Admiralty and Maritime Law

We have very substantial and unique experience in representing people with claims in regard to admiralty and maritime law. Admiralty and maritime law are specialized areas of the law that regulate accidents and injuries of the crew (seamen) and of the passengers on ships, yachts, and recreational boats. John H. (Jack) Hickey represented the cruise lines and shipping companies for 15 years. Several years ago, he switched to representing only passengers and crew (seamen) against the cruise lines and shipping companies. Hickey is past chair of the Admiralty Law Committee for the Florida Bar, and he is an active member of the admiralty law section of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) and of the Florida Admiralty Trial Lawyers Association (FLATLA). Hickey has lectured on admiralty and maritime law for 20 years to various organizations, including the Florida Bar and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Congress passed a maritime law called the Jones Act to protect seamen who work on ships, offshore oil rigs, or other sea-going vessels, such as barges, riverboats, and fishing boats. Under the Jones Act, a seaman is entitled to recover damages if he is injured during employment. If a seaman is injured or killed because of negligence or defective equipment, the employer may be liable. Federal courts have determined that the term seaman extends to people who are employed on a vessel to assist in the main purpose of the voyage, and whose duties are rendered on vessels engaged in commerce or trade. The Jones Act can also cover inland river workers and offshore workers, as well as divers and underwater personnel.

The Jones Act is not workers' compensation law, meaning you must prove that seaman's employer was negligent and, therefore, at fault for your injury. The statute of limitations for a maritime law injury suit by a seaman is three years, so it is imperative that you contact an admiralty and maritime law attorney right away.