Hollywood Maritime Injury Lawyers
South Florida is home to beautiful waterways, thriving ports, and an active boating culture. While the maritime industry is vital to our local economy and lifestyle, it also comes with serious risks for both workers and passengers. Maritime accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or even death, and pursuing compensation in these cases can be far more complex than a typical personal injury claim. Unique laws, such as the Jones Act or the Death on the High Seas Act, may govern many maritime injury cases and require experienced legal representation to navigate.
At Ansel & Miller, our attorneys have spent decades representing victims of serious accidents, including those occurring at sea or on navigable waters. Our Hollywood maritime injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll maritime injuries bring to workers and their families, and we provide the dedicated, compassionate advocacy needed to secure justice in these complex cases.
The Unique Nature of Maritime Injuries
Maritime work is inherently dangerous. Crew members, longshoremen, and harbor workers regularly face hazardous conditions such as rough seas, defective equipment, inadequate safety measures, and demanding physical labor. At the same time, passengers on boats, ferries, and cruise ships can be exposed to risks when operators fail to exercise reasonable care.
Unlike most land-based injury claims, maritime cases fall under a separate set of federal laws designed to protect seamen and their families. Knowing which laws apply to your situation is critical to recovering full compensation, whether through the Jones Act, general maritime law, or lesser-known laws such as the Death on the High Seas Act.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries in Hollywood, Florida
Maritime accidents can happen in many ways, often involving negligence by employers, vessel owners, or operators. Some frequent causes include:
- Unsafe or poorly maintained vessels
- Slippery decks and trip hazards
- Inadequate safety training or staffing
- Equipment failures or defective machinery
- Collisions with other vessels
- Fires, explosions, or toxic exposures
- Falling overboard or drowning incidents
For passengers, negligence may stem from an inattentive boat operator, excessive speed, alcohol use, or overcrowding of vessels. Regardless of the circumstances, maritime injuries often lead to devastating outcomes, such as brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or fatal drowning.
The Jones Act: Protecting Injured Seamen
One of the most important laws for maritime workers is the Jones Act, a federal statute that allows seamen injured in the course of their employment to sue their employers for negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation, which typically bars lawsuits against employers, the Jones Act explicitly grants seamen the right to bring claims when unsafe conditions, negligent acts, or inadequate safety measures contribute to their injuries.
To qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, the worker must spend a significant portion of their time aboard a vessel in navigation, contributing to the vessel’s function or mission. This includes many types of maritime workers, from commercial fishermen to offshore oil rig crew members.
Through a Jones Act claim, injured seamen may seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of future earning capacity. Importantly, these claims often hinge on demonstrating employer negligence, which can include failure to provide proper equipment, inadequate training, or unsafe working conditions.
Maintenance and Cure
Separate from a Jones Act negligence claim, maritime workers are entitled to “maintenance and cure” when injured while serving a vessel. Maintenance refers to the living expenses needed to sustain the worker during recovery, while cure covers medical treatment. This obligation exists regardless of fault, but disputes often arise when employers attempt to cut off benefits prematurely or refuse to cover certain medical costs.
At Ansel & Miller, we fight to ensure injured seamen receive their full rights to maintenance and cure, while also pursuing additional damages available under the Jones Act when negligence played a role.
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
When a maritime accident results in a fatality, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) provides a cause of action for surviving family members. This law applies when a wrongful death occurs beyond three nautical miles from U.S. shores, such as in offshore drilling accidents, cruise ship incidents, or vessel collisions at sea.
DOHSA claims can be brought by the decedent’s spouse, children, or dependents to recover damages such as loss of financial support, loss of household services, and funeral expenses. While DOHSA does not allow recovery for non-economic damages like grief or loss of companionship, it remains a vital legal avenue for families facing the devastating aftermath of a maritime tragedy.
Maritime Injuries to Passengers
While much of maritime law is geared toward protecting seamen and workers, passengers injured on boats, ferries, or cruise ships also have legal rights. Boat operators owe their passengers a duty of reasonable care, and when they breach that duty through negligence, such as operating under the influence, failing to maintain safety equipment, or ignoring hazardous conditions, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Cruise ship accidents, in particular, present complex jurisdictional issues. Large cruise lines often operate under foreign flags and may attempt to limit passenger rights through restrictive ticket contracts. Ansel & Miller understands how to navigate these challenges and hold negligent operators accountable, no matter how powerful the corporation behind them.
Building a Strong Maritime Injury Case
Because maritime law is highly specialized, these cases require thorough investigation and detailed evidence collection. Proving negligence under the Jones Act or establishing liability under DOHSA often involves examining maintenance records, safety logs, witness testimony, and expert analysis of vessel operations.
At Ansel & Miller, we combine decades of experience with a deep understanding of maritime law to build compelling cases for our clients. We also recognize the urgency of these claims, as maritime employers and insurers often move quickly to protect their own interests after an accident. Acting swiftly with experienced legal counsel is essential to securing fair compensation.
Why Choose Ansel & Miller for Your Hollywood Maritime Injury Case?
Maritime cases are unlike any other type of personal injury claim. They require not only knowledge of complex federal statutes but also the experience to stand up to powerful employers, cruise lines, and insurance companies. At Ansel & Miller, we have a long record of successfully representing victims of serious injuries in South Florida, and our practice is built on genuine care for our clients’ welfare.
We understand that behind every case is a worker or family struggling to recover from life-changing harm. Our attorneys take the time to listen, explain legal options clearly, and provide the personalized attention you need during this difficult time. Whether you are a seaman injured in a workplace accident, a family member pursuing a wrongful death claim under DOHSA, or a passenger hurt due to negligence at sea, we are committed to fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Speak With a Florida Maritime Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a maritime accident in Hollywood or South Florida, you do not have to face the challenges of these complex claims alone. The attorneys at Ansel & Miller have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to protect your rights under the Jones Act, DOHSA, and other maritime laws.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, pursue maximum compensation, and move forward with the support you need.