St. Petersburg Maritime Accident Lawyer 

Were you or a loved one hurt in a maritime accident near St. Petersburg, Florida? If the incident was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may have the right to seek compensation. At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the full value of your claim.

Our law firm has more than 60 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury cases across Florida, including those involving boating and maritime accidents. We’ve recovered over $200 million for our clients and are ready to put that experience to work for you.

Contact our office today at (727) 787-2500 to set up a free consultation with a St. Petersburg maritime accident lawyer. You’ll pay nothing unless we win compensation for your case.

How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Maritime Accident in St. Petersburg, FL

How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Maritime Accident in St. Petersburg, FL

Maritime accident cases can be especially challenging due to the different laws that may apply. You may not just be dealing with state law, as federal maritime statutes like the Jones Act or general maritime law may also apply in some circumstances.

Our team of St. Petersburg maritime accident attorneys has the legal knowledge and resources needed to handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish. 

When you choose Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we will:

  • Investigate how the accident happened and identify all of the responsible parties
  • Evaluate whether maritime or state law applies to your claim
  • Work with experts to calculate the full extent of your losses
  • Negotiate with insurers and defense lawyers on your behalf
  • Represent you in court if a fair settlement is not offered

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Contact our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers today to get started with your free case review.

Common Types of Maritime Accidents in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg’s location along the Gulf Coast makes it a hub for commercial shipping, fishing, and recreational boating. While the water brings many opportunities, it also presents risks.

We handle all types of maritime accident cases, including:

  • Offshore oil rig and platform injuries
  • Shipyard and dockworker accidents
  • Cruise ship passenger injuries
  • Commercial fishing and shipping incidents
  • Recreational boating accidents
  • Ferry and charter boat collisions
  • Jet ski and personal watercraft crashes
  • Diving and snorkeling injuries

Whether you were a maritime worker, a cruise ship guest, or a weekend boater, we can help you understand your rights under applicable federal and state laws.

What Laws Might Apply to My Maritime Injury Case in St. Petersburg?

The law governing your accident will depend on the facts of your case. I

n general:

  • The Jones Act protects seamen who are injured while working aboard a vessel. This federal law allows injured workers to sue their employers for negligence and unsafe working conditions.
  • The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers dockworkers, shipbuilders, and others who work in maritime settings but not on vessels.
  • General Maritime Law provides remedies to qualifying maritime workers where other laws might not.
  • Florida personal injury law may apply to recreational boating accidents or injuries occurring in inland waters.

It’s essential to have a lawyer who can properly evaluate your claim and pursue compensation under the right legal theory. Some of these claims can be filed on a “no-fault” basis as well, meaning it doesn’t matter who caused the accident (with only rare exceptions).

What Damages Are Available in a St. Petersburg Maritime Injury Case?

After a maritime accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and non-financial losses. Depending on the specific facts and which law applies, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include losses such as:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Travel and out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages include things like:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement or disability

If your case involves gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Our attorneys will review your situation carefully and fight for every dollar you’re owed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Maritime Injury Claim in Florida?

The statute of limitations can vary depending on which law governs your case. Under Florida personal injury law, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

However, maritime law may impose shorter or different time limits. For example, the Jones Act has a three-year statute of limitations, while cruise ship tickets may include a much shorter window to file a notice of claim (as little as six months in some instances).

Because of these differences, it’s important to speak with an experienced maritime accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a St. Petersburg Maritime Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

Were you hurt in a maritime accident in St. Petersburg or along the Florida coast? Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you pursue justice and financial compensation. 

With over 60 years of combined experience and $200 million recovered for clients, we are well-equipped to handle your case. Call now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a St. Petersburg maritime accident attorney.