Florida's coasts, bays, and waterways provide work opportunities for those who love the sea. However anyone who's worked as a professional fisherman, shipping or dock laborer, or other maritime tradesperson is well familiar with the risks of a life at sea.

Seamen put themselves at risk every day on the seas and waterways. Often at sea for days or weeks on end, fishermen and others who make their living on the water may not be able to receive immediate medical care when injury occurs.

The special conditions that surround seamen are governed by legislation like The Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to seek financial compensation and damages based on their injuries and present and future lost wages.

Types of Negligence and Compensation

Under The Jones Act, workers who are injured can make a claim based on the negligence of an employer, a vessel owner or a coworker, and may collect compensation based on present and future damages. An experienced maritime attorney at Chalik & Chalik can help an injured employee show that a breach of duty or negligent act on the part of their employer, the person who owns the vessel, or a coworker contributed to his or her injury.

Claims of negligence against at-fault parties in maritime cases may include...

• Failure to maintain a vessel that is seaworthy
• Failure to provide a safe environment
• Failure to provide medical attention when necessary

Regardless of who is at fault after an injury on waterways, whenever injury occurs to a maritime worker, that worker has a right to collect "maintenance and cure benefits" which cover medical costs and intended daily allowances.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act was enacted to provide compensation for seamen who are not working at sea. The Death on the High Seas Act provides compensation to the families of workers injured on the job at sea.

If you have been injured while working on a shipping vessel, please contact the Florida maritime injury attorneys at Chalik & Chalik Law Offices to discuss your claim.