What if I was injured by a fellow seaman or crew member?
If you have been injured by a fellow seaman or crew member, you may have grounds to bring a claim against the person, their employer, and possibly other parties, under maritime law. Maritime law is a special branch of personal injury law that is used when a person is injured on the open seas or in navigable waters. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to bring an action for unseaworthiness against the vessel on which you were injured. This means that the vessel or product was not reasonably fit for its intended purpose and caused your injury. Alternatively, you may have a claim against the vessel’s owner, if they were negligent in maintaining the vessel in a safe condition. You may also be able to bring a claim for negligence against the fellow seaman or crew member who caused your injury. This would require you to prove that they were negligent in their actions, and that their negligence caused your injury. You may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Florida, a limitation period applies to maritime law claims. This means that a claim for injury must be filed within a certain amount of time, so it is important to seek legal advice right away. An experienced maritime injury attorney in Florida can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action for seeking compensation.
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