Fort Myers Maritime Accident Lawyer
A planned recreational boating trip or a cruise ship vacation can turn into a devastating experience when a serious accident occurs. Anytime you board a vessel, you should be able to anticipate that the vessel is safe for the water and that there are no unexpected injury risks on board. The size of the vessel can impact the types and number of hazards, especially when comparing smaller rental boats with cruise ships. At the same time, it is important to remember that it may be possible to file a claim when any type of maritime accident occurs. Contact our experienced Fort Myers maritime accident lawyer today.
What is a Maritime Accident in Fort Myers?
What is a maritime accident, and how can you determine whether you may be eligible to file a claim if you were injured? The term “maritime accident” is broad, and it refers to any type of accident that occurs in connection with a vessel that can operate on waterways. Many maritime accidents occur in open water when a passenger on a boat or a cruise ship suffers a serious injury because of another party’s negligence. At the same time, maritime accidents and injuries can also happen in connection with boarding a boat or cruise ship, or doing work on or around a boat or ship.
It is essential to know that maritime accidents may be distinct from other types of personal injury lawsuits, especially in cases where the injury occurred on a cruise ship or while you were working on a vessel. These are not standard personal injury lawsuits or workers’ compensation claims since they are governed by maritime law. If your injury occurred on a cruise ship or another large tour vessel, you will need to determine whether you are bound by any contractual requirements. People who are injured while working on vessels will likely need to seek compensation by filing a Jones Act claim. The captain of a vessel also may be liable for injuries to passengers.
Common Types of Fort Myers Maritime Accidents and Injuries
There are many different types of maritime accidents and injuries that can happen in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Workers onboard vessels can sustain serious injuries, and passengers on boats and ships can get hurt in a wide variety of ways. Often, injuries result from another party’s negligence. Determining liability for a maritime accident can be complicated, especially since evidence of a collision or crash may be easily washed away. The following are examples of the most common causes of maritime accidents and injuries in Florida:
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Fishing accidents;
- Jet ski accidents;
- Cruise ship accidents;
- Boating accidents;
- Boat crashes;
- Falls overboard;
- Dock accidents;
- Equipment defects that cause injuries;
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals;
- Burn injuries; and
- Food poisoning injuries on cruise ships.
Contact Frank D. Butler Today
Do you need assistance seeking compensation after a maritime accident in Southwest Florida? You could be eligible to file a lawsuit. One of the attorneys at Frank D. Butler can evaluate your case for you today to determine who may be liable for your injuries and who may be responsible for paying damages. Contact our experienced Fort Myers maritime accident lawyer today.
