Maritime Attorney Helping Injured Seamen and Fisherman

Working on boats or at sea may be dangerous and have risks. However, employers of maritime workers, including seamen, harbor workers, fishermen, barge crew or longshoremen, have a duty to minimize these dangers. If they fail to do so and you are injured at work, you may ehave rights and benefits that you are entitled to under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and other maritime statutes. If you were injured by an employer’s negligence or failure to take proper precautions and are struggling to receive your benefits, Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help you receive compensation by filing a maritime accident claim.

Maritime Injuries

Due to the nature of the work, maritime injuries are frequently severe. They may prohibit victims from working again, or may even result in the loss of life. The most serious injuries may include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burns
• Broken bones
• Amputation
• Deep lacerations (cuts)
• Crushed appendages (arms, legs or fingers)
• Whiplash
• Torn or almost torn ligaments
• Drowning or near drowning
• Back injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Sprain or strain

Seaworthy Vessels

Under maritime law, or admiralty law, owners of ships, offshore oil rigs, production platforms and other vessels are obligated to provide a seaworthy vessel for employees; if they do not, the vessel may be deemed unseaworthy. This may be due to improper design, construction or maintenance, including:

• Failure to use safe materials for the construction of the vessel
• Using asbestos/failing to remove asbestos
• Defective tools or equipment
• Poor vessel design
• Lack of elevators and/or proper lifting equipment
• Lack of scaffolding
• Not having an adequate crew
• Incompetence of the captain
• Missing safety lines and other reasonable safety equipment
• Worn out ropes and lines
• Unsafe work practices
• Bunk compartments that fail to provide adequate sleeping conditions, including head room, ladders and bedding
• Worn anti-slip surfaces
• Improper food preparation
• Inadequate provisions
• Properly maintained and repaired equipment and machinery
• Medical care supplies and equipment

If the employer does not provide a seaworthy place of employment, and the failure to provide a safe environment results in an employee injury or loss of life, the employer may be held liable or responsible.

Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

The Jones Act provides protection for compensation and damages if a maritime worker is injured at work due to negligence. Maritime workers that may not be covered under the Jones Act may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to receive compensation for disability payments and medical treatment. If the work-related injuries result in the loss of life of the worker, then their family may be entitled to benefits.

Contact a Florida Maritime Attorney

Jones Act and maritime worker claims, third party claims, and longshoreman claims are complicated and often difficult cases, as you must be able to prove unseaworthiness or negligence on the part of the vessel’s owner in order to receive compensation exceeding statutory maintenance and cure. In addition, you may only have a small period of time in which to file a claim; if you miss the window, you may miss the opportunity to receive maximum compensation.

If you believe your injury from an accident was caused by negligence or a defective part or machine, and you are struggling to receive financial assistance, a Florida maritime attorney at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help you understand your legal rights.