Admiralty & Maritime Injury Law

Accidents causing serious injuries and even death can happen anywhere, including on the water. When these boating accidents are caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of others, accident victims and the loved ones of those who have lost their lives or been injured may be entitled to legal compensation. Attorney Murillo is dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you to get the compensation you deserve. Our maritime law injury attorney handles claims involving violations of the Jones Act, violations of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), denial of rightful compensation, maintenance and cure issues, denial of benefits for injuries, and wrongful death.

MIAMI MARITIME LAWYER HELPING JONES ACT SAILORS, OFFSHORE WORKERS AND LONGSHOREMEN AFTER ACCIDENTS

Because of the dangers they face, sailors are provided with some of the strongest legal protections of any workers in the country. The Jones Act entitles injured seamen to remedies that are not available to other workers. Workers on drilling rigs and oil platforms are often covered by the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) and the general maritime law. Dockworkers can seek remedies under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). At Orlando R Murillo P.A., our Miami maritime lawyer will help you understand your rights under the law and work to recover damages from your employer.

THE RIGHTS OF SAILORS UNDER THE JONES ACT

Rather than being subject to the workers’ compensation laws of Florida, seamen are treated as wards of the state and entitled to the specific federal protections laid out in the Jones Act. In order to qualify as a Jones Act seaman, an individual must work on a vessel and be injured while acting in service to that vessel. Seamen are eligible to receive “maintenance and cure,” which consists of an allowance and medical treatment until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Seamen bringing an unseaworthiness claim often receive damages for pain and suffering, as well as past and future lost wages. To pursue this compensation, you must file a lawsuit and establish that your employer was in some way negligent or guilty of intentional misconduct. If you do have evidence of your employer’s negligence, you may be in the position to negotiate a settlement under the Jones Act.

Attorney Murillo works to prove that you qualify as a Jones Act seaman, regardless of whether you are a United States citizen. Enlisting the help of an experienced maritime law injury attorney who is well versed in the Jones Act may make the process of filing a claim less stressful, especially when the injury requires a substantial amount of the claimant’s time and attention. Taking witness statements, collecting evidence, and preparing a claim can be a complicated task. Having an attorney who is familiar with admiralty and maritime law can make a difference in the final outcome of your case.

HELPING OTHER INJURED MARITIME WORKERS

Because the Jones Act only applies to certain workers, your case may instead fall under the general maritime law which allows for negligence claims. Attorney Murillo can help you understand which laws apply in your specific case. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) applies to maritime workers who were injured on land in Florida, as well as dockworkers and stevedores. It functions like a national workers’ compensation system that provides employment injury and occupational disease protection to all qualified longshoremen and harbor workers. DOHSA allows the family of maritime workers to seek compensation for their deaths when they were killed due to negligence at sea. Our law firm works with clients to help them understand their rights under both federal and state laws.

TRUST OUR MARITIME LAW ATTORNEY TO HELP YOU AFTER A MARITIME INJURY

Maritime cases are very different from standard injury cases. If you are a seaman or maritime worker and you have suffered an injury, it is important that you seek out a law firm with maritime injury experience. Orlando R Murillo P.A. understands the complexities of maritime law and has experience helping maritime workers get compensation for their injuries. Call 305-468-4120 or contact us online to arrange a consultation at our office and to see how our Miami maritime lawyer can help you.

To learn more about the maritime law that applies to your case and the legal options available to you, call our law firm today. Our representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.