Florida Boating Accident Attorney
Maritime and Admiralty Law
The negligent or reckless operation of watercrafts has led to thousands of serious boating accident injuries or fatalities annually off the Florida coasts. Statistics show that more boating accidents occur each year in Florida than in any other state. As tourism has led to new waves of people enjoying the Florida shores, the number of boating accidents has steadily increased. And although Florida officials have increased efforts to enforce existing boat laws and raise boater safety awareness, these efforts have done little to decrease the prevalence of serious boating accidents.
Following a serious boating or offshore accident, a Florida boat accident lawyer at Farah and Farah can help you seek the financial recoveries you are entitled. By contacting an attorney, you will ensure your rights and property are protected. At Farah and Farah in Jacksonville, Florida, a boating accident attorney will be assigned to your case immediately to both advise you and aggressively pursue your claim.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured off the coasts of Florida, contact a boating accident lawyer at Farah and Farah.
Maritime/Admiralty Law
The unique dangers and laws that govern boating, as well as other water activities, make maritime law a highly specialized area of law. Injury victims need experienced legal council with a thorough understanding of these intricacies. Without competent representation, victims may be left with huge medical bills and no way to obtain the compensation they deserve. At our Florida maritime law firm, each boat accident lawyer is thoroughly familiar with Florida maritime law. Farah and Farah boating accident attorneys have successfully litigated many maritime law claims. We have the experience and resources needed to win and can help victims achieve fair financial recovery.
Our attorneys are experienced in all areas of maritime litigation. We represent a wide range of maritime claims including recreational boating claims, Jones Act claims, cruise ship claims from employees and passengers, WaveRunner and Jet Ski accident claims, and personal watercraft claims. Whatever the nature of your claim, our Florida law firm will provide an experienced boating accident attorney who will assist with your recovery.
Jones Act Claims
Working aboard a sea vessel is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Although employers are required by law to provide a reasonably safe work environment, these regulations are weakly enforced at best. Boat owners and employers often cut corners and neglect necessary maintenance in order to maximize profits, forcing workers to labor under hazardous working conditions.
Fortunately, injured maritime workers are protected by the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to obtain financial recovery from an employer if the employer acted negligently or the vessel was unseaworthy.
At Farah and Farah, we understand the unique circumstances and dangers Florida maritime workers may encounter. A Jacksonville boating accident attorney at our firm can aggressively advocate for the rights of a seriously injured worker against the interests of ship owners and big businesses.
Establishing Liability Under the Jones Act
Maritime law is a complex area of the law. Liability under the Jones Act hinges on proving the negligence of the employer or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. At Farah and Farah in Jacksonville, Florida, each boating accident attorney has experience building strong liability suits against boat owners and companies. Our Jacksonville, Florida personal injury law firm has been very successful in helping seriously injured workers throughout Florida and the gulf obtain financial compensation. A boat accident lawyer at Farah and Farah can help you obtain recovery for past and future income loss, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and more.
Early investigation and discovery is crucial to the victim's ability to recover fair compensation for his or her injuries. The negligent company or boat owner will immediately start working to limit their liability by altering accident sites and destroying important evidence. As soon as you contact our Florida law firm, a boat accident lawyer will immediately start preserving crucial evidence and interviewing important witnesses for you.
If you have been injured while actively employed aboard a sea vessel, trust your future to an experienced boating accident attorney with a proven record of success. Please contact Farah and Farah today.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have been involved in a Florida maritime accident, you can contact the attorneys at Farah and Farah in Jacksonville or our other Florida locations to discuss your case. Each boat accident lawyer from our firm is familiar with maritime law and can assist you in recovering compensation for property damage and/or injuries sustained during the accident. To learn more about maritime law and boating accidents, view the following list of frequently asked questions provided by our firm.
What is Maritime and Admiralty Law?
Maritime and admiralty laws govern navigation and shipping operations. In general, injuries that fall under the jurisdiction of maritime and admiralty law include injuries sustained while aboard a sea vessel or injuries sustained while on or near a dock or pier. Maritime and admiralty laws cover all types of sea vessels including commercial boats, recreational water crafts, and cruise ships.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act allows seamen who are injured during employment on a ship to recover damages for their injuries. In order to receive damages, the seaman must prove his injury was caused by the negligence of the ship owner or the unseaworthiness of the ship. Because establishing negligence is crucial to successful recovery of damages under the Jones Act, it is important to seek the council of a qualified attorney. At our Florida law firm, each boat accident lawyer is an expert on the legal intricacies of the Jones Act. If you have been injured while working aboard a sea vessel, contact us today.
If I am injured while working aboard a ship, can I receive worker's compensation benefits?
No. Worker's compensation benefits do not apply to seamen working on a ship. Seamen have an exclusive set of laws that stipulate the assistance and recovery they are entitled to if injured during active employment.
If my family member dies while working aboard a sea vessel, can I file a lawsuit?
The Death on the High Seas Act allows the surviving members of a seaman's family to file for wrongful death benefits if the seaman dies due to the negligence of his employer or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. In order to qualify, the death must occur more than three miles off the shore of any state. The seaman's decedents will receive compensation for pecuniary loss.
What are "maintenance" and "cure" benefits?
"Maintenance" and "cure" are benefits owed by law to any seaman who is injured or becomes ill while working aboard a ship or sea vessel. "Maintenance" is a daily stipend that covers food and lodging expenses for the seaman. "Cure" is the compensation for medical expenses. These benefits are provided for any injured or ill seaman regardless of who is at fault for the injury or illness. The ship owner is required to pay these benefits until the seaman has fully recovered. If you have wrongfully been denied maintenance and cure benefits, contact our offices in Florida to speak with a boating accident attorney about your case.
Contact a Florida Boat Accident Lawyer Today
For more information on maritime or admiralty law, contact our Florida law firm. A Farah and Farah boat accident lawyer can assist you with filing maritime law claims and help you receive compensation for injuries or property damage.