Maritime

Maritime Personal Injury

 Injured on a vessel, at port, or offshore? Maritime law is different from land‑based injury law. Our Tampa‑based maritime team knows the Jones Act, the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and general maritime law—and how to move fast to secure evidence before it disappears.

Free, confidential case review • No fee unless we win.

Why choose our Tampa,Florida-based maritime team?

  • Maritime focus: Experienced in handling injuries on tankers, tugs, cruise ships, cargo vessels, fishing boats, and recreational craft.

  • Rapid investigations: We deploy investigators and experts to secure logs, AIS/VDR data, maintenance records, and witness statements.

  • Local knowledge: Familiar with Port Tampa Bay operations, shipyards, cruise terminals, and Gulf Coast waterways.

  • Trial-ready: We prepare every case as if it will be tried in federal court. We are not intimidated by depositions, interrogatories, federal witnesses, and low-ball counteroffers.

  • Unique perspective: Led by a prior active duty U.S. Coast Guard JAG officer who handled investigations and understands the Coast Guard’s internal processes, reporting systems, and compliance standards.

 Who we represent

  • Seamen & crew (deckhands, engineers, stewards) with Jones Act negligence or unseaworthiness claims

  • Longshore, harbor & shipyard workers covered by the LHWCA

  • Passengers & recreational boaters injured on cruise ships, ferries, or private vessels

  • Offshore workers on drilling, construction, and service vessels

Common Maritime Incidents We Handle

  • Falls on wet or oily decks; defective ladders and gangways

  • Line handling injuries, winch/capstan failures, and crush/pinch points

  • Mooring and docking accidents at Port Tampa Bay

  • Collisions, allisions, groundings, and wake injuries

  • Fires, explosions, and machinery failures

  • Unsafe work quotas, understaffing, and inadequate training

  • Foodborne illness and onboard medical negligence

Your Rights After a Maritime Injury

Seamen (Jones Act): You may recover for employer negligence and unseaworthiness (unsafe vessel/gear). You are also entitled to maintenance and cure—basic living expenses and medical care—until maximum medical improvement.

Longshore/Harbor Workers (LHWCA): Wage replacement and medical benefits, plus potential third‑party negligence claims.

Passengers: Claims typically arise under general maritime law and ticket contract provisions (notice and forum selection deadlines can be strict).

Deadlines are short. Some claims require notice within 30–180 days and suits may have one‑ to three‑year limitations, sometimes shorter in ticket contracts. Talk to a maritime attorney promptly.

What To Do After a Vessel or Port Injury

  1. Report the injury in writing and keep a copy of any incident report.

  2. Seek medical care and follow treatment; ask for copies of records.

  3. Preserve evidence: Photos/video of the scene, footwear, PPE, and any defective equipment.

  4. List witnesses with contact details.

  5. Do not give recorded statements or sign releases without counsel.

  6. Contact our team for a free, confidential review.

Our Investigation Process

We move quickly to lock down proof while memories are fresh and logs are still available. Having served as a Coast Guard JAG officer, our lead attorney knows how investigations unfold behind the scenes and what records and reports the Coast Guard expects and maintains.

Evidence we secure:

  • Vessel logs (deck/engine), safety meeting minutes, and maintenance/repair histories

  • AIS/VDR data, CCTV, ECDIS charts, and GPS tracks

  • ISM/ISPS compliance records and safety manuals

  • Job safety analyses (JSAs), permit‑to‑work forms, and near‑miss reports

  • Crew schedules, manning levels, and training/certification files

  • Weather, sea state, tide/current data, and port movement records

  • Photos of the scene, equipment, and injuries; footwear and PPE preservation

Experts we work with:

  • Masters, chief engineers, naval architects, and human‑factors specialists

  • Port operations and line‑handling experts

  • Occupational medicine and vocational economists

Negotiation & Litigation:

  • Early preservation letters and subpoenas

  • Claims for maintenance and cure; punitive damages for willful refusal

  • Federal court filings and jury trials when necessary

Compensation We Pursue

  • Medical expenses (past and future) and rehabilitation

  • Lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and fringe benefits

  • Pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life

  • Maintenance and cure; penalties for bad‑faith denial

  • Wrongful death and survival damages (where applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file? Maritime deadlines vary. Some ticket contracts shorten them. Act quickly so we can protect your rights.

Can I choose my own doctor? Often yes, and it can affect your recovery and your case. We’ll discuss options.

Do I have to be a full‑time crew member to be a “seaman”? Not necessarily. Courts look at your connection to a vessel or fleet in navigation.

What if my employer stopped maintenance and cure? You may be entitled to penalties for an unreasonable refusal. Call us.

I was hurt on a cruise ship departing Tampa. Where do I file? Ticket contracts may require filing in a specific court and within a short time. Bring us your ticket terms so we can advise.

Ready to Talk?

Free Consultation. We’ll explain your rights, outline the investigation, and map a plan to move forward.

Call (813) 585-2277 | Email admin@CastLF.com | Request a Free Consultation

.

 

Contact Us for a Legal Assessment Today