Miami Maritime Injury Lawyer

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Those who work in maritime industries take on unique risks due to the naturally hazardous conditions of their workplace. In addition, the laws surrounding these kinds of workplaces are different from those that deal with other workplace injuries. If you've been injured in a maritime or maritime-adjacent accident, you will likely want to consult a Miami maritime injury lawyer to navigate the ins and outs of your case. 

An experienced maritime injury lawyer will be able to help you understand the law as it applies to your personal injury case and ensure that you get the best possible outcome to help you on the road to recovery. 

DO YOU NEED A MIAMI MARITIME INJURY LAWYER?

If you have been hurt at work and are looking for a lawyer, you may have been wondering just what kind of lawyer to call. Often, workplace injuries fall under the expertise of a personal injury attorney, but in the case of maritime workplace industries, specialized knowledge and experience is required. 

Because maritime law applies to such a limited and specific set of circumstances, it is important that anyone who has been injured in a maritime workplace accident works with a lawyer who has experience and expertise in that specific set of legal skills. 

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MARITIME INJURIES?

Due to the hazardous nature of the types of work typically done on ships, there are unfortunately many maritime injuries that are relatively commonplace. Injuries sustained in maritime workplaces can be due to the physical nature of the space itself. A ship in motion may create hazardous and unstable conditions. Likewise, the materials on the ship can present dangers, especially if they are caustic and require adequate safety gear for proper handling.

Cases involving the following injuries are likely to fall under the expertise of a maritime injury lawyer: 

• Slip and fall accidents
• Broken bones
• Injury to extremities 
• Chemical burns 
• Injuries from repetitive motions
• Asphyxia or poisoning 

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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A MARITIME INJURY?

The jurisdiction of maritime law is complicated, and that can make determining who is responsible for an injury sustained while onboard a maritime vessel challenging. Generally speaking, an injured party will have options about how to bring forward a case. These could include bringing the case forward under either state or federal law. 

Employer Responsibility

Under general maritime law, the employer is held responsible for "maintenance and cure," which means they must provide day-to-day living expenses during recovery as well as medical bills. If the employer was negligent in some way — such as by failing to maintain safe working conditions or provide adequate safety gear — there may also be grounds for a negligence lawsuit. 

The Jones Act 

Maritime injuries may also be covered under the Jones Act, a federal law that oversees injuries that occur on a "vessel on navigable waters." Those who qualify may be able to get compensation through the provisions of this law. 

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)

Some cases that are not covered under the Jones Act may instead qualify for coverage under the LHWCA. This set of laws can help provide compensation for those injured in maritime and maritime-adjacent industries even in the case of a true accident without negligence. 

WHAT TYPES OF ACCIDENTS FALL UNDER MARITIME LAW?

Maritime law generally refers to accidents that occur while on a vessel in navigable waters. However, there are many workplace injuries that happen on land that are still part of maritime operations. Those who are injured in shipyards while doing repairs, for instance, may qualify for coverage under certain provisions of the Jones Act or the LHWCA. 

It is important to speak with a qualified Miami maritime injury lawyer about the details of your case to determine what laws cover the specifics of your injury. It could be that your injury is covered under multiple possible laws, and an experienced lawyer will be able to walk you through all the scenarios to make the best choice about how to move forward with your case. 

Even if your injury did not occur while out to sea, injuries related to maritime labor and workplaces should be discussed with a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases. The specifics of maritime injury law are complex and unique to the industry, and a maritime injury lawyer is in the best position to help you understand all of your options. 

FINDING THE BEST MIAMI MARITIME INJURY ATTORNEY

The best Miami maritime injury attorney is one who will listen carefully to the details of your case and then guide you through the options for how to move forward. Choosing to file the case under one set of laws may preclude you from filing it under another, so it is important to fully understand the implications of each decision. 

The road to recovery following a maritime injury can be long, but getting adequate and fair compensation can provide you with the support you need along the way. 

How can a lawyer help me after I am injured in a maritime accident?

Reaching out to a personal injury lawyer in Miami is the single best step you can take if you have been injured in a maritime accident. A lawyer can help you maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here are some of the specific ways a lawyer can help you during this difficult time:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the details of your accident 
• Gather and organize evidence to support your case
• Secure any eyewitness testimonies that could be helpful to your case
• Negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties
• Take your case to trial if you are unable to reach a favorable settlement

In addition to these measures, a lawyer will provide unconditional support from the moment you hire them until your case concludes

Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your injuries sustained in a maritime accident.