If you work in or near Port Tampa Bay, having a maritime injury lawyer on standby is essential. Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port, managed and overseen by the Tampa Port Authority. Every year, 33 million tons of cargo pass through Port Tampa Bay. It’s also an important cruise homeport, so it sees visitors from all over the country. Not only is it a crucial part of Florida’s economy, it’s a cornerstone of the nation’s maritime industry.
When you suffer a maritime injury in the Port Tampa Bay area, your first call should be to BoatLaw, LLP. Led by attorneys Douglas Williams and Nick Neidzwski, our firm brings decades of experience to every case we accept. Our extensive focus on trial preparation prepares us for every possible avenue a case may follow, giving our clients a fighting chance at the fair compensation they deserve.
Our team works tirelessly from offices in California, Oregon, and Washington. However, we are proud to serve injured maritime workers from every part of the country.
“No one wants to need a lawyer. I know that I didn’t. From the moment I was introduced to Nick and his team, their expertise, experience, and general demeanor eased my worries and made me feel secure that there were really good people working on my behalf. […] And the end has been good for me. Although my situation didn’t seem to contain any possible happy endings, I have obtained some major financial stability and sometimes that’s all one can ask for.” – Autumn R.
What Causes Maritime Accidents?
Maritime accidents are tragically common. Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and some accidents and injuries are inevitable. However, some are preventable. Equipment and machinery malfunctions, limited access to safety gear, weak or unenforced safety protocols, and inadequate training are all serious issues within the maritime industry. At Port Tampa Bay, employers and vessel owners alike pride themselves on strict safety protocols and thorough maintenance routines that minimize the risk of accident or injury. But it takes just one rogue employer to put an entire vessel of workers and passengers at risk.
Beyond the accidents caused by human error and negligence, there are some that are the result of nature. Even with careful analysis of weather forecasts, it is impossible to truly know what a day at sea may hold for you. When the water is rougher than expected or you face unexpected obstacles, tragedy may follow.
BoatLaw, LLP Handles a Wide Range of Maritime Injury Cases
Throughout the years we’ve spent working with maritime workers and passengers, we have seen nearly every type of maritime injury case. Some of the cases our firm works on include:
- Hypothermia
- Drowning
- Explosions
- Exposure to harmful gasses and chemicals
- Boat collisions
- Unseaworthy equipment
- Slips and falls
- Crane accidents
- Unsafe working conditions
The team at BoatLaw, LLP has also worked with a number of victims of capsizing and sinking accidents. A capsized vessel can leave behind millions of dollars in lost cargo and destroyed vessel components. Furthermore, it is likely to cause severe or even fatal injuries. Many capsized boats end up in this position because they are overloaded with cargo, their cargo is unbalanced, they are under the care of an inexperienced operator, intense wind, and sharp turns. Victims of these devastating accidents may be entitled to compensation.
What You Should Know About Maritime Law
It’s crucial to understand that incidents occurring at sea or near the shoreline may fall under federal jurisdiction, as the federal government handles maritime law cases. This is the case both for injured passengers and injured workers. In other situations that may warrant the help of a personal injury or workers’ compensation attorney, those occurring at sea may demand the knowledge and experience of a maritime injury attorney.
General maritime law dictates the rights of crew members and employees at sea. This is where the phrase maintenance and cure comes from. However, if an unsafe vessel operator causes accidents and injuries, crew members may be entitled to further compensation under the Jones Act. Those who work as longshoremen or harbor workers may be able to demand compensation for injuries caused by negligence with the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Fight for What You Deserve—Call BoatLaw, LLP Today
Don’t wait any longer to find out if you have a valid maritime injury claim. The team at BoatLaw, LLP is waiting to talk to you about your options. You can reach us online or call us at 360-671-6711.
