Maritime work involves a wide range of occupations including seamen, shipbuilders, refinery workers, as well as offshore oil rig workers. These jobs are physically demanding and quite dangerous. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident at sea, you need a skilled legal expert to help you out. Fort Lauderdale maritime accident lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm are here to help you.
Our team of experienced Fort Lauderdale maritime lawyers has helped many individuals in similar situations in the past. In fact, we can assist you in recovering maximum financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today at 954-915-7405 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our lawyers. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide you with the legal guidance you need to navigate this difficult time.
What Does a Maritime Lawyer Do?
Maritime lawyers specialize in all the legal stuff surrounding fishing, boating, and shipping. They help people with different issues, like:
. Injuries: If someone gets injured or dies while on a boat, ship, or fishing boat, maritime lawyers can help them out. These lawyers also deal with cases where someone gets hurt while they are working in a port.
. Insurance Disputes: Maritime lawyers can also help clients with disputes they might have with their insurance companies over coverage for all kinds of maritime claims. That could be anything from a ship collision to damage to cargo.
. Maritime Law: If you have a case that has to do with maritime law, like cargo disputes or problems with charter party agreements, these lawyers have got your back.
. Environmental Problems: When it comes to issues like pollution, oil spills, or getting rid of dangerous waste, maritime lawyers can step in to help sort everything out.
. Getting in Trouble: If you’re charged with something like piracy, smuggling, or illegal fishing, a maritime lawyer can defend you and make sure your rights are protected.
. International Law: Cases involving international law, like disputes under the Hamburg Rules or the Hague-Visby Rules, can also be handled by maritime lawyers.
What Does a Maritime Lawyer Need to Know?
When you are looking for a maritime lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, you need an individual with extensive experience in maritime law. In fact, admiralty law is just the beginning, these professionals should also be up to date on contracts, property, and the marine environment. On the other hand, they should know everything about the International Maritime Organization, and how it works.
In fact, a good maritime lawyer needs to understand the industry as a whole more than just theory – from shipping to the environment. They should be able to take complicated info and turn it into solid legal advice. Since this is an international field, the potential lawyer should be comfortable working with clients from all over the world.
That’s where Klotzman Law Firm comes in. Our Fort Lauderdale-based legal team has helped hundreds of clients with all kinds of maritime legal issues. We know the ins and outs of this complex field, and we’re ready to help you too. Just give us a call at 954-915-7405 to get started with your case.
Compensation Claims for a Maritime Injury
Fort Lauderdale law, aka the rules that apply to injuries that happen on the water, includes accidents on boats, docks, and oil rigs. It is a highly specialized field that helps people who get hurt while working in the sea.
In the event that you sustain injuries while working on a vessel, you may be eligible for financial compensation. But the process of recovery could be lengthy & complicated at times. Fortunately, the experienced team of maritime accident lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm is equipped to handle your case and guide you through the legal system, ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of financial compensation that you are rightly entitled to.
Here are the different types of damages that you can pursue:
Economic Damages in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, economic damages are those that have a specific value assigned to them or are easily calculated. These include medical expenses, which cover the costs of exams, treatments, therapy, appointments, and transportation. Lost wages refer to missed work due to hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other factors. Loss of earned income can occur if you’re unable to work in the same field as before due to severe injuries. Funeral expenses may also be covered in cases where a loved one suffers a fatality.
Non-Economic Damages in Fort Lauderdale
Non-economic damages are those that are difficult to put a price tag on. Loss of enjoyment of life, pain, suffering, and loss of consortium are all examples. Defendants may attempt to minimize these damages, which is why it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can identify and counter such attempts. At Klotzman Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, we have the expertise to do just that.
Punitive Damages in Fort Lauderdale
If you have suffered extreme negligence or willful misconduct, you may be eligible to pursue punitive damages in Fort Lauderdale. These damages aim to provide relief for victims of shocking accidents, act as a deterrent for future misconduct, and punish the wrongdoer. If you’re involved in an offshore accident, consult the experienced Fort Lauderdale maritime accident lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm. We can build a strong case on your behalf and get you the maximum compensation possible. Call us today at 954-915-7405 to schedule a consultation with our lawyers.
What Is the Jones Act and Who Is Covered?
The Jones Act is a federal law that gives specific rights to workers who are injured while working on a vessel. In fact, the law requires vessel owners to provide a safe working environment for their crew members and to compensate them for any injuries sustained while on the job.
On the other hand, the Jones Act allows workers to take legal action against their employers if they feel that their working conditions are unsafe or if their injuries are a result of employer negligence. This law also provides protection for workers who are unlawfully detained by their employers.
Overall, the Jones Act is a crucial law that ensures workers in the maritime industry have access to safe working conditions and are treated fairly at the same time. In order to be covered by this law, a worker must qualify as a seaman.
A seaman is someone who is employed on a vessel or fleet of vessels and whose duties contribute to the navigation or operation of the vessel, which may include tasks such as repairs, maintenance, and piloting. In order to qualify for coverage under the Jones Act, seamen must spend at least 30 percent of their time working on board the vessel.
Under the Jones Act, seamen have the right to take legal action against their employer for “unseaworthiness” in case they are injured while working. This law also requires employers to provide workers’ compensation for injured seamen.
Common Causes of Maritime Injury
Maritime accidents in Fort Lauderdale can have severe and even deadly injuries as well as consequences. There are various ways in which maritime workers can get injured, including:
. Weather Conditions: Extreme weather such as lightning, high winds, and waves can lead to minor or catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.
. Slip & Fall Accidents: Crew members can slip and fall on vessel decks, causing injuries ranging from minor to severe, including drowning, hypothermia, crush injuries, lacerations, and amputations.
. Drowning: Falling into navigable waterways puts workers at risk of drowning, which is the third leading cause of unintentional injury.
. Port Accidents: Heavy cargo loading or unloading can cause injuries, such as those from heavy machinery and equipment, workplace motor vehicle accidents, falls, and crushing between shipping containers.
. Fires & Explosions: Explosions caused by volatile substances or vessel fires give workers little time to react, leading to dehydration, severe burns, and other environmental hazards.
. Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Workers in environments such as offshore drilling platforms and containerships can be exposed to harmful fumes, chemicals, and other hazardous materials, leading to burning injuries, respiratory problems, scarring, and disfigurement.
. Machinery & Equipment Accidents: The large size of maritime vessels and the variety of heavy equipment and machinery can lead to crushing injuries and amputations.
. Violent Assaults: While rare, violent assaults can still happen, and injured workers can seek assistance from experienced maritime accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale.
In order to prevent maritime injuries, workers should follow safety procedures, wear proper safety gear, and remain alert to potential hazards.
Maritime Injuries: Protect Your Rights Under the Law
If you experience an injury at sea, it’s crucial to hire the right attorney to represent you. Fort Lauderdale has many maritime accident lawyers advertising their services, but Klotzman Law Firm stands out for its dedication, reputation, and expertise.
Don’t risk forfeiting your legal rights by representing yourself. We’re familiar with the insurance company’s tactics, which prioritize paying out as little compensation as possible, regardless of the severity of your injuries or expenses.
Remember that you have rights, including the ability to choose your own doctor, entitlement to medical benefits without signing insurance adjuster paperwork, and the freedom to decline the insurance company’s settlement offer and recorded statement requests.
Maritime accidents can cause life-changing injuries, inconvenience, or even death. If you’re a victim, you’re likely entitled to financial compensation, and Klotzman Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida can assist you in the process.
What Should I Do After a Maritime Injury?
Dealing with a maritime injury can be a complex and daunting task, especially when it comes to navigating the ever-changing nature of maritime law. If you have suffered a maritime injury, it is crucial to take the appropriate steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are the steps that you need to take after a maritime injury in Fort Lauderdale:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important step that you need to take after a maritime injury is to seek proper and immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get them checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries can be more serious than they initially appear. Seeking medical attention also helps establish a record of your injuries and their relation to the maritime accident, which can be valuable evidence when pursuing compensation.
Step 2: Report the Accident
After seeking medical attention, the next step is to report the accident to a supervisor or captain. This is important for two reasons. First, it alerts them to the accident so that they can take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Second, they will likely have to file an accident report, which can be useful in establishing the circumstances of the accident and your injuries.
Step 3: Document Everything
If possible, it is important to document everything that happened as well as any concerns or questions you might have. Even if the events leading up to the accident don’t make complete sense, it is still important to document all your memories. Sometimes, your memory heals as your body heals, and new details become clear. You should note down details such as the equipment that you or anyone else was using and the persons present when you were injured.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
In addition to documenting everything, you need to gather certain documents or evidence that can be grouped into two categories: the circumstances of the accident or incident, and the consequences of the accident. This can include the ship’s logs, medical records, third-party statements or interviews, incident reports, and any other relevant evidence that can support your claim.
Step 5: Hire a Lawyer
Maritime law is extremely complex, and trying to pursue a claim alone or with an inexperienced lawyer can lead to serious mistakes and missed deadlines. Missing the deadline for filing a claim or lawsuit means that you risk forfeiting compensation owed to you.
Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced maritime accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, who can help you understand your legal options and rights, and can start gathering the evidence required to build a strong claim. At Klotzman Law Firm, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so call us today at 954-915-7405 to schedule an appointment.
In case you have suffered a maritime injury, it is important to take the appropriate steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. By seeking medical attention, reporting the accident, documenting everything, gathering evidence, and hiring an experienced maritime accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, you can increase your chances of success and get the justice you rightly deserve.
Make sure that you never talk to anyone associated with the responsible party. Don’t speak to your employer, his/her insurance provider, or their lawyer unless on a very basic level. Doing so may easily harm your case. On the other hand, you should never sign any paperwork before speaking to an experienced maritime accident lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm. Most maritime workers make the mistake of thinking that their employer, his or her insurance provider, or lawyer is looking out for their best interest. But this isn’t the actual situation.
In fact, your employer, his or her insurance company, and lawyer will always prioritize their interest over yours. Your compensation will be considered a risk to their interests. Whatever you may say to them can be used against you to either reduce or completely deny your compensation. Make sure that only your lawyer speaks to these parties in case of a maritime accident and subsequent injuries.
Contact an Experienced Maritime Accident Lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm Today!
Navigating the complex world of maritime law can be a daunting task, especially since there are only a handful of full-time lawyers who specialize in maritime accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, you may be eligible for compensation under the law. However, attempting to handle such a case on your own or guessing what benefits you may be entitled to could lead to a less-than-satisfactory outcome.
Don’t let the complexities of maritime law leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your rights. Instead, trust the experienced and compassionate team at Klotzman Law Firm to help you navigate this challenging time. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get the compensation you deserve.
A Fort Lauderdale maritime accident lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm is here to help. With our expert knowledge and experience in this field, we can serve as your skilled advocates and guide you through the legal process of recovering the compensation you deserve. We have the necessary expertise, knowledge, and skills to handle a wide range of maritime accident cases in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, our team has done so in the past and won millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients.
Simply call Klotzman Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 954-915-7405 and we’ll set up a free consultation to discuss all the legal options available to you.
