A maritime accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you’re a dockworker, a commercial fisherman, or a passenger on a cruise ship, the aftermath of an accident at sea—or in Tampa’s busy ports—can leave you with serious injuries, lost wages, and mounting medical bills.
But here’s the good news: maritime law protects you. The catch? You must act fast and avoid critical mistakes that could destroy your claim.
As experienced Tampa maritime attorneys, we’ve seen too many victims lose out on fair compensation because of avoidable errors. Below, we break down the top mistakes to avoid after a maritime accident—and how a skilled law firm like Joya Law Firm can help you fight for what you deserve.
Why Maritime Accidents Aren’t Like Other Injury Cases
Maritime law is a complex web of federal statutes, international regulations, and employer liability rules. Unlike a standard car accident claim, your case could fall under:
- The Jones Act (protecting injured seamen)
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) (covering dockworkers)
- General Maritime Law (applying to passengers and third parties)
Mistake #1: Assuming “Workers’ Comp” Covers You
Many injured workers mistakenly believe they’re limited to standard workers’ compensation. But maritime employees often have stronger rights—like suing for pain and suffering under the Jones Act. Without an attorney, you could miss out on thousands (or millions) in compensation.
Real-World Example: In 2022, a Tampa dockworker fractured his spine in a crane accident. His employer’s insurance offered a $50,000 settlement—but after hiring a maritime lawyer, he secured $1.2 million by proving unsafe equipment violations.
The Shocking Tactics Insurance Companies Use (And How to Beat Them)
Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side. Their job is to minimize payouts, and they’ll use every trick to do it, including:
Recording Your Statements – A casual “I’m okay” call could be twisted to deny your claim.
Delaying Until Evidence Disappears – Surveillance footage “gets lost,” witnesses vanish.
Lowballing Early Settlements – They know injured victims are desperate for cash.
Mistake #2: Talking to Insurers Without a Lawyer
Never give a statement or sign anything before consulting a Tampa maritime attorney. Joya Law Firm has recovered millions for clients by negotiating from strength—not desperation.
How Joya Law Firm Uncovers Hidden Evidence
Maritime cases hinge on proving negligence. Was the deck slippery because the crew ignored safety protocols? Did faulty wiring cause an explosion? We dig deeper with:
- Expert Accident Reconstruction
- Maintenance Logs & Crew Testimony
- OSHA & Coast Guard Violation Reports
Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Investigate
Critical evidence disappears fast. The sooner a law firm like Joya Law Firm gets involved, the stronger your case.
“But What If I’m Partially at Fault?” – The Truth About Comparative Negligence
Even if you made a mistake (e.g., not wearing a life vest), Florida’s comparative negligence rule means you could still recover damages. For example:
- If you’re 20% at fault, you could still claim 80% of compensation.
- Without a lawyer, insurers will blame you for 100%.
Mistake #4: Accepting Blame Too Soon
Let an attorney assess the facts. Many victims don’t realize employers often share fault for poor training or defective gear.
What to Do After a Maritime Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Seek Medical Help Immediately (Some injuries, like internal bleeding, show up later.)
- Report the Accident (Demand a written copy from your employer or cruise line.)
- Document Everything (Photos, witness contacts, weather conditions.)
- Call a Maritime Lawyer (Before speaking to insurers!)
Mistake #5: Assuming You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
Joya Law Firm works on contingency—you pay $0 unless we win.
“What’s My Case Worth?” Let a Lawyer Calculate the True Cost
Maritime injury claims should cover:
- Medical bills (current + future surgeries)
- Lost wages + reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Hypothetical Scenario: A deckhand loses a leg in a winch accident. The insurer offers $200K. But after a lawyer proves the company ignored repair requests, the victim wins $3.7 million for lifelong care.
Don’t Face This Storm Alone—Joya Law Firm Fights for You
Filing a maritime claim alone is like navigating a hurricane without a compass. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers—why shouldn’t you?
Florida sees thousands of maritime accidents yearly. If negligence upended your life, shouldn’t the responsible party pay to fix it?
Call Joya Law Firm Today
Your free consultation could be the first step toward justice. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
For more on maritime injury timelines, check out the Joya Law Firm website. *Need a Tampa attorney? We’re here 24/7.*
