Were you injured in a maritime accident in Florida? Working in the maritime industry is dangerous work, as there are hazards that can cause severe injuries. You could be entitled to compensation under the federal Jones Act for your injuries. However, it can be difficult for workers and their families to pursue claims to get the money they need.
Our Orlando Jones Act lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers have over 28 years of collective experience representing injured victims. We have won over $100 million in life-changing settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. You can trust that our legal team will fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation at (407) 648-1510. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
How Our Orlando Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You Seek Compensation for a Maritime Accident
Maritime injuries often result in permanent impairments and wrongful death. Injured workers and their families are left to deal with the pain, suffering, and financial burdens caused by a horrific maritime accident. At Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team fights to obtain the benefits and compensation injured workers and their families deserve.
When you hire our Orlando personal injury attorneys, you can trust we will:
- Complete a thorough investigation to determine how your accident occurred
- Gather evidence proving fault and liability, including working with the best maritime experts in the industry
- Prepare and file all documents and paperwork necessary for a Jones Act claim and other claims
- Handle all communications with local, state, and federal agencies regarding your injuries and claim
- Assess how much your Jones Act claim is worth based on your damages
- Aggressively negotiate settlements that compensate you fairly for damages
- Take your case to trial if necessary to protect your interests
Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and excellent trial lawyers. We have top ratings from numerous organizations and are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Contact our Orlando law office today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Orlando workplace accident lawyer.
How Does the Jones Act Apply to a Maritime Accident in Florida?
If you were injured in Florida, state personal injury laws give you a cause of action for damages. However, they do not apply to offshore injuries. The Jones Act is a federal law that allows seamen to file personal injury lawsuits against their employers. It also gives families the right to file wrongful death lawsuits if their family member is killed on the job.
The Jones Act (a/k/a the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) applies to water-going vessels and ships. It requires owners and employers to maintain the vessels in seaworthy condition. If employers or owners are negligent, they can be held liable if a seaman is injured on the job.
You may be covered by the Jones Act if you:
- Work on a ship that is operational and capable of moving on navigable waters
- You contribute to the work on the vessel
- You spend at least 30% of your time working on the vessel
The Jones Act covers many types of workers for workplace accidents. Examples of jobs that might qualify for benefits under the Jones Act include:
- Captains
- Crew members
- Welders
- Commercial fishermen
- Dive instructors
- Masters of charter diving vessels
- Commercial divers
- Ship chandlers
- Other workers who meet the minimum requirements to be covered under the Jones Act
Contract workers, longshoremen, and harbor workers cannot sue their employers under the Jones Act. They are protected under laws like the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
You Must Prove Negligence to Win Compensation Under the Jones Act
Unlike a workers’ compensation case, you must prove that your employer was negligent in causing your injuries. Negligence means that your employer failed to take reasonable care to prevent accidents. Their failure directly contributed to the cause of your injuries.
Examples of negligent conduct that could lead to a claim under the Jones Act include:
- Inadequate maintenance of the vessel or equipment
- Violations of OSHA standards
- Failing to provide safety equipment or training
- Insufficient crew members on board to operate the ship
- Failing to stow and secure cargo safely
- Missing guard rails, elevators, hoists, and other safety features
- Failing to have adequate fire extinguishment systems on board
You may also prove your case under the Jones Act if you can establish that crew member negligence or intentional torts led to your injuries.
What Benefits Can I Receive for a Jones Act Claim in Florida?
The Jones Act provides for maintenance and cure benefits. Maintenance benefits include:
- Cost of living
- Room and board
These benefits are paid from when the seaman leaves the ship until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Cure benefits pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses for a job-related injury. Compensation for cure benefits also continues until you reach MMI.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Orlando Jones Act Lawyers
We understand the challenges and risks men and women who work in the maritime industry face. If you were injured working as a seaman in Florida, we want to help. Call Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review with an Orlando Jones Act lawyer. We will fight to obtain the compensation you need and deserve for a maritime injury claim.