Maritime Law Attorney in Miami-Dade County, FL Representing Victims of Maritime Injuries in Coral Gables, Hialeah, Homestead, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, South Miami, and Throughout South Florida
When the tranquil waters of Miami turn turbulent due to negligence or unsafe maritime conditions, the results can be devastating. Maritime accidents are not only traumatic but can also derail your future, causing severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming financial burdens. Whether you’re a cruise ship passenger, a dockworker, or a recreational boater, an accident at sea or onshore within maritime zones can change your life in an instant. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced Miami maritime accident lawyer who understands the complexities of maritime law and fights tirelessly to protect your rights.
At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we know how high the stakes are after a maritime accident. Our firm has built a strong reputation for advocating on behalf of injury victims throughout Miami and South Florida. With deep-rooted experience in maritime and admiralty law, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable—whether it’s a major cruise line, private vessel owner, or a company operating in the maritime space. We offer aggressive legal representation with a compassionate, client-first approach, helping you recover maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
From negotiating with insurers to litigating in federal court, we have the knowledge, skill, and persistence to help you pursue justice. If you've been hurt in a maritime incident, don't navigate the aftermath alone. Trust a maritime law attorney in Miami-Dade County, FL, who will advocate for your future with strength and integrity.
Types of Maritime Accident Injury Cases We Handle in Miami, FL
Navigating the intricate waters of maritime law requires more than just general legal knowledge—it demands a comprehensive understanding of the unique statutes, federal regulations, and international treaties governing incidents at sea. At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., our legal team combines years of maritime law experience with proven litigation strategies to advocate for those injured in all types of maritime settings across Miami, FL.
We proudly represent clients from all walks of life—passengers, crew members, harbor workers, longshoremen, and private boaters—who suffer injuries in maritime environments. As a Miami maritime accident lawyer with extensive experience in this unique area of legal practice, Leonard J. Valdes, P.A. understands the challenges victims face in these complex cases, whether they’re seeking compensation from high-profile cruise lines departing PortMiami or local marinas and waterfronts. Our firm is well-versed in the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), and other crucial statutes that protect injured parties in maritime contexts.
Common types of maritime injury cases we handle include:
- Cruise ship accidents: Injuries sustained on board due to slip and falls, unsafe conditions, negligent medical care, or security failures
- Boat collisions: Accidents involving private vessels, charter boats, or ferries resulting from operator negligence or failure to observe navigation rules
- Jet ski and personal watercraft accidents: High-speed watercraft collisions or mishandling by inexperienced or reckless operators
- Dock and pier accidents: Injuries due to unsafe conditions, falling cargo, or lack of proper safety equipment while working or transiting docks and piers
- Fires and explosions aboard vessels: Catastrophic events often caused by poor maintenance, fuel leaks, or improper storage of hazardous materials
- Falling overboard: Incidents where passengers or workers fall due to inadequate railings, poor lighting, or overcrowded decks
- Unseaworthy vessels: Claims involving unsafe ships or boats that lack proper safety features, training, or equipment required for maritime operations
- Longshoreman and dockworker injuries: Cases under the LHWCA involving injured maritime laborers performing duties onshore or near navigable waters
- Crewmember injuries under the Jones Act: Legal claims for seamen injured in the course of employment due to employer negligence or unsafe working conditions
- Medical negligence at sea: Failure of onboard medical staff to provide adequate treatment, leading to worsened health conditions or death
- Tourist and excursion accidents: Injuries sustained during snorkeling, diving, or boating excursions operated by third-party vendors in connection with cruise vacations
Maritime accidents can arise from a wide range of conditions, and the legal remedies available vary depending on your role, location, and the type of vessel involved. That’s why it’s critical to consult with a team that has a deep command of maritime regulations and an extensive record of success in personal injury litigation.
At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we are here to guide you through every step of the claims process—protecting your rights while prioritizing your recovery.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Maritime Accident in Miami, FL
Whether you're involved in a cruise ship incident, a boating accident, or a dockside injury, the moments immediately following a maritime accident are critical. Your actions can significantly impact your health, your legal options, and your ability to pursue compensation later. Knowing the steps after an accident can help protect your rights and build a stronger claim.
If you’re wondering what to do if you have been injured in a maritime accident in Miami, FL, follow these essential guidelines:
- Call for help immediately: Alert the ship’s crew, the Coast Guard, or emergency services. Your safety and the safety of others must come first.
- Document the accident: Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the incident. Collect witness statements and gather names and contact details.
- Seek medical attention right away: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Delays in treatment can worsen your condition and weaken your legal case.
- Report the incident: Ensure that the accident is officially logged with the ship’s authorities, marina, or your employer, and request a copy of the report for your records.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately: Before speaking to insurance companies or cruise line representatives, consult with a qualified maritime injury attorney.
Maritime injury cases often involve powerful corporations and complex federal laws. Getting immediate legal help for serious injuries ensures you aren’t taken advantage of and that you begin building your case effectively from day one. At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we provide prompt, aggressive legal support so you can focus on healing while we handle your claim.
Legal Rights for Victims Injured in Maritime Accidents in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident in Miami, you have legal rights—and you may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Whether you were a passenger, crew member, longshore worker, or recreational boater, maritime law offers specific protections depending on your status and the circumstances of the accident.
Victims may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium or companionship (in wrongful death cases)
To recover damages, victims must prove certain legal elements. These typically include:
- Duty of care: The defendant (e.g., cruise operator, boat owner, employer) owed you a duty to act reasonably and ensure a safe environment.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed in that duty through negligence, recklessness, or violation of safety regulations.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injury or harm.
- Damages: You suffered real, provable losses as a result of the incident.
In cases involving crew members, the Jones Act may apply, allowing injured seamen to bring claims against their employer for negligent acts. For dockworkers and harbor employees, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides federal workers’ comp-style benefits. Meanwhile, cruise ship passengers and tourists may pursue claims under general maritime law and specific international contracts.
At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we thoroughly investigate each claim and tailor our legal strategy to the laws and statutes that best protect your rights. We will help you gather evidence, secure expert testimony, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable to the full extent permitted under the law.
The Advantages of Hiring an Experienced Maritime Law Attorney for a Personal Injury Claim in Miami, FL
Maritime accident claims are among the most challenging personal injury cases to navigate. They often involve:
- Complicated jurisdictional issues (federal vs. state court)
- International laws or treaties (especially in cruise ship cases)
- Large corporations with teams of defense lawyers
- Shortened statute of limitations for filing claims
Hiring an experienced South Florida maritime law attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we bring in-depth knowledge of maritime statutes and case law to the table, along with years of courtroom and negotiation experience.
The benefits of working with our firm include:
- Reduced stress: We manage all legal communications, filings, and evidence collection so you can concentrate on your recovery.
- Efficient claims process: Our attorneys streamline every step, from evaluating your case to submitting the necessary documentation and negotiating settlements.
- Maximized compensation: We conduct thorough damage assessments to ensure every category of loss is accounted for—present and future.
- Trial-ready advocacy: If settlement negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for your best possible outcome.
Many victims unknowingly forfeit their rights or accept lowball settlements due to a lack of legal counsel. Our firm empowers clients with knowledge, legal strategy, and advocacy designed to achieve results. When your health, livelihood, and family’s future are on the line, don’t take chances—partner with a legal team that knows how to win.
How Leonard J. Valdes, P.A. Can Help
At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we understand that no two maritime accident cases are the same. That’s why we take a highly personalized approach to every client we represent. From the very first consultation, you’ll receive one-on-one attention, strategic legal advice tailored to your unique situation, and a clear plan of action aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.
Our firm brings an unwavering commitment to justice and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for maritime injury victims throughout Florida. We meticulously investigate every case, utilizing expert analysis, medical documentation, and accident reconstruction when needed. Our aggressive legal strategies are designed to maximize your compensation, whether through skillful negotiation or assertive courtroom advocacy.
When it comes to settlement negotiations, we’re known for being both tough and persuasive. Insurance companies recognize that we won’t back down when it comes to protecting our clients’ rights. With a thorough understanding of Florida law and the local court systems in Miami-Dade County, we leverage every advantage to advance your claim with precision and professionalism.
Why Choose an Experienced Maritime Law Attorney in Miami-Dade County, FL, at Leonard J. Valdes, P.A. for Your Case?
Not all personal injury lawyers are equally well equipped to recover maximum compensation for your losses—especially when it comes to handling complex maritime injury claims.
As your trusted Miami maritime accident lawyer, Leonard J. Valdes, P.A. has a wealth of experience and unique credentials that set our firm apart from the rest, including a rare combination of medical and legal knowledge. The firsthand experience Mr. Valdes gained in treating personal injury patients as a licensed chiropractor in the State of Florida before embarking on his legal career informs our firm’s approach to articulating the mechanism of injury, causation, and the long-term effects of trauma in a way that resonates with insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, and juries. This experience gives our firm a distinct edge in understanding the full scope of our clients’ injuries.
Throughout your claim, you can count on our team for direct, honest communication and unwavering support at every stage of your legal journey.
Clients appreciate our firm’s client-first philosophy. We believe that every person injured due to negligence deserves individualized care, full transparency, and respectful treatment, no matter how big or small the case. This approach has earned us a strong reputation among accident victims across Miami, Homestead, and surrounding South Florida cities. By offering free consultations and comprehensive legal services from start to finish, we make sure that every client is informed, empowered, and positioned to succeed.
Contact an Experienced Miami Maritime Accident Lawyer at Leonard J. Valdes, P.A. for Your Free Consultation
When a maritime accident disrupts your life, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Delays in taking legal action can lead to the loss of vital evidence, missed filing deadlines, and weakened claims. At Leonard J. Valdes, P.A., we offer fast, thorough evaluations of your case so you can begin your journey toward justice and financial recovery without hesitation. Our firm provides the advantage of experienced representation, personalized service, and a relentless drive to protect your future.
With a deep command of both the legal and medical aspects of injury claims, Leonard J. Valdes is uniquely positioned to advocate for you. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll maritime accidents take—and we are here to shoulder that burden with you. Whether you were hurt on a cruise ship, private vessel, or while working at sea, you deserve answers, action, and accountability.
Don’t face powerful cruise lines or insurance companies alone. Contact Leonard J. Valdes, P.A. today to schedule your free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward securing the compensation and closure you deserve.