When you head to work offshore in Fort Myers, you and your family know the risks of being a maritime worker. Of course, you hope that you don’t get injured on the job, but if you do, our offshore injuries lawyers will be here for you.
At Viles and Beckman, when you become our client, we treat you like family, and no one fights harder for you than your family. We can review your case in a free consultation and verify whether you have an offshore injuries case in Fort Myers.
Common Types of Offshore Accidents in Fort Myers
As a maritime worker, you’re already in a dangerous position navigating the unpredictable waters around Fort Myers. With this risk and the dangers of your job, you could suffer injuries from:
- Oil rig accidents
- Fires and explosions
- Chemical exposure
- Vessel accidents
- Unsafe conditions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sea animal attacks
Being a victim of any of the above mentioned offshore accidents can be traumatic. However, your priority should be seeking medical attention immediately after the accident, whether through the vessel’s medic or calling another medical professional, so you can be airlifted and receive treatment.
Offshore Injuries You Could Suffer in a Maritime Accident
You’ve probably sustained severe injuries after being involved in an offshore accident. Your injuries can make it difficult to enjoy everyday life and even perform everyday tasks. Common maritime injuries in Fort Myers offshore injury cases include:
- Head trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severed limbs
- Burns
- Scarred lung tissue
Our law firm understands the gravity of these injuries and how they can turn fatal without proper medical treatment. Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys help injured oil rig workers, captains, drilling engineers, diving supervisors, and a wide range of additional offshore workers get the compensation they need after an accident.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
The Jones Act and How It Can Help You and Your Family After a Maritime Accident
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows offshore workers to hold their employers liable for any injuries they suffer while on the job. Since maritime workers don’t have the right to seek worker’s compensation, The Jones Act is the primary way for injured maritime workers to receive compensation.
To be successful in a Jones Act lawsuit, you must demonstrate that your employer acted negligently to cause your injuries. Our offshore injuries lawyer in Fort Myers can collect the necessary evidence to prove your employer’s liability.
Damages You Can Recover Under The Jones Act
The Jones Act can help you recover a wide range of damages that can help you and your family recover after your accident. Our lawyers can help you recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income
- Mental pain
- Physical therapy costs
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be eligible for more damages under The Jones Act. The only way to know your case’s value is to meet with us for a free consultation.
Fort Myers
Offshore Injuries
Lawyer Near Me
(239) 334-3933
Understanding Florida’s New Negligence Law
In March of 2023, Florida Gov. Ron Desantis signed a new tort reform law that changed Florida’s negligence law. When Desantis signed the bill, he eliminated Florida’s previous pure comparative negligence law. As a result, Florida now operates under modified comparative negligence.
The key difference between pure comparative negligence and modified comparative negligence is the connection between your percentage of fault and how much you can recover. Previously, the pure comparative negligence law allowed you to collect a reduced compensation based on your percentage of fault, regardless of how liable you were.
However, modified comparative negligence, Florida’s new law, only allows you to recover compensation if you’re 50% or less at fault. If you are more than 50% liable for your injuries, you cannot recover compensation. There is little explanation on how this reform affects Jones Act claims, so it’s essential that you speak to a Fort Myers offshore injuries attorney to learn how it may affect your case.
How Much does Hiring an Offshore Injuries Attorney in Fort Myers Cost?
When you work with our attorneys at Viles and Beckman, you don’t have to worry about paying us until we pay you, whether it be from a settlement or court award. Our offshore injury attorneys in Fort Myers work on a contingency fee basis. With this method, you don’t have to pay any attorneys fees unless we recover a settlement or financial award for you.
And if we win your case, your payment for our attorney’s fees and services will come out of your settlement total. So you won’t pay a dime out of pocket with our contingency fee basis.
Most personal injury lawyers use this method; however, some still charge per hour. We work on a contingency fee because we believe you should have access to legal representation regardless of where you stand financially.
What Percentage do Injury Lawyers Take in Florida?
You may be relieved to learn you won’t have to pay out of pocket, but also wonder how much an offshore injuries lawyer will deduct from your settlement or court award. According to R. Regul. FL. Bar 4-1.5, your lawyer will deduct the following amounts based on the circumstances:
- The case settles outside of court: 33.3% of any money up to $1 million
- The case goes to court, and a jury awards a settlement: 40% of any money up to $1 million
If your offshore injuries case settles for more than $1 million, there are additional limits that your lawyer can deduct from your settlement. We understand this can be overwhelming, but don’t worry; our Fort Myers offshore injuries attorneys can explain the amount they’ll take when you meet with them.
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Contact Our Offshore Injuries Lawyer in Fort Myers
At Viles and Beckman, we treat you like family; no case is too small. We value every case and prioritize winning the compensation you need to get back on your feet after an offshore injury in Fort Myers.
If you’re an offshore worker that’s been injured in Fort Myers, we’re ready to help you. Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to get a free consultation with our offshore injuries lawyer and get the legal help you need.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form