Navigating A Course To Justice
Each year, thousands of pleasure boats and commercial ships catch fire. Many of these go relatively unreported in the news. Unless someone is killed, or it is a famous mega yacht, it’s rare to hear about it. However, BoatUS has compiled a list of some of the most common reasons for boat fires in the U.S. If you or someone…
If you are a crew member or deckhand on a U.S. flagged vessel, or work for an owner or employer who is based in the United States, you have certain specific rights under federal maritime law. Under the Merchant Marine Act – or “Jones Act” as it is better known – seamen who are injured while on the job are…
Today’s cruise ships are truly amazing. Many are equipped with multiple pools, spas, movie theaters, and even hospitals to treat injuries and emergency medical conditions that arise on board. Many of these injuries occur in or around pools and other swimming areas. But did you know that injured passengers have a right to be compensated for injuries caused by the…
When a seaman is injured while working aboard a ship, he or she is entitled to compensation for those injuries. The Jones Act is a federal law that provides a system of compensation similar to that of a traditional workers’ compensation claim. However, there are distinct differences. At our Miami office we fight to help injured seafaring workers get the…
According to Forbes, as of 2016 there were 4,476 superyachts in the world. These are defined as being at least 100 feet long. But these massive ships do not operate themselves. The vast majority of these vessels are operated year round, even at times when the owner may have no personal use for them. There may be a variety of…
If you own a personal watercraft or any type of boat, you need insurance. Florida law doesn’t require you to carry insurance on your watercraft the same way it does your car, but this doesn’t mean you should forgo insurance for your boat. Here are some key considerations when shopping for boater insurance. What Does Boat Insurance Cover? Say you…
In the wake of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Florence, residents throughout the Carolinas are doing whatever they can to survive. People in south Florida are no strangers to hurricanes either. Since 2000, south Florida has been hit by dozens of tropical storms and depressions, as well as Hurricanes Charley, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Wilma, and Irma. In recent years,…
Florida has year-round fishing opportunities for recreational fishermen. But for serious commercial fishing outfits, the waters south of Miami are just another day at the office. But when commercial fishermen are seriously injured or killed on the open seas, Florida’s workers’ compensation laws may not protect them. Fortunately, Michael F. Guilford is here to offer free consultations for those who…
You’ve been offered a job on a cruise line. Congratulations. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of the flexibility and adventure of a crew position aboard a cruise ship for years. Whether you are an engineer, navigation crew, or hospitality staff, cruise jobs can be fun. Of course, the industry has its share of dangers too. So, here are some common sense questions…
Our hearts go out to the victims of the recent tragedy in Missouri, where 17 people lost their lives when a duck boat capsized in Lake of the Ozarks in July 2018. For years, these aquatic rides have been good clean family fun for thousands of tourists, but they’ve also had their share of tragedies. Our office is here to…