Maritime Lawyer in Tampa | Admiralty Attorney

At Four Rivers Law Firm, we bring extensive experience in maritime law to assist clients facing tough legal matters on the water. Whether you’ve been injured in a boating accident, suffered harm during a cruise, or experienced an assault at sea, our dedicated team is here to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, encompasses a unique set of regulations that govern incidents on international and navigable waters. Handling these cases requires a thorough understanding of both federal and international statutes—an area where our firm excels.

Our attorneys have the expertise to work through the intricacies of maritime law, giving clients the confidence that they have knowledgeable and compassionate advocates on their side. If you or a loved one has been harmed at sea, reach out to us for a consultation. 

Contact Four Rivers Law Firm today to discuss your case and discover how we can support you in pursuing justice and fair compensation.

Understanding Maritime and Admiralty Law: Do You Have a Case? 

Maritime and admiralty law, often referred to as “law of the sea,” governs legal issues related to activities and accidents occurring on navigable waters. This area of law is necessary for individuals who experience injuries, accidents, or criminal acts at sea. 

Key laws within maritime law include the:

  • Jones Act, which allows seamen injured on the job to seek compensation
  • Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), which provides financial relief to families of individuals who die in maritime incidents
  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), covering dockworkers and harbor employees
  • General Maritime Law governs many other claims, including negligence at sea.

Unlike other personal injury laws, maritime law includes unique procedures, statutes of limitations, and international regulations that require specialized knowledge. Cases governed by maritime law often differ from those on land, as they apply to incidents like ship collisions, injuries aboard vessels, and assaults in international waters.

If you’re wondering whether your situation falls under maritime law, consider where the incident occurred and whether it involved maritime activity or personnel.

Consulting a maritime lawyer in Florida from our firm is essential for understanding your rights and pursuing compensation. 

Types of Maritime Cases We Handle 

At Four Rivers Law Firm, our Tampa lawyers specialize in a wide range of maritime cases to support individuals who have suffered injuries, financial losses, or other hardships at sea. Our expertise extends across various areas of maritime law, allowing us to provide skilled representation in cases from cruise ship accidents to wrongful death claims. 

Boating Accidents

Boating accidents cover incidents on privately owned boats, commercial vessels, and chartered vessels. Our maritime injury attorneys represent clients injured in boat collisions, cases of operator negligence, and situations involving unsafe conditions on board.

Whether due to intoxicated driving, lack of safety measures, or equipment failures, we work to secure compensation for victims of boating-related injuries.

Cruise Ship Accidents

Cruise ship passengers and employees are exposed to numerous risks, from slips and falls to food poisoning and injuries due to malfunctioning equipment. Our firm assists those who suffer injuries or losses during their cruise vacations, helping them seek compensation.

Common accidents include slip-and-falls on wet decks, foodborne illnesses, injuries on shore excursions, and even cases of sexual assault onboard. We guide victims through the process of holding cruise lines accountable for these incidents.

Jet Ski & Watercraft Accidents

Jet skis and other personal watercraft carry risks, often heightened by reckless operation or inadequate maintenance. These powerful vehicles can cause severe injuries in accidents.

Our firm represents clients harmed in such incidents, ensuring that negligent parties, whether operators or equipment providers are held accountable for medical costs and other damages.

Jones Act Claims

The Jones Act provides seamen the right to seek compensation for injuries resulting from employer negligence or unsafe conditions aboard vessels. Our firm has extensive experience with Jones Act claims, helping injured seamen recover lost wages, medical expenses, and damages for pain and suffering.

For example, if a fisherman is injured due to insufficient safety equipment, we can prove employer negligence and secure compensation for the injured worker.

Maritime Assault and Sexual Assault Claims

Assault and sexual assault incidents aboard vessels, including cruise ships and commercial ships, are unfortunately not uncommon. Our firm addresses these highly sensitive cases with care, working to hold responsible parties accountable and ensuring victims receive the legal support they need.

Personal Watercraft Issues and Regulations

Personal watercraft like jet skis are subject to unique regulations. We support in matters involving the operation, ownership, and safety compliance of personal watercraft, advising clients on how to meet state and local legal standards for these vessels.

Scuba Diving Incidents and Accidents

Scuba diving accidents often involve hazards like decompression sickness, equipment malfunctions, or environmental risks. These cases can stem from factors like diver inexperience or inadequate equipment maintenance.

Our firm holds dive centers or equipment providers accountable, advocating for clients in cases where negligence or poor safety practices have led to serious injuries.

Seamen and Fishermen Injuries

Our attorneys advocate for injured maritime workers, helping them access compensation under the Jones Act and other maritime laws. We support clients through injury claims for hazards endured on vessels, such as slip-and-fall accidents, equipment malfunctions, or lack of proper safety protocols.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

The LHWCA is a federal law that provides compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation to employees disabled by work-related injuries occurring on U.S. navigable waters or adjoining areas.

We assist injured longshoremen and harbor workers with claims under the LHWCA, advocating for their medical and financial recovery.

Vessel Documentation and Registration

Dealing with federal and state vessel documentation requirements can be tough. We provide guidance to clients on registration and compliance, ensuring that their vessels are documented correctly and legally and helping them avoid future issues with ownership and regulatory compliance.

Wrongful Death at Sea

When maritime accidents lead to the tragic loss of a loved one, specific maritime laws allow family members to seek compensation. Our firm handles wrongful death claims for those who’ve lost family members at sea due to negligence or unsafe conditions, providing compassionate support while fighting for justice on their behalf.

Yacht Sales and Leases

Our legal team provides guidance for those involved in the purchase, sale, leasing, or financing of yachts. We ensure that contracts are thoroughly reviewed and negotiated to protect the rights of buyers and sellers, offering peace of mind throughout these high-stakes transactions.

Reach out to our Florida law firm today for expert, tailored advice relating to your situation

Proving Liability in Maritime Injury Claims

Maritime injury claims require a thorough and strategic approach to prove liability and secure fair compensation. Our team of maritime lawyers at Four Rivers Law Firm is dedicated to precisely working through these difficult cases, working to establish fault and hold negligent parties accountable. 

Here’s how we build a strong case for injured clients:

  1. Proving Negligence: In maritime claims, proving negligence means demonstrating that another party—whether an employer, vessel owner or third party—failed to uphold their duty of care. For example, a cruise line may be liable if it neglects to maintain safe conditions on board. Our attorneys assess each detail to identify where negligence occurred and who is responsible.
  2. Employer Responsibility: Employers in maritime industries must provide safe working environments for their crews. Under the Jones Act, injured seamen can sue their employers for negligence if unsafe working conditions caused their injuries. We ensure that employers are held accountable for failing to maintain a secure workplace.
  3. Investigating the Accident: A thorough investigation is essential for uncovering the facts of each case. We gather incident reports, witness statements, safety records, and maintenance logs to reconstruct the accident and identify any potential negligence. This investigative groundwork is key for establishing liability.
  4. Collecting Evidence: Strong evidence is the backbone of any injury claim. Our firm collects documentation, including medical records, photos of the accident site, safety protocols, and video footage, if available. This evidence helps us present a compelling case and substantiate the extent of our client’s injuries and damages.
  5. Establishing Causation: To win a maritime injury case, we must demonstrate causation—showing that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the injury. We strengthen the compensation case by linking the negligent act to the harm suffered, whether for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
  6. Fighting to Prove Liability: Proving liability requires persistence and a deep understanding of maritime law. Our attorneys fight to show that the responsible party’s actions or inaction caused our client’s injuries. We are committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that injured clients receive the compensation they deserve.

How Our Maritime Lawyers in Tampa Can Help You 

Our maritime lawyers are dedicated to supporting clients through every step of their maritime injury claims. We handle essential legal services, from filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements and representing clients in court. With a solid understanding of both U.S. and international maritime laws, we aim to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

  • Managing Insurance Claims: We handle all communications and filings with insurance companies, ensuring that claims are accurate and submitted on time. Our team advocates for fair compensation and challenges insurers who attempt to minimize payouts.
  • Negotiating Settlements: Our attorneys are skilled in negotiations and work hard to secure settlements that fully cover clients’ medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to resolve cases quickly and fairly, helping clients avoid the strain of lengthy litigation.
  • Representing Clients in Court: Our lawyers are prepared to represent clients in court when a fair settlement can’t be reached. Our experience in maritime litigation means we can build a strong case, giving clients the best chance for a favorable result.

Our reputation speaks to our expertise and commitment. With board certifications in maritime law, numerous accolades, and media appearances that highlight our dedication to excellence, clients can trust in our proven ability.

Get Help From Tampa’s Leading Maritime Lawyers 

If you’re dealing with a maritime injury or admiralty law issue, now is the time to seek help from Tampa’s top maritime lawyers. We specialize in maritime law cases, from personal injury claims to maritime property disputes, and our experience is backed by a thorough understanding of both Florida state and federal admiralty and maritime law.

Taking swift action is essential in maritime injury cases due to strict statutes of limitations. Delaying can jeopardize your right to compensation and make it harder to collect the evidence needed to build a strong case.

With our team of board-certified maritime attorneys and in-depth knowledge of Florida and U.S. maritime law, you’ll have skilled advocates dedicated to fighting for your rights, whether you’re facing a personal injury lawsuit or a limitation of liability action.

Contact us today to discuss your case and start the path to justice. Call us at (813) 773-5105, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.