If you’re a seaman or maritime worker injured while on the job, the Jones Act may be your best route to recover damages. But navigating this law and getting the compensation you deserve can be tricky without the right help. That’s where we come in.
At Englander Peebles, our team of Miami Jones Act lawyers has years of experience fighting for the rights of injured seamen and maritime workers. We understand how overwhelming it can be after an injury on the job, and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to fight your battles alone.
We know the laws that protect seamen, and we’re ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Our mission is simple: to get you the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Why Choose Englander Peebles?
When it comes to maritime injuries, experience matters. Our lawyers are not just familiar with Florida laws—they’re familiar with Jones Act claims and how they work in the real world.
Here’s what sets Englander Peebles apart:
- Experienced Team: We have handled numerous Jones Act claims and understand the unique challenges that seamen face when they’re hurt on the job.
- Personalized Service: At Englander Peebles, we don’t treat you like a case number. We take the time to understand your specific situation and tailor our approach to your needs.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We offer a contingency fee agreement. This means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Aggressive Representation: Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to trial, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How the Jones Act Protects You
The Jones Act is a crucial law that offers protection to seamen who get injured while working on a vessel. It allows workers in the maritime industry to seek compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of their employers or others working on the vessel. The Jones Act was designed to ensure seamen aren’t left without help when they get hurt while doing their job.
If you are a seaman or maritime worker who has been injured on the job, the Jones Act gives you the right to sue your employer for negligence. The Jones Act is based on the same principles as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which applies to railroad workers. Under the Jones Act, there are a few things that set it apart from regular worker’s compensation laws:
- Employer Negligence: Unlike regular worker’s compensation, under the Jones Act, you must prove your employer’s negligence caused your injury. A showing of some negligence by your employer is enough to make your case.
- Maintenance and Cure: You are entitled to maintenance (living expenses) and cure (medical care) benefits while you are recovering from an injury. Your employer must provide these benefits, even if they are found not to be at fault.
- Favorable Legal Standard: The standard for proving negligence in a Jones Act case is easier than in other types of personal injury claims. This makes it more likely that you’ll receive compensation for your injuries.
In general injury claims, you must prove negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. The Jones Act only requires injured workers to demonstrate that an employer’s negligence played some role in the injury, no matter how slight — even under Florida’s modified comparative negligence, this can be favorable to seamen.
Do not let this lower standard fool you into believing the process is simple. You can still face serious obstacles and should have a skilled Jones Act attorney handling everything.
How Can Englander Peebles Help with Your Jones Act Claim?
If you’ve been hurt while working on a ship or other vessel, you may wonder how to get started with a Jones Act claim.
Here’s how we can help:
- Understanding Your Claim: We’ll start by carefully reviewing the circumstances of your injury to determine if the Jones Act applies to your case.
- Gathering Evidence: We work quickly to collect and preserve all the evidence needed to prove your employer’s negligence. This includes witness statements, expert opinions, and medical records.
- Navigating the Legal Process: We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing your claim to negotiating settlements or taking your case to trial.
- Fighting for Maximum Compensation: Our lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the best possible compensation for your injuries, including lost earnings, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
What Is the Jones Act Compensation?
If you have been injured on the job while working on a ship, you may be wondering how much compensation you are entitled to. While each case is unique, the Jones Act allows you to pursue compensation for:
- Medical Bills: The cost of treatment for your injury, including surgery, physical therapy, medication, and other related expenses.
- Lost Earnings: If you cannot work because of your injury, you are entitled to compensation for your lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional and physical toll that an injury takes on you, including mental health issues, loss of enjoyment of life, and the lasting effects of the injury.
- Future Loss of Earnings: If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning potential — especially in cases involving catastrophic injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the employer’s negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages as a punishment and deterrent.
Our experienced lawyers will make sure you get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
What Happens After an Injury?
Getting injured while working on a vessel can leave you confused and unsure of what steps to take next. At Englander Peebles, we’ll guide you through the process and explain your rights.
Here’s what to do after a Jones Act injury:
- Report the Injury: Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Failing to do so may hurt your case later on.
- Seek Medical Care: Get medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you don’t feel that bad, you should always get checked out by a doctor to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
- Document Everything: Keep track of all the medical treatment you receive, any time off from work, and any expenses related to your injury. This documentation will be crucial in supporting your claim.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to Englander Peebles to speak with an experienced Jones Act lawyer. The sooner you act, the better chance we have to build a strong case for you.
Why You Need a Miami Jones Act Lawyer
Navigating the Jones Act on your own can be overwhelming, and fighting against a large maritime company can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why having a Miami Jones Act lawyer by your side is so important.
Here are some reasons why hiring Englander Peebles is the best choice:
- Experience with Jones Act Claims: We focus on maritime law and help seamen like you get the compensation they deserve.
- Aggressive Legal Representation: We don’t just settle for the first offer from the insurance company. We will fight for the best outcome for you.
- Free Case Evaluation: We offer free consultations to discuss your case. You don’t pay us unless we win.
- Local Knowledge: We’re based in Miami and understand the challenges seamen face in the area.
The Process of Filing a Jones Act Claim
Filing a Jones Act claim can be complicated, but our lawyers will walk you through it step-by-step. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation
Your first step is a free consultation with one of our experienced Miami Jones Act lawyers at Englander Peebles. This meeting is all about you. We’ll sit down and listen carefully to your story. We want to know how you got hurt, what happened on the ship, and how the injury affects your life.
You don’t need to bring anything fancy—just be honest and tell us what happened. We’ll ask some questions to better understand your case, and then we’ll explain what legal options you have. This is a no-pressure conversation, and it’s 100 percent free. There’s no cost to talk with us and learn how we can help.
If your injury qualifies under the Jones Act, we’ll move forward together to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Investigation
Once we take your case, the next step is the investigation. This is where our team at Englander Peebles goes to work. We collect all the facts and details to prove that your employer was negligent or that the ship was unsafe.
We’ll look at:
- Safety reports
- Witness statements
- Ship logs
- Medical records
- Photos or videos of the accident
We may also bring in maritime experts who can explain how your accident happened and why it should have been prevented. This step is very important because the more evidence we have, the stronger your case will be.
You don’t have to worry about doing this alone—our team handles everything so you can focus on healing.
Filing the Claim
After we gather all the necessary information, we will officially file your Jones Act claim in the right court. Filing the claim means telling the court—and your employer or their insurance company—that you suffered an injury because of their negligence and that you want fair compensation.
A lot of paperwork is involved, and it must be done correctly and on time. Our team knows how to handle this process. We’ll ensure your claim follows the law, includes all necessary details, and is filed within the required time frame.
You can feel confident knowing that Englander Peebles is handling your legal process.
Negotiation
Once your claim is filed, the other side will likely want to discuss settling the case. This means they may offer money to avoid going to trial. This might sound beneficial, but always keep in mind: the first offer is way too low most of the time.
At Englander Peebles, we know what your case is really worth. We’ll negotiate hard to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. We will not accept a small payout just to end the case quickly. Our job is to stand strong and fight for your best interests.
We’ll keep you updated during this part of the process. You’ll always know what’s happening, and we’ll only agree to a settlement if it’s what’s best for you.
Trial
If the insurance company or your employer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to court. This is where our experience as trial lawyers really matters. Unlike other firms that might back down, we are not afraid to go to trial and present your case in front of a judge or jury.
At trial, we’ll show the court all the evidence we gathered and prove how your injury happened. We’ll bring in experts if needed, question witnesses, and explain why you deserve compensation.
The goal is simple: to get justice for you.
Our team has won important cases in court before, and we’ll fight hard to win yours, too. With Englander Peebles by your side, you won’t go into court alone—we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Jones Act Claims in Miami: Serving South Florida
At Englander Peebles, we serve Miami and the surrounding areas. If you were injured while working on a vessel in Florida or in U.S. waters, we can file your claim. Whether you were injured on a cruise ship, fishing vessel, cargo ship, or offshore platform, we have the experience to fight for you.
Many people do not know where to turn, especially when injured at sea under federal laws instead of state workers’ comp laws. You can be confident our legal team is here for you.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered an injury while working on a vessel, don’t wait to take action – under Florida’s statute of limitations, you may lose your right to recover if you delay. Contact Englander Peebles today for a free consultation with one of our experienced Miami Jones Act lawyers.
We’re here to seek compensation for your injuries, lost income, and suffering. Call us today, and let us fight for your rights.
Take the first step toward justice and compensation. Call (954) 539-8960 today to set up your free case evaluation.