What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job
Boat operators and other crew members put their lives on the line each time a vessel goes out on the water. The waters off of the Florida coast can change quickly, becoming dangerous for everyone on them. If you are a boat operator injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation from your employer.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, our trial lawyers are well-versed in claims under the Jones Act for seamen injured on the job and under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act for land-based maritime workers. Our nationally-recognized legal team has recovered millions on behalf of our clients and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured as a boat operator or other maritime worker, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 for a free consultation.
Your Right to Compensation
As a maritime worker, if you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to financial recovery from your employer. The Jones Act establishes rights for seamen who are injured in workplace accidents due to negligence. General maritime law permits recovery for injury because a vessel is unseaworthy.
Under the Jones Act, you have the right to work in a reasonably safe environment. You also have the right to compensation if your injury was caused by the negligence of the crew. Recovery under the Jones Act is limited to seamen, defined as a “master or member of a crew.”
An experienced attorney can help prove your status as a seaman and your right to recovery. Without the help of an attorney, you may end up settling your claim for less than it is worth, or in some cases, for nothing at all. The Jones Act is unique in that it requires only featherweight evidence of causation and allows you to file a civil lawsuit and obtain punitive damages for an employer’s willful denial of maintenance and cure.
Recovery for Land-Based Maritime Workers
Similar to seamen and the Jones Act, land-based maritime workers and some non-maritime employees that are injured on the job may be entitled to compensation under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers a wide range of maritime workers, including:
- Longshoremen
- Vessel repairmen
- Dockworkers
- Shipbuilders
- Shipbreakers
- Harbor construction workers
The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation for medical care and rehabilitation services to workers who are disabled from workplace injuries. If a loved one is killed on the job, survivors may be entitled to survivor benefits under the act.
How a Maritime Lawyer Can Help
Whether you were a seaman injured on the job or a land-based maritime worker, it is essential to consult with an attorney experienced in maritime law. Filing a claim under the wrong law could cost you time and money.
Individuals who suffer an injury while on the water but are not maritime workers may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Injured as a Boat Operator? Contact Our Office Today.
If you were injured as a boat operator, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable legal team can help determine whether you have a valid claim for damages and how to pursue recovery for your losses. All consultations are confidential and without obligation to retain our services.