As a coastal city with thriving ports, bustling waterways, and a strong marine industry, Jacksonville sees a wide variety of maritime activity every day. Unfortunately, this also means accidents on or near the water are more common than most people think. From shipyard mishaps and boating collisions to injuries aboard cruise ships or cargo vessels, maritime accidents can cause devastating harm, physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, understanding your rights and the legal steps involved is key to protecting your future. At Joya Injury Law, we’re committed to helping victims get the care and compensation they deserve.
What Makes Maritime Accidents Unique?
Maritime accidents fall under a different set of rules and legal standards than typical land-based personal injury cases. These cases often involve federal laws such as the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and general maritime law. These laws are designed to protect workers and passengers injured at sea or while working on or near navigable waters.
Because of the complexity and uniqueness of maritime law, it’s important to work with a legal team that understands how to navigate it effectively.
Common Types of Maritime Accidents
Maritime injuries can happen in a variety of settings, including:
- Commercial shipping vessels
- Fishing boats
- Cruise ships
- Oil rigs and offshore platforms
- Shipyards and docks
- Recreational boats and watercraft
Some common incidents include slip and falls on deck, falling overboard, equipment malfunctions, fires or explosions, crane and cargo accidents, and unsafe working conditions.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Help
Your safety is always the priority. If you’re injured in a maritime accident, report the injury right away and seek medical attention, even if it seems minor. Maritime employers are often required to provide medical care, but you also have the right to choose your own doctor for follow-up or second opinions. Be sure to document your injuries and treatment thoroughly.
Step 2: Report the Incident
Notify your employer or the person in charge of the vessel or site as soon as possible. Many maritime laws require injuries to be reported within a specific time frame, often 7 days. Failure to report promptly could hurt your ability to file a claim later.
Document everything you can, including:
- Photos of the scene
- Details of what happened
- Witness statements
- Any unsafe conditions that may have contributed to the accident
Step 3: Determine Which Law Applies
This is where things can get complex. The legal path forward depends on your role and where the accident occurred:
- The Jones Act applies to seamen, crew members who work on a vessel in navigation. It allows you to sue your employer for negligence and recover damages beyond workers’ compensation.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers dock workers, longshoremen, and other land-based maritime employees.
- General maritime law offers protections for passengers and others injured on navigable waters, including the right to pursue a personal injury claim.
An experienced maritime accident attorney in Jacksonville can help identify the best route for your specific situation.
Step 4: File a Claim or Lawsuit
Once it’s clear which law applies, your legal team will help you prepare and file a claim. This may include:
- Proving employer negligence (under the Jones Act)
- Seeking compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future care
- Negotiating with insurance companies or maritime employers
- Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Timing is critical. Maritime claims often have shorter statutes of limitations than other personal injury cases. Starting the process early improves your chances of success.
Step 5: Focus on Recovery, With a Team You Can Trust
Maritime accidents can lead to long-term injuries, emotional distress, and lost income. But you don’t have to face it alone. At Joya Injury Law, we provide compassionate guidance backed by deep legal experience. Our mission is to ensure injured maritime workers and passengers in Jacksonville get the justice and financial relief they need to move forward with strength.
We understand how overwhelming this process can feel. That’s why we handle the legal side, so you can focus on healing.
Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future
When an accident happens at sea, the aftermath can be disorienting. The laws are different. The stakes are high. And the path to compensation isn’t always clear. But with the right help, you can take back control of your future.
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident in Jacksonville, don’t wait. Connect with Joya Injury Law today to schedule your free consultation. And remember, you’re not just a case, you’re a person with rights, a voice, and a story that deserves to be heard.
Start the journey to recovery today with a trusted maritime law firm in Jacksonville that puts your wellbeing first.