Recent Blog Posts
The Average Cost of Maritime Worker Injuries
As one researcher recently pointed out in the Journal of Forensic Medicine, America spends about $2.9 trillion on healthcare annually. That amounts to about 18 percent of our national gross domestic product (GDP). Put another way, we spend roughly $9,255 for every man, woman, child, and infant in this country each and every year…. Read More »
Deadline for Protecting Your Rights After an Injury on the High Seas
If you are injured at sea, it’s important that you take immediate actions to protect yourself. One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is to protect the statute of limitation. In other words, you need to find out what your deadline is for filing a lawsuit and… Read More »
Foodborne and Infectious Diseases on Cruise Ships
In recent years, cruise ship companies have come under fire for a number of concerns about sanitation and infectious disease hazards. From sanitation issues to faulty septic systems, cruises can pose a risk to general public health in some cases. At the office of Michael F. Guilford, P.A., we represent people who have been… Read More »
Hurt at Work on a Florida Container Ship
The remedies for maritime injuries to passengers and crew are different from injuries suffered on dry land. This is true for many reasons, but primarily it is due to application of federal statutes and the general maritime law. When someone is injured in Florida, Florida statutes and common law will apply. When someone is… Read More »
Medical Malpractice on a Cruise
Medical errors can happen anywhere, including your next cruise. According to the American Academy of Emergency Physicians, there are certain guidelines for medical facilities aboard cruise ships. Sadly, some cruise lines fail to comply with these guidelines, employ foreign doctors who do not have the same level of training as doctors licensed in the… Read More »
Top Dangers for Miami Snorkelers
Snorkeling is one of Florida’s great aquatic pastimes, with thousands of Floridians and tourists taking to the open water each year. Like any other sporting activity, however, snorkeling carries certain risks. These are risks that the public and tourism companies, in particular, must keep in mind. At the office of Michael F. Guilford, P.A.,… Read More »
Cruise Ship Rape on the Rise
The nonprofit RAINN (“Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network”) reports that less than a third of all sexual assaults are reported to the police. Sadly, this is simply part of the unfortunate nature of such horrible crimes. Between the shame and fear that accompany rape and sexual assault, victims often contend with the fear… Read More »
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 »
