Boat Accidents & Injuries Information Center

Call us now

or use the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Accidents and Injuries

Q: Who is liable if a crewmember is injured while working?

A: A person injured while employed as a maritime worker over navigable waters will be covered by federal law. Under federal law, the employer is generally liable for injuries or the wrongful death of an employee.

Q: What are navigable waters?

A: "Navigable waters" are all waters, which are capable of transporting people or cargo between the states and other countries.

The most common causes of boating injuries and fatalities are: Capsizing, Falling Overboard and Collisions.

Boat Accident Lawyers — Miami, Florida

Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A.

Florida's coastal and inland waters are a major tourist attraction and the source of many recreational opportunities. They are also very crowded. As a result, boating accidents, and especially accidents involving drunk boating, are not uncommon.

Panter, Panter & Sampedro is a Miami-based law firm representing injured people in both negotiations and in litigation at every level of Florida's state and federal court systems. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident on the water — our experience and dedication to achieving maximum compensation in every case can make a difference for you.

For general information about boating and personal watercraft accidents, maritime law and the Jones Act — please read the following articles. To talk about your case with an attorney — contact us in Miami, Florida, today.

Se Habla Español

Boat Accidents and Injuries - An Overview

According to the United States Coast Guard, in the past decade, there has been an increase in registered boats and personal watercraft (PWC) in the United States. In particular, the use of personal watercraft, such as Jet-Skis and other brands, has exploded since the 1990s. Not surprisingly, the United States Coast Guard also reports that each year there has been an increase in boating accidents that have resulted in serious injuries and sometimes death. If you have been injured on a boat, while boating or while engaged in other water sport activities, contact Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. in Miami, Florida to learn more about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides a remedy for injured workers. According to this act, 46 U.S.C.A. § 30104, “A seaman injured in the course of employment or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer.” An injured crewmember may have a claim against his or her employer (ship owner) for negligence if the vessel is unseaworthy. It is the duty of the ship owner to maintain a vessel that is seaworthy. This includes the vessel, gear and appliances. This duty is absolute and not based on the fault of the ship owner.

According to the Jones act, “A defective condition of the vessel which proximately causes the seaman's injury makes the ship unseaworthy as to him.” This does not mean that the entire vessel is unfit or unseaworthy. The crewmembers remedy applies only against the owner of the vessel, gear or appliances. If you are a crewmember that has been injured while employed on a seagoing vessel, contact a maritime law lawyer to discuss your legal rights.

Maritime Law

Maritime law, often called admiralty law, is a set of legal rules and practices governing the business of employment and transportation of people and goods over or near navigable waters. If you have been injured while employed by a vessel or while you were a social guest on a vessel, it is important to consult an attorney to help you understand what conditions must be met to apply maritime law.

Cruise Ship Accidents

An injury that occurs on a cruise ship is suffered by either a crewmember or a passenger. Crewmembers may have a claim for compensation under the Jones Act, while passengers may have a claim for compensation against the vessel owners for negligence. Whether a ship is considered a “vessel” is to be determined in court. The vessel status affects which law may be applicable and the damages that may be recoverable. Once the vessel determination has been made, jurisdiction must be determined. Federal law may be applicable if your injury occurred on a vessel while on navigable waters and federal law protects cruise ship passengers against injuries caused by negligence. If you have suffered and injury while aboard a cruise ship, call a maritime law attorney to discuss your possible remedies under federal law.

Boat Accidents and Injuries Resource Links

US Coast Guard Home Page
Statistics, facts and history related to safety, boating information and the US Coast Guard.

US Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
Provides information about accident prevention, safety, regulations, recalls and statistics about accidents and fatalities on US waterways.

US Coast Guard Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection
US Department of Homeland Security website containing news and information on the US Coast Guard. Information includes organizational charts, directory, programs and services

US Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration
Contains a compilation of federal maritime laws, including the Merchant Marine Act, Documentation of Vessels, the American Fisheries Act and the Shipping Act.

International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots
The International Marine Division of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO. Contains information on membership, future plans, maritime professionals' links and resources.