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Florida Maritime Injury Lawyer Providing Help After Maritime Injuries

Boating and shipping accidents are quite common in Florida. If an injury or accident occurs on a boat, either on or off-shore, turn to me, personal injury attorney Justin Caldarone of The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. I will fight to help you collect compensation by filing a maritime injury claim on your behalf.

If you are a seaman currently in the service of a ship and you were injured during the performance of your duties, you may be entitled to receive compensation for food, lodging, medical care and lost wages. These are covered under the Jones Act. If you were a passenger of a ship or boat and were injured, you may be able to hold the boat owner liable. By working with a maritime lawyer like me, you have the chance to file a claim to receive financial compensation for your losses.

At The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., I serve clients in Naples and throughout Florida who have been injured in a shipping or boating accident. Contact The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., today for a free consultation.

United States Admiralty And Maritime Law

The United States admiralty and maritime laws govern navigation and shipping, including commercial and recreational vessels. These laws include state and federal regulations and provisions regarding commerce, seamen, piracy, docks, piers, insurance, canals and more.

I have a broad understanding of these laws as well as the Jones Act, which covers seaman in particular. Regardless of your injuries or what caused them, by consulting a lawyer, you have the chance to understand what you are up against and what can be done to help ensure you receive just compensation for your injuries.

I handle a broad range of recreational and commercial boating and shipping claims, including injuries and deaths resulting from the following:

  • Piloting error
  • Mechanical failure
  • Accidents (slip and fall)
  • Hazardous and unsafe conditions

When a boat owner’s negligence leads to an injury or death, legal action can be taken on your behalf to help you or your family obtain just financial compensation for medical care, lost wages and emotional pain and suffering.

Maritime Industry Hazards

Maritime work brings together professionals in challenging environments where the Jones Act protects workers across many settings, including:

  • Dock workers managing heavy cargo and equipment
  • Oil rig personnel working with dangerous materials
  • Commercial fishermen in harsh weather
  • Tugboat operators coordinating vessel movements
  • Loading crews with automated machinery
  • Ship maintenance teams in confined spaces
  • Crane operators managing cargo

These hazards require proper safety measures and quick responses when accidents happen.

Common Maritime Injuries And Their Impact

The physical demands of maritime work often lead to severe injuries when combined with unstable surfaces and heavy equipment. Common injuries include:

  • Head and brain trauma from falling objects
  • Back and spinal cord damage from heavy lifting
  • Catastrophic injuries causing permanent disability
  • Workplace injuries from repetitive motions
  • Crush injuries from equipment or cargo
  • Burns from fires or chemical exposure
  • Wrongful death from drowning or fatal accidents

Many maritime workers face long-term medical needs and lost earning potential after these injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Injuries

Understanding your rights under maritime law can be complex. Here are some common questions we receive:

Does a maritime accident have to happen on a boat?

No, maritime law covers various locations, including docks, oil rigs and other maritime facilities. If your work is substantially connected to maritime activities, you may be covered regardless of where the accident occurred.

Do I have a maritime claim or a workers’ compensation claim?

Maritime workers typically have rights beyond standard workers’ compensation. Under the Jones Act and other maritime laws, you may be entitled to additional compensation, including maintenance and cure benefits.

When does a boating accident qualify for a Jones Act claim?

To qualify for a Jones Act claim, you must be considered a “seaman” who spends at least 30% of your work time contributing to the function of a vessel in navigation. The accident must also occur while in service of the vessel.

Get Your Maritime Injury Claim Started Today

Did you or a loved one suffer an injury at sea? You have legal rights. Learn more about those rights by contacting me, Florida lawyer Justin Caldarone, today for a free consultation: 239-420-7205.