Managed by the Jacksonville Port Authority, the Port of Jacksonville is one of the largest international trade ports in the United States. It’s often stylized as JAXPORT, and it’s known for being Florida’s largest port by volume. With over 1.3 million containers passing through it every year, it should come as no surprise that the Port of Jacksonville relies on a massive amount of highly trained maritime professionals to keep operations running smoothly and safely. As a maritime worker in this region, you must know your rights and how to assert them if you become injured.
The team at BoatLaw, LLP is passionate about helping injured maritime workers and passengers seek justice after a maritime accident leaves them hurt. For several decades, attorneys Nick Neidzwski and Douglas Williams have focused exclusively on maritime law to better serve the people of California, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Florida. When you’re injured because of a negligent vessel owner or employer, we are here to help.
While we have offices located in Washington, California, and Oregon, we work extensively with clients throughout the entire United States. Whether you live near the Port of Jacksonville and work there year-round or only spend a few months out of the year supporting this important industry, the risk of injury is always present. Regardless of your role in the maritime field, we’re here for you if you suffer an injury.
“When I was laying in the hospital, I called a few maritime lawyers, I started with those recommended by my shipmates. […] Nick came in, laid out his plan, what he needed from me, and what he was willing to do for me. And for 2+ years…he stuck to the plan. […] So when they dangled $1,000,000, they really had my attention. But Nick broke down the process, advice that I decline and allowed me to make my own decision. I decline…and settle for over 3 times their first offer, over 7 times the amount I originally thought my case was worth.” – Damar S.
How Negligence Can Lead to Maritime Injury
A surprising amount of maritime injuries are the result of a vessel owner’s or employer’s negligence. These injuries are often caused by unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, and limited enforcement of safety protocols. Training is a key aspect of safety in the maritime industry, and maritime employers that bring new crew members on without first putting them through a rigorous training program put everyone in danger.
Vessel maintenance is another area that employers can fall short. Vessels should be inspected regularly and get the maintenance they need in a timely manner. Inadequate maintenance can cause fires, structural failures, and grave malfunctions.
Many avoidable injuries are the result of fatigue and overworking. While maritime work is inherently tiring and comes with some degree of physical strain, workers who are consistently overworked and fatigued are more likely to make serious mistakes or take unnecessary risks.
Negligence often plays a role in accidents leading to capsizing and sinking. These types of accidents often occur when a vessel is overloaded or unbalanced, causing the cargo to pull the vessel to one side. This type of incident can cause millions of dollars in losses, not to mention severe and fatal injuries.
An Injured Maritime Worker’s Rights
If you’re injured in the course of your maritime work, you have rights—don’t let your employer take them away. You are entitled to maintenance and cure. Maintenance pays for your basic expenses and financial obligations, while cure covers the cost of your medical care. If your injuries were the result of your employer’s or vessel owner’s negligence, you are also entitled to sue them under the Jones Act. Beyond basic maintenance and cure, this type of lawsuit allows you to request compensation for pain and suffering, lost future earning capacity, and other losses.
Throughout the course of your employment, don’t forget that you also have the right to a reasonably safe working environment. Employers must take reasonable steps to avoid vessel malfunctions, ensure that crew members are properly trained, and that everyone onboard follows appropriate safety protocols. When these rights are violated, that’s often when injuries follow—and you can demand justice.
Start Your Claim With BoatLaw, LLP Today
The team at BoatLaw, LLP is ready to support you in your Port of Jacksonville injury claim. Let’s sit down and talk about your injuries, financial losses, and next steps. Schedule your consultation by calling us at 360-671-6711 or reaching out to our firm online.
