Russian transportation city officials are blaming errors made by the captain as the reason for the sinking of an Indonesia-flagged vessel in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Learn More >>Florida Maritime Lawyer and Jones Act Attorneys
When it comes to seeking compensation for a work-related injury, the maritime laws of the U.S. can be confusing for offshore workers, port laborers and seamen. The intricacies of these laws and how they apply for workers are different than workmen's compensation laws for non-maritime workers. If you’ve been injured while working in a Florida port, in a vessel that frequents the state’s waters or offshore, a Florida maritime lawyer is the best person to advise you on your legal rights.
At Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, we’ve spent decades defending the rights of injured maritime workers. We have built a reputation of fiercely and successfully defending our clients. Whether you are seamen who needs help with a Florida Jones Act claim or an injured dock worker unsure of what your rights are, we can help you get the compensation you are owed under U.S. maritime laws.
Florida Ports And Maritime Industry
The maritime industry and port systems of Florida play a key role in the state’s economy and are responsible for thousands of jobs in the state. Our Florida maritime lawyers are available to help any maritime workers in the state, whether they work offshore, on a vessel or in one of the state’s ports. Here is some basic information on major ports and how they function as part of Florida’s maritime industry:
1. Jacksonville -- The Port of Jacksonville is the nation’s newest port and a hub for international trade. Located on the St. John’s River, it sees more than 21 million tons of cargo annually and generates an estimated $2.7 billion each year for the economy of the state’s northeastern region. In 2008 alone, more than 1,800 cargo vessels were served by the Port of Jacksonville.
2. Tampa -- As the largest port in Florida, the Port of Tampa handles nearly HALF of the state’s ocean-borne commerce. It mainly handles cargo ship traffic, with some bulk and tanker ships as well, and is among the most popular departure points for cruises to the western Caribbean. In 2008, more than 3,400 vessels and 42.6 million tons of cargo passed through the port.
3. Miama -- The Port of Miami is one of the nation’s busiest cargo and cruise ship gateways. It contributes an estimate of more than $17 billion to the South Florida economy, handles more than 7 million tons of cargo and sees nearly 2,500 vessels annually.
4. Pensacola -- In the Florida Panhandle, the Port of Pensacola had eight deep-draft berths and more than 37,000 square meters of covered storage. Major cargo that passes through this port includes agricultural products, frozen goods, paper, cement, and construction supplies.
Don’t Wait To Get Help From A Florida Jones Act Lawyer
When you’ve suffered a severe injury, time is of the essence. Medical bills pile up quickly, and if you are unable to work then determining how to take care of yourself and your family is of the utmost importance. The Florida maritime attorneys of Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris can help you determine your legal rights, what maritime laws are applicable in your case, and how to proceed in seeking compensation after an injury.
If you've been injured on a vessel, offshore rig or port, don’t delay. Call our Florida Jones Act attorneys today for a FREE consultation.
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