A Skilled Maritime Law Attorney With Over 20 Years Of Experience

Injuries and deaths at sea are treated differently in the eyes of the law than those that occur on land. Maritime law – also called admiralty law – refers to the body of federal law that applies to accidents at sea, in the harbor and on waterways. Consisting of a complex legal framework, maritime law is a niche area of law that not many attorneys focus on.

Meister Law, LLC, is a Miami-based law firm devoted to pursuing legal protections for those who live, work and play at sea. Attorney Tonya Meister focuses exclusively on maritime law, and has done so for more than two decades. She provides skilled legal representation for those injured on the water, including boaters, crew members/seafarers, passengers and longshoremen.

A Passionate Advocate Who Understands Life At Sea

As a former crew member and a board-certified admiralty and maritime law attorney through The Florida Bar, attorney Meister has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for those who work at sea to enforce their legal rights. Likewise, she knows how challenging it is for those injured at sea to obtain compensation. She is committed to fighting for clients who need a strong and determined advocate.

Seafarers’ Rights

Seafarers are often tasked with performing difficult and dangerous duties that can put their health and welfare in jeopardy. They frequently confront challenges such as demanding employers and unsafe work conditions, all while being at the mercy of the sea. It comes as no surprise that many crew members are injured while working on vessels.

When injuries occur, there are laws and remedies that provide seafarers with protection, including:

• Maintenance and cure: Meister Law helps sick and injured crew members receive prompt, proper and adequate medical care as well as money for their food and lodging while recovering.
• Unseaworthiness and Jones Act claims: Attorney Meister has in-depth knowledge of what constitutes unseaworthy conditions and negligence under the Jones Act, which gives her injured clients an edge in these claims.
• Death on the High Seas Act claims: If you lost a loved one to a tragic accident while they were working at sea, you can pursue compensation under this federal law.
• Contractual benefits: As an injured worker at sea, you may be entitled to contractual benefits such as disability benefits and retirement benefits. Attorney Meister understands complex employment agreements and challenges employers who are avoiding their legal obligations relating to wages, health coverage and other items.
• Unpaid wages: Attorney Meister helps crew members get their full wages, including overtime. If you were forced to do extra work that wasn’t compensated or required to pay unwarranted expenses, she will enforce your rights through negotiations and legal action if necessary.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims: If you got hurt on the job as a worker in a shipyard, harbor or dock, you may be entitled to benefits under this important federal law.
• Cruise ship injuries: Workers on passenger cruise lines (such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean) and any other type of vessel (yacht, cargo, sailing, tug, tow or casino) are exposed to a wide range of risks. Should you be injured due to an unsafe or dangerous condition or become sick/ill while working on a vessel, attorney Meister can take effective legal action on your behalf. She also represents injured passengers.
• Boating accidents: For any boating-related accident, attorney Meister conducts a thorough review to determine who is at fault and gives her clients the best chance at a successful outcome.

Attorney Meister has obtained exceptional results for injured passengers, boaters and crew members/seafarers in all types of maritime cases. Her unique combination of legal ability and relevant work experience gives her clients an advantage even when opposing large corporate employers and other powerful interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Law

Maritime law involves a confusing web of legal regulations, so it’s understandable to have questions. Here is some general information about common questions. Please reach out to attorney Meister for specific guidance on your situation.

When does maritime law apply?

Maritime law generally applies to “navigable waters,” which encompasses more than just the ocean. It also applies to waterways that are used for commerce.

Each law has its own nuances, however. For example, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers injuries that occur on land at a harbor, dock or shipyard.

What is the Jones Act?

Also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act is a U.S. law that holds employers accountable when their negligence results in injuries to crew members at sea. Through a Jones Act claim, you can seek money compensation for:

• Your injuries
• Lost wages/benefits
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

What is maintenance and cure?

“Maintenance and cure” is a benefit for crew members that become sick or injured while in the service of a vessel. It requires the employer/ship owner to provide prompt, proper and adequate medical care as well as money for food/lodging until the point of maximum medical improvement. Maintenance and cure is a no-fault benefit, which means it applies regardless of whether the injury or illness was caused by negligence of the employer/shipowner.

If your employer/ship owner willfully and callously refuses to pay these benefits, you may have a claim for punitive damages.

What is the deadline for filing a maritime law case?

It depends on the type of case you have and which law applies. Under the Jones Act, a U.S. law, for example, you have three years from the date of the accident or injury to file a claim. Some causes of action have a shorter deadline.

However, you should always talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence may be more difficult to obtain if you wait too long. Attorney Meister works quickly and thoroughly to build cases. She will gain a detailed understanding of the legal and factual issues of your case in order to maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Can my employer retaliate against me for talking to a lawyer or enforcing my legal rights?

No. If your employer attempts to retaliate against you – or if you have already been fired, demoted or otherwise mistreated – you may have additional claims for compensation.

Learn More About Your Maritime Law Rights During A Free Consultation

Attorney Meister represents seafarers in maritime injury claims, including Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure actions. Please call 305-703-6075 or contact Meister Law, LLC, online to schedule a free initial consultation. Attorney Meister works with clients from around the world.