The Port of Miami is at the heart of Florida’s maritime industry. Stylized as PortMiami, the Port of Miami sits at the mouth of the Miami River. It’s the largest passenger port in the world and serves as one of the largest cargo ports in the entire country. Internationally, it’s recognized as the Cruise Capital of the World. Even looking outside its role in cruising and cargo transit, it is one of the most important parts of Florida’s economy.
Those work in Florida’s maritime industry ensure that the people of Florida have access to the goods and services they need. However, this work comes with its risks—and when you suffer a maritime industry, it’s important to have the team at BoatLaw, LLP working for you. Our commitment to maritime workers has made us one of the most established maritime firms in the Pacific Northwest, serving Oregon, Washington, California, and Alaska. Our attorneys, Nick Neidzwski and Douglas Williams, fight aggressively on behalf of injured maritime workers to help them get the compensation they deserve.
With clients located across the country, BoatLaw, LLP has helped maritime workers from every part of this industry recover the compensation they deserve after an injury. From our offices in California and the Pacific Northwest, we provide answers to seamen and their families.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Douglas Williams with BoatLaw LLP on two separate occasions, and although the reasoning behind needing his services weren’t the greatest, he has always been extremely helpful and professional. He is very personable and knowledgeable in maritime law, which helps when dealing with very stressful situations. He is diligent and always gets back to you in a timely matter.” – Ivan L.
What You Should Know About Maritime and Admiralty Law
No matter what you may know about other fields of law, maritime law is a different beast entirely. Referred to as either maritime law or admiralty law, this legal field governs issues related to shipping, navigation, and marine activities. It is applicable in most bodies of water, including those that cross state and country lines, which is why it falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
Over the years, maritime work and travel have both become substantially safer. This is due in large part to increasing regulations and technological advances that have driven down the risk of accidents. Much of the work done in maritime law upholds these regulations and strives to continue making the water safer for everyone. Different areas of maritime law include vessel regulations, cargo regulations, wreck recovery, commercial shipping, marine insurance, and international maritime law.
While many different pieces of legislation make up maritime law, you’ll see the same few come up repeatedly. The first is the idea of maintenance and cure, a general maritime law concept that entitles injured workers to basic living expenses and medical treatment until they recover. Another is the Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to seek additional compensation from a negligent vessel owner who causes injury. This type of compensation may also be accessible to longshoremen and harbor workers under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Can Our Firm Handle Your Maritime Case?
For decades, the team at BoatLaw, LLP, has tackled some of the toughest maritime law cases in the country. The cases we take on include:
- Trip and fall accidents
- Unsafe cargo operations
- Inadequate safety measures
- Hypothermia and drowning
- Cruise ship injuries
- Port collisions
- Oil rig accidents
- Ferry accidents
- Hearing loss
- Barge accidents
- Dry dock accidents
- Oil platform accidents
- Toxic exposure
Capsizing and sinking accidents are particularly devastating in the Port of Miami. While capsizing does not always lead to sinking, it often results in the destruction of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cargo. Additionally, boats that capsize and sink can cause serious environmental destruction and devastating injuries.
You Could Be Owed Compensation
Vessel owners and operators have an obligation to workers, passengers, and others at sea to keep their vessels in a seaworthy condition. When they fail to do so and injuries result, victims may be entitled to compensation. Proving unseaworthiness and negligence requires extensive knowledge of maritime law and vessel owners’ legal responsibilities, which is where we can help.
Start Your Claim With BoatLaw, LLP Today
If you’ve been injured as a worker or passenger at the Port of Miami, the team at BoatLaw, LLP is ready to work with you and help you demand fair compensation. Take the first step now by contacting us online or calling us at 360-671-6711.
