Billing itself as the “Cargo Gateway of the Americas”, the Port of Miami serves as one of the biggest cargo ports in the United States and is known throughout the world for its ability to serve both cargo shipping and cruise ships of any size, tonnage, or home country. Maritime injuries and accidents in Miami are covered by maritime law in many cases, whether you were working on the water or simply trying to relax, and if you need a tough and experienced maritime lawyer to help you navigate these confusing waters, O’Bryan Law is here to help.
Port of Miami Shipping & Maritime Traffic
The Port of Miami, or “PortMiami” as it has billed itself in recent years, serves a wide variety of needs and industries throughout both the United States and the world. Its four refrigerated shipping yards provide plenty of space for transport of perishable goods, many of which enter from Central America through Miami. Special technology allows cargo inspection to proceed faster than ever, allowing containers to pass through the port to their destination within minutes. And with 1,348 vessels docking at the port in 2013 (with the number set to climb every year), the speed is crucial.
Miami Maritime Injuries & Accidents
With all those cruise ships and cargo vessels passing through the port, the traffic and operations are bound to create some accidents. Injuries have befallen dock workers from failing ramp systems causing containers to fall, fires and illnesses can break out on cruise ships, and even the railroads leading to and from the port can cause any number of derailments or accidents. And while all the construction projects – such as the further dredging of the port to allow larger ships from the Panama Canal to dock in Miami – will do much to create jobs, the extra hazards created by the construction will pose a danger to any workers.
Recreational Boating in Miami
Miami also has a reputation as the “Cruise Capital of the World”, and with good reason. Several major cruise companies have headquarters in Miami, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line. Cruise ships in the Port of Miami find themselves departing to and from points all over the world, and Miami is a popular stop on cruise tours. Even if you’re not looking to see the world, Miami offers plenty to boaters; rentable catamarans, excellent fresh and deepwater fishing, and tour boats all throughout the Bay of Biscayne.
Miami Maritime Lawyer & Jones Act Lawyer
Accidents on the water can happen at any time, no matter if you’re at work or play. If you get injured working or playing on the waters in Miami and you need an experienced Jones Act lawyer or maritime law specialist, then contact O’Bryan Law today.
*In those federal district courts in which Dennis M. O’Bryan is not generally admitted to practice, such as Miami, he gains admission pro hac vice, on a case by case basis, by securing the sponsorship of a reputable local attorney. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, where his office is located.
