Florida Maritime Accident Attorney

We Represent Injury Victims Hurt on Cruise Ships, Commercial Vessels, and in Florida Waters

Boating and maritime accidents can turn a day on the water into a nightmare. Whether you were hurt while working on a ship, sailing off the coast of South Florida, or injured while a passenger on a cruise ship near Florida, your injuries can have serious consequences. If someone else caused the accident, you may be able to take legal action and pursue compensation. An experienced Florida maritime accident lawyer can help.

At Personal Injury Legal Solutions in Plantation, our lawyers are well-versed in the complex laws and unique legal system that govern maritime injuries in Florida. Our attorneys have extensive experience in navigating both state and federal maritime laws. With more than 40 years of combined experience, we know what to do – and we’re ready to help you find answers.

What is a maritime accident?

Generally, maritime accidents encompass boating incidents that occur on navigable waters. In legal terms, this generally means that the incident occurred on a body of water that ships or boats can use to connect with international or interstate waters.

This means the accident occurred on the ocean, rivers, or lakes that connect with the ocean or other bodies of water in other states or countries. If you’re not sure if you’re dealing with a maritime accident or a boating accident, don’t worry. Our Florida law firm handles both types of cases and can help you every step of the way.

What are common causes of maritime accidents In Florida?

Accidents on the water occur for various reasons. In many cases, negligence – the legal term for careless or reckless behavior – plays a role. Some of the most common causes of maritime injuries in Florida include:

• Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Operating a boat too fast for conditions.
• Poorly maintained vessels or mechanical failure.
• Inexperienced or unlicensed boat operators.
• Overcrowding, especially on chartered or recreational vessels.
• Inadequate safety gear or failure to follow safety rules.

Maritime injuries can occur on personal boats, cruise ships, cargo vessels, fishing boats, jet skis, kayaks, and other types of watercraft. Whatever the circumstances of your maritime accident, our law firm can investigate what happened and help you understand your rights.

What is the Jones Act and when does it apply?

The Jones Act is a federal law that allows certain maritime workers to seek compensation from their employer if they are injured on the job. This law is different from workers’ compensation and has specific rules that apply to maritime employment.

You may be eligible to file a claim under the Jones Act if:

• You spend a significant portion of your time working aboard a vessel.
• The vessel is in navigation – meaning it’s operational, afloat, and capable of movement.
• Your injury happened during the course of your work duties.
• Your employer’s negligence contributed to your injury.

Unlike workers’ compensation claims, Jones Act lawsuits allow injured maritime workers to seek damages – the legal term for financial compensation – for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs.

Can you file a lawsuit for a cruise ship injury?

Yes. If you were injured while a passenger on a cruise ship – or while working on one – you may be able to file a legal claim. However, cruise ship cases are more complicated than most accident claims.

Most cruise lines include very specific language in their ticket agreements that limits how long you have to take legal action, where your case can be filed, and other legal rules that may apply. Some of the most common types of cruise ship accidents include:

• Slip and fall injuries caused by wet or uneven surfaces.
• Illness due to unsanitary conditions.
• Injuries caused by negligent security or lack of crowd control.
• Accidents during shore excursions.
• Assaults by crew members or other passengers.

Cruise injury claims often fall under maritime law and may involve strict deadlines for taking legal action. In many cases, you only have one year to file a claim. That’s why it’s important to contact a cruise ship injury lawyer right away.

What if a family member died in a maritime accident?

Losing someone in a maritime accident is devastating. If the death was caused by negligence, your family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under maritime law or Florida law, depending on the circumstances.

Common fatal maritime accidents include:

• Drowning due to a boating collision or capsized vessel.
• Death during a commercial fishing or shipping accident.
• Fatal injuries on a cruise ship or commercial charter.
• Overboard incidents involving negligent supervision or poor safety.

Depending on where the accident occurred and who was at fault, different laws may apply. For example, if your loved one was a maritime worker, you may be able to pursue compensation under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) or the Jones Act.

We know how hard it is to deal with the legal aftermath of a fatal boating accident. That’s why we take the time to listen, explain your options, and guide you forward with compassion and clarity. We’re here for you when you need us most.

Who’s responsible for paying for a maritime injury in Florida?

Liability – the legal term for financial responsibility – depends on how and where your maritime injury occurred. The person or company at fault may be held legally responsible for your accident-related expenses. Depending on the facts of the case, you may be able to seek compensation from:

• Negligent boat operator.
• Owner of the vessel involved in the accident.
• Employer of a maritime worker injured on the job.
• Cruise ship operator or parent company.
• Private charter service or tour operator.
• Company responsible for vessel maintenance or repairs.

Maritime cases are often more complicated than land-based accidents. Different laws may apply based on whether your injury occurred on navigable waters, how far offshore you were, and what kind of vessel was involved. Don’t simply assume you don’t have a case because the boat’s owner tells you that. Get honest advice from an experienced legal team you can trust. Talk to a Florida maritime injury attorney at our law firm right away.

Why choose our Florida maritime accident law firm

At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, we understand the emotional and financial toll maritime accidents can have. Whether you were injured on a personal boat, a cruise ship or while working on a commercial vessel, we can help. Our maritime injury attorneys have decades of experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases across Florida.

When you work with us, you can speak directly with an attorney who understands what you’re going through and which strategies can be the most effective in resolving your legal case. Our attorneys personally handle every case and will keep you informed every step of the way.

Give your maritime injury the attention it deserves. Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation with a Florida maritime injury lawyer who delivers results. We know the law. We know what to do. And we won’t waste a second getting started on your case. Your best interests come first here – always.