Introduction
Maritime and admiralty law may seem archaic in a world of motor vehicles and jet planes, but it remains vital to the global economy and protects those who work and live at sea. As a nuanced field, it requires attention from trained legal professionals, and Ludwin Law Group offers the services of a highly qualified maritime lawyer in Florida.
What is Maritime Law?
Maritime law governs private maritime injuries, disputes, incidents, and other nautical matters. It is regulated federally and internationally depending on the water boundaries. Florida law firms deal with both federal and international maritime regulations. Maritime attorneys help settle insurance claims, mediate disputes between shipmen, seamen, and passengers, and enforce regulations defined by the IMO (Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization).
Who is a Maritime Lawyer?
A maritime lawyer (also called an admiralty attorney) deals with all aspects of maritime laws, including regulations, claims, and disputes. Their activities include settling property damage, overseeing transactions, or mediating a disagreement between shipowners. Because maritime law is a specialized field that can exist outside federal and state law, it’s crucial to find a maritime lawyer in Miami, Florida, who will use their knowledge of maritime law with the required context in your favor.
Types of Maritime Laws
Maritime law is a vast field and laws and regulations cover everything from injuries and wrongful deaths to contract disputes and insurance claims. As a maritime law firm in Miami, Florida, Ludwin Law Group can help you understand the laws relevant to your case and collect the benefits you are entitled to.
Some important laws include:
- The Jones Act – Covers cases of injury or illness among U.S. seamen, providing them the right to reasonably safe conditions on nautical vessels.
- Limitation of Liability Act – Allows nautical vessel owners to limit their liability for injuries or deaths, extending it to the value of the vessel post-incident.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act—Similar to the Jones Act but exclusively covers maritime workers, those whose jobs are land-based.
Ludwin Law Group can provide assistance in better understanding the applicability of these and other maritime laws in Florida.
When is a Maritime Lawyer Needed?
There are a multitude of cases where the services of a maritime lawyer may be required. Some examples include:
- Injuries from defective equipment – One of the most common reasons for maritime injuries is the failure of vessel equipment. Equipment failure can lead to more severe consequences, including amputation or death. A maritime lawyer can hold responsible parties liable, additionally determining the proper compensation based on the type of injury.
- Falling accidents – Falling accidents are another frequent source of maritime litigation due to the unsteady movement of a ship, compounded by the risk of wet surfaces. A maritime accident lawyer can seek damages based on the extent of injuries and the type of victim.
- Contract negotiations – Contract negotiations are a standard part of maritime business and can include charter agreements, employment agreements, and repair contracts, among others. A maritime lawyer can assist in drafting new agreements or resolving a breach of contracts between parties.
Furthermore, an admiralty attorney or a maritime personal injury lawyer can help you navigate injuries in cases like these and others, ensuring you receive the entitled damages.
Maritime Industry
Maritime operations have been the backbone of trading, transportation, and warfare for centuries. Moreover in the modern era, maritime operations are vital to global commerce and stability. Maritime regulations are needed to maintain an orderly and ethical approach to maritime safety and logistics. Maritime lawyers uphold these laws and regulations in the absence of which, not only workers in maritime operations would lack remedies for legal injuries, but also there will be more chances of physical dangers posed by their job.
Ludwin Law Group is committed to protecting the victims of maritime accidents and other negligent behaviors, also ensuring that the open seas remain as risk-free as possible.
Services Offered
- The Jones Act
- Seaman’s Protection Act
- The Limitation Of Liability Act
- Longshore And Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
- Death On The High Seas Act
- Public Vessels Act And Suits In Admiralty Act
- Seaman’s Manslaughter Statute
- Vessel Collisions
- Vessel Sinkings
- Wrongful Death
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Contract Negotiation
- Debt Collection
Clients
Ludwin Law Group represents a broad range of clients in the maritime industry, including the following:
- Marinas
- Marine contractors
- Commercial boat owners, charterers, and operators
- Recreational boat and yacht owners
- Commercial diving companies
- Subsea contractors
- Cruise ship operators/employees
- Seamen and longshoremen
FAQs
What is admiralty law?
Admiralty law is another term for maritime law, which regulates maritime activities and incidents.
Who has admiralty jurisdiction?
In the United States, the federal court has jurisdiction over admiralty law, which pertains to all interstate and foreign commerce waters.
What are the most common types of maritime injuries?
Some of the most common injuries maritime lawyers handle include slips, falls, overexertion, handling of faulty equipment, and working with dangerous chemicals or heavy cargo.
What should I do after an accident at sea?
Immediately following an accident, you should report the details to a captain, supervisor, or vessel owner and seek proper medical attention for any potential injuries. Avoid speaking with any insurance agents, and do not sign any Release or Settlement forms prior to contacting a maritime lawyer.
Why hire a maritime lawyer?
Maritime law differs in many ways from federal and state law. Without the assistance of a maritime lawyer, you may not be able to win your case or receive the proper amount of compensation due to you.
What is Florida maritime law?
Florida maritime law covers nautical activity within the state’s water boundaries in conjunction with existing federal and international maritime law.
What kind of compensation can an injured cruise ship passenger receive?
The type of compensation afforded to an injured vessel passenger depends on the nature of the injury and the extent to which the vessel owner can be found negligible.