Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

With its extensive coastline, Florida has a large number of lawyers who are experienced with maritime injuries. Accidents that occur to seamen or other covered classes of workers at sea, in a harbor, or along the shore, are within the scope of various and unique laws. Principally, these are: the Admiralty Law or General Maritime Law, the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act, and the Public Vessels Act.

In addition, the Death on High Seas Act (DOHSA) allows benefits to specific family members of seamen who die as a result of an employer's negligence or an unseaworthy vessel. The disaster or accident must have happened at least three miles from shore (regardless of the state). Such a claim is monetary, that is, to cover loss of services by the seaman.

In the case of commercial airline crashes at sea, DOHSA has been amended to apply to those tragedies. Family members may file for benefits related to loss of care and companionship if the crash occurred more than 12 miles offshore. If the airline disaster occurred within 12 miles of shore, then family members may file against the airlines in state courts for punitive damages and pain and suffering.

In addition to maritime injuries, many Florida personal injury lawyers take on other personal injury cases. These often include auto accidents, workman's compensation, victims of serious dog bites, and swimming pool drownings. Wrongful death suits may be brought under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, and specific provisions apply, as to who may bring the action and on whose behalf.