Recent Blog Posts
3 Types of Death on the High Seas
When someone sets sail on a yacht or pleasure cruise, it can be an exciting adventure. No one ever hits the open sea with the expectation of not returning. Sadly, each year many passengers and crewmembers die while at sea. At our office, we know the heartbreaking reality that many families face when they… Read More »
Top 5 Reasons for Boat Fires
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… Read More »
3 Things Not to Do if Injured on the Job at Sea
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… Read More »
Pool Injuries on a Cruise
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… Read More »
Fighting for Maintenance and Cure After a Work Injury at Sea
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… Read More »
Luxury Yacht Crashes and Injuries
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…. Read More »
What You Should Know About Personal Watercraft Insurance
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… Read More »
How People Get Hurt in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
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,… Read More »
Common Fisherman Injuries
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… Read More »
Things to Ask Before You Take a Cruise Ship Job
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,… Read More »
