Florida Jones Act Lawyer Near You

Jones Act Lawyer in Florida

If you have been injured while working at sea, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. This federal law offers critical protections for maritime workers, but navigating these claims requires specialized knowledge. Our Jones Act lawyers in Florida are here to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether on a vessel, oil rig, or any other maritime job. If your injury involves a recreational vessel accident, a boating accident lawyer from our team can also assist with pursuing your claim.

The Jones Act is a federal law designed to protect seamen who are injured while working at sea. If you work aboard a vessel and are injured due to the negligence of your employer or other parties, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, the Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to bring a negligence lawsuit against their employer, providing the opportunity for significant damages.

If you have suffered an injury while working on the water, it’s essential to have a lawyer who understands the intricacies of maritime law. Jones Act cases are governed by a distinct set of laws that are different from land-based personal injury cases. Hiring a Jones Act injury lawyer with experience in maritime law ensures that your case is handled properly from start to finish. Our legal team also works alongside trusted cruise ship injury lawyers for passengers and crew injured aboard cruise liners, ensuring all aspects of maritime injury law are covered.

The Importance of a Specialized Maritime Lawyer

• Knowledge of Federal Maritime Law: The Jones Act falls under federal law and requires an attorney experienced in maritime regulations and jurisdiction.
• Timely Action is Crucial: Maritime cases require prompt action, as evidence can quickly disappear, whether it’s a boat leaving port or the destruction of surveillance footage.
• Understanding of Vessel Operations: Maritime injury cases often involve specialized knowledge of vessels, crew duties, and regulations. A Jones Act lawyer is equipped to handle these complexities.

Injuries that occur while working at sea can vary significantly, but common types of injuries include:

• Falls: Slips and falls on wet decks or gangways leading to fractures, concussions, and head injuries.
• Boating Collisions: Accidents between vessels causing blunt force trauma, broken bones, or internal injuries.
• Propeller Injuries: Serious injuries caused by contact with boat propellers, often leading to amputations or deep lacerations.
• Drowning: Tragically, drowning is a risk in maritime work, especially when safety equipment fails or during accidents.
• Fires and Explosions: Burns and injuries caused by onboard fires or fuel-related accidents.
• Ejection Accidents: Ejections from boats, often resulting in significant trauma.

If you have been injured in any of these ways while working on a vessel, the Jones Act may apply, and you may be entitled to compensation.

Who Qualifies as a “Seaman” Under the Jones Act?

To qualify for a Jones Act claim, you must be considered a “seaman” under federal law. This typically includes workers who:

• Serve on a vessel or ship that operates on navigable waters.
• Spend a significant portion of their time working on the vessel or aboard ships.
• Are involved in activities related to the operation, navigation, or maintenance of the vessel.

This can include crew members, engineers, deckhands, and workers on oil rigs.

If your injury qualifies for a Jones Act claim, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future medical care related to your injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for wages you’ve lost as a result of your injury, including future lost earnings if your ability to work is impaired.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injury.
• Disability: If your injury results in a permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your ability to work and perform daily activities.

Jones Act claims can result in significant compensation, particularly when an employer’s negligence is involved.

Time is of the essence in Jones Act cases. The statute of limitations for filing a claim under the Jones Act is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, there are some cases where different timelines may apply, particularly in Florida. It is important to contact a Jones Act attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate time frame.

Common Misconceptions About the Jones Act

• Only Major Vessel Accidents Apply: Many people think the Jones Act only applies to large vessel accidents far out at sea. In reality, it applies to workers on various types of vessels, including ferries, fishing boats, as well as those working in ports or on oil rigs.
• Waivers Prevent Lawsuits: Some maritime workers believe that signing a waiver or contract when boarding a vessel means they can’t pursue a claim. This is not always the case. Waivers may not be enforceable, especially if they are overly broad or violate state or federal law.
• It’s Just Like Workers’ Compensation: While the Jones Act provides some similar benefits to workers’ compensation, it allows workers to file a lawsuit for negligence, which workers’ compensation does not.

At our firm, we have extensive experience handling Jones Act injury claims for maritime workers throughout Florida. Here’s what you can expect from us:

• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Experienced Lawyers: Our maritime accident attorneys have a proven track record of success in maritime law, and we understand the complexities of the Jones Act.
• Comprehensive Case Support: We’ll help collect crucial evidence, investigate liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Florida Jones Act Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured while working aboard a vessel or oil rig, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today for a free consultation with a Jones Act lawyer in Florida. We will evaluate your case and help you understand your rights under the Jones Act.