law are established through case law. It’s important to work with an experienced maritime injury attorney who can interpret this complex area of law in a way that allows them to build a strong case for you.
First, you should understand the basic concept of maintenance and cure. Under general maritime law, all injured maritime workers—regardless of fault—are entitled to maintenance and cure. This type of compensation covers general living expenses and medical care related to their injury.
There are other pieces of legislation that address additional compensation workers may be owed. The Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to sue their employer if their employer’s negligence led to their injuries. Injured longshoremen and harbor workers have the same protections under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Are You Entitled to Compensation?
If you were injured as a maritime worker or passenger, you could be owed compensation. As an employee, you can reach out to your captain or employer to report your injury and request maintenance and cure. If you believe that your employer’s negligence led to your injuries, your next call should be to a maritime injury lawyer. They can explain your options further.
If you were injured while you were a passenger on a vessel, you may want to reach out to an attorney with experience both in maritime law and personal injury law. While the types of evidence used may be different, you’ll likely still ultimately be owed compensation if your injury was not your fault.
Victims of severe accidents, such as those caused by capsizing or sinking boats, are often entitled to substantial compensation. Not only may they suffer permanent injuries, they may be left with long-lasting mental trauma and significant property damage.
Click here to submit a contact form or call (800) BOATLAW to schedule a FREE consultation.
How Maritime Law Can Affect Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Claims
Maritime law often overflows into personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Those who aren’t aware of the complex laws governing bodies of water may initially reach out to a workers’ comp or personal injury lawyer, only to be redirected to a maritime attorney. This area of law tends to supersede state law, which affects issues like the statute of limitations, compensation limits, and comparative negligence. If your injury occurred on or near a body of water, odds are good you’ll need an attorney with experience in maritime law.
Call BoatLaw, LLP Today
If you’ve been injured at the Port of Key West, make sure you have the BoatLaw, LLP team advocating for you. Let’s talk about the first steps in your legal case. Contact us online or give us a call at (800) BOATLAW to set up a consultation right away.
