Munch and Munch, P.A.Munch and Munch, P.A.2026-06-30T19:57:13Zhttps://www.munchandmunch.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504667/2025/08/cropped-Munch-fav-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[I just got injured on a rental jet ski. What do I do now?]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2510642026-06-02T21:43:57Z2026-06-02T21:43:57Z you are reading this from a hospital, you are likely in pain, frustrated and unsure what comes next. The steps you take in the first few hours and days after a rental jet ski accident can protect your health and your legal rights. Focus on two priorities right now: getting proper medical care and preserving evidence before it disappears.
Start with health and evidence, not explanations
Before you worry about who is at fault, make sure you are safe and document the incident. Here are things you can do write now to help your case:
Get medical help right away and follow up, even if symptoms seem minor
Ask for copies of your discharge papers and any imaging results
Take photos or have someone take photos of the jet ski, your injuries if possible and the area where it happened
Get the rental company name, the operator name, staff names and contact information for witnesses
Write down what you remember while it is fresh, including weather, waves, instructions given and any mechanical issues
These steps help your doctors treat you correctly and can help to reconstruct the accident later.
Do not assume the waiver ends the case
Most rental companies require waivers. Many people think signing one means they cannot move forward with legal action. That is not always true. A waiver generally does not protect a company from gross negligence, such as failing to maintain the jet ski, sending customers out with known defects or inadequately training staff on safety protocols and emergency response. In these types of situations, the waiver may not provide legal protection.
Water accidents may involve federal maritime law
Jet ski injuries on navigable waters can fall under federal maritime law. That matters because maritime rules, deadlines and damage issues can differ from standard state personal injury cases. This is why you should speak with a maritime lawyer, not just a general personal injury lawyer, especially if the accident happened in coastal waters, bays, inlets or other navigable waterways.
Be cautious with the insurance adjuster
You may get a call from the rental company’s insurance adjuster. Before you speak in detail, protect yourself with a simple plan.
Do not give a recorded statement
Do not guess about speed, distances or fault
Do not sign medical authorizations or settlement papers
Politely say you will respond after speaking with counsel
This is not about being difficult. It is about avoiding statements the adjuster could take out of context before you know the full medical picture.
Next step: get maritime legal guidance now
If you were injured on a rental jet ski, you may have more rights than the waiver suggests. Take care of your medical needs, preserve evidence and talk to a maritime attorney as soon as possible. ]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[Protect your rights after a cruise ship accident]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503932025-07-29T16:13:17Z2025-07-29T16:13:17ZCruises promise sun, sand and stress-free escape, but accidents are a real and frequent risk. Recent data points to this, with multiple injuries and deathsreported each year from falls, onboard fires, mechanical failures, weather-related incidents and even drownings.If you’ve been hurt on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but only if you act fast and do things right.
Cruise ship claims aren’t like regular injury cases
Filing a claim against a cruise line isn’t business as usual. For instance, most cruise tickets contain fine print that limits when, where and how you can sue. If you don’t follow the correct procedures or miss deadlines, you may lose your chance to recover damages.
Take informed action
The first step to take after an accident is to seek medical attention and report it immediately to the ship personnel. It’s best to do so in writing and request a report. Remember to document everything related to the accident, including photos of the scene and your injuries, medical records, witness contact details and any communication with the cruise line on the incident.Next, review your cruise ticket. It likely includes the rules and requirements for filing a claim. Be wary of any deadlines specified in the ticket regarding injury claims and ensure you’re on track.
You don’t have to handle it alone
Cruise ship injury claims involve complex maritime law and contracts. Additionally, cruise lines often have legal teams and strict procedures designed to minimize their liability. This can make it hard for you to get fair compensation on your own.Seeking legal guidance can help protect your interests, navigate the complexities of such claims and avoid pitfalls that could undermine your case.]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[How a vessel’s seaworthiness could affect maritime injury claims]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503912025-10-15T18:56:40Z2025-07-13T21:42:12ZVessel owners have a duty to others
People who own seagoing vessels have a legal duty to others. They must ensure that the vessel and all of its equipment are reasonably fit for their intended purposes. Any employees who work on the vessel and any clients who charter the vessel should be able to trust that it is seaworthy.
Owners cannot delegate that responsibility to others. They are personally accountable for the condition of their vessels and access to safety equipment. If they fail to perform adequate maintenance, inspect the vessel for damage or address issues with the vessel in a timely fashion, they could be legally liable for any incidents that result from the condition of the vessel.
Unseaworthy vessels can put everyone onboard at unnecessary risk and can represent an actionable form of negligence. Documenting the basis for claims of unseaworthiness can help injured professionals pursue compensation from their employers or vessel owners. Maritime injury claims are often complex, and proof of negligent conduct or a failure to fulfill legal duties can help strengthen a professional’s claim.]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[Tampa dock injury? Know the LHWCA filing deadline]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503902025-07-11T15:13:23Z2025-07-11T15:13:23Zqualify under the LHWCA if you perform one of the following jobs:
Loading or unloading cargo as a longshore worker
Repairing vessels at the dock
Assisting with operations aboard docked ships
Operating machinery that moves freight between ships and land
To qualify, your injury must happen on a pier, wharf, dock or marine terminal. Your job must also involve physical tasks that directly support commercial vessel operations. If both apply, your case may fall under the LHWCA rather than Florida’s workers’ compensation system.
Understand your claim deadlines
You have 30 days from the date of the injury to notify your employer. After, you must submit Form LS-203 to the U.S. Department of Labor within one year of the injury or the last benefit payment. Missing either step may prevent your claim from moving forward.
Follow these steps after your injury
To keep your claim process on track and avoid delays after an injury at a Tampa port, you may take these steps right away:
Inform your supervisor in writing on the same day the injury happens
Visit a doctor who is approved to handle LHWCA-related cases
Write down the exact date, time, location and cause of the incident
Reach out to a legal professional who understands maritime injury claims
Taking these actions will help you stay organized, avoid mistakes and protect your eligibility for benefits.
Know why following the process matters
The LHWCA has its own procedures, separate from Florida’s standard workers’ comp system. You must use the correct forms, meet federal deadlines and follow each step carefully. If you file with the wrong agency or miss a deadline, you may lose access to the compensation you deserve. Before proceeding, ensure that your job duties and injury location fall within LHWCA coverage.]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[Child falls through porthole, into sea]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503862025-07-08T15:24:21Z2025-07-08T15:24:21ZInvestigators released more information on the near-death of a five-year-old child who fell into the ocean on June 29 from the Disney Dream’s fourth-story deck. Her father immediately followed her into the water, managing to keep her from drowning until rescue boats arrived.
Below are further details from this cruise ship accident.
Child fell backward through porthole
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the agency investigating the accident, the child was sitting unrestrained on a railing when she toppled back through the porthole and into the sea. Her parents witnessed her fall, and her father sprang into immediate action.He went over the railing and entered the water to save her. He was able to grab her and tread water for approximately 20 minutes until rescuers arrived.
Survival rate low for overboard cases
Cruise industry experts familiar with survival rates of overboard passengers noted that roughly only a quarter of passengers who fall from ships into the sea survive. That the father was nearby and observed by other passengers jumping from the rail after his daughter likely accounted for the swift rescue and survival.
Barrier didn’t stop plunge
Disney Cruise ship Dream and others in its line all have Plexiglas barriers over windows and portholes to deter overboard falls. It’s not entirely clear why this safety method failed for the five-year-old girl.If you suffered injuries on a cruise ship due to the safety lapses of the liner, you may want to learn more about your options for pursuing financial compensation for those injuries, losses and other damages.]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[Personal flotation devices and Florida law]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503852025-06-22T16:08:03Z2025-06-22T16:08:03ZOne of the most effective ways to guard against drowning is for boaters to wear a good, properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD) – more commonly known as a life jacket. Unfortunately, too many people don’t wear them.
That’s often because too many boat owners don’t have them on board. If they do, they may not insist that their passengers wear them.
What does Florida law require?
Under Florida law, all vessels are required to carry enough U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs for each person on board to have one. They must be the appropriate sizes for those currently on board, and they must be in good condition. However, adults aren’t required by law to wear them unless they’re on or being pulled by a jet ski or other personal watercraft (PWC). In fact, only children under 6 are required by law to wear them if they’re on any vessel under 26 feet long if it’s “underway.” The law also requires any vessel that’s at least 16 feet long to have a USCG-approved “throwable device,” commonly known as a life preserver. While this can be an important piece of safety equipment, it’s not nearly as effective in an emergency as wearing a PFD is.
Even experienced swimmers can drown
Too often, someone will believe that because they’re an experienced swimmer, they don’t need a PFD. They may even be teased by others on board for wanting to wear one. It’s important to remember that drownings often result from someone falling overboard and striking their head on the side of the boat or something else, which makes their swimming skills irrelevant if they’re unconscious. All kinds of things can happen before or after someone hits the water to make them unable to stay afloat on their own. If someone has had a drink (or several), is on medications or suffers from vertigo, that can increase their chances of drowning.As noted, it’s the responsibility of the boat’s owner to at least ensure that the appropriate PFDs are on board. If someone drowns or suffers injuries after falling or being thrown into the water because there were no PFDs available for them to wear, it may be possible to hold the vessel’s owner liable. If this has happened to you or a loved one, it’s wise to learn more about your legal options for seeking justice and compensation.]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503842025-06-06T13:08:57Z2025-06-06T13:08:57ZThe maritime industry is one of the major employers in Florida, partially because of the extensive coastline throughout the state. For individuals who work on or near the water, but not far enough to be classified as seamen, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) can offer crucial protections if an injury occurs while they’re working. This act provides specific compensation, including medical benefits, if these workers are injured while they’re working on navigable waters within the United States or the areas adjoining them, such as piers, docks, shipyards and terminals. Some of the workers who are covered include cargo handlers, ship builders, longshore workers and harbor construction crews.
The act offers federal protections
Many workers in Florida count on the state’s workers’ compensation laws, but that’s not always possible for these workers. The LHWCA provides federal protections for maritime workers who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for benefits under the state workers’ compensation law.The LHWCA offers a host of benefits for covered workers who are injured on the job:
Medical care for treatment related to the injury or illness
Wage replacement benefits
Permanent disability compensation if the injury leads to lasting impairment
Vocational rehabilitation services in cases where the worker can’t return to their original job
Benefits may also extend to survivors if a work-related injury results in death. Understanding the way this act applies to specific cases can be challenging, so it may be beneficial for workers who are injured or the loved ones of a worker who died to seek out the assistance of someone familiar with these matters. ]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[2 acts that govern maritime injury and death cases]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503692025-05-26T14:18:00Z2025-05-26T14:18:00ZThe laws that govern injury and death cases on land typically don’t apply when the incident occurs on the high seas. There are two acts, the Jones Act and the Death on the High Seas Act, that govern situations that occur in international waters.
There are very distinct differences to these acts. The Jones Act deals with injury cases, while the Death on the High Seas Act applies only when the victim dies. The types of recovery and the burden of proof are different. Understanding a few basic points about these may be beneficial to anyone who works on a qualified vessel.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, which is formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, offers protection for maritime workers. The covered individuals are those who spend the majority of their time working on a vessel that operates in navigable waters. These individuals typically aren’t covered under workers’ compensation policies, so they must rely on this act. This act allows the maritime worker to file a lawsuit directly against their employer. In these cases, the burden of proof is relatively low in these cases. The worker must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the vessel owner, employer or crew were at least partially at fault for the injury that occurred.
What is the Death on the High Seas Act?
The Death on the High Seas Act was also enacted in 1920. It provides a way for a maritime worker’s next-of-kin, such as a spouse or children, to recover financial damages if the worker dies on the job. The event that caused this injury must have occurred more than three miles from a United States shore. This act only allows for recovery of monetary damages, but it doesn’t allow for compensation for pain, suffering or emotional distress. Taking action for maritime worker injuries and deaths require specialized assistance. Working with someone who understands these matters is important for anyone dealing with this situation. ]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[The risks of a near-drowning after a personal watercraft crash]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503672025-05-18T22:19:01Z2025-05-18T22:19:01ZNearly drowning can injure the brain
Professionals trained in maritime search and rescue understand that there is a limited window of opportunity to save drowning people. After roughly five minutes, the risk of the person sustaining a lifelong injury increases substantially.
People who are in the water, especially if they are unconscious, may not be able to support themselves or keep their heads out of the water. The longer they go without breathing, the greater the risk of a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation. Anoxic brain injuries can completely alter the course of an individual's life.
As with any other kind of brain injury, anoxic brain injuries can produce a variety of different symptoms. Some people experience changes in cognitive capabilities or sensory processing. Others notice the shift in their personality or motor function challenges. Unlike many other traumatic injuries, brain injuries typically produce permanent symptoms because the brain cannot fully heal itself.
People who nearly drown after an incident on a Jet Ski or other personal watercraft may have massive lifetime medical expenses to address. They may also have lost wages or reduced earning potential to consider. Depending on the factors that contributed to a personal watercraft incident, there might be multiple parties with liability.
Manufacturers, rental companies and those operating other vessels could be liable for a personal watercraft incident. Reviewing the circumstances that led to a near-drowning with a skilled legal team can help people hold the right party accountable for their injuries and the financial consequences those injuries inspire.]]>On Behalf of Munch and Munch, P.A.<![CDATA[This summer, avoid danger on jet skis]]>https://www.munchandmunch.com/?p=2503652025-05-14T20:27:40Z2025-05-14T20:27:40ZIt’s fun to cruise around the Florida bays and waterways on jet skis. Many Floridians own these personal watercraft and use them year-round.
But summer is an especially good time to get out on the water on a jet ski. But it also can be quite dangerous, as the waterways get quite crowded with other personal watercraft, party barges and speedboats. People can suffer very serious injuries in accidents on jet skis.
What injuries result from jet ski accidents?
Riders and any passengers can suffer from head injuries, broken limbs, damage to the torso and/or internal organs and tears to ligaments and muscles. In the most severe circumstances, these injuries can prove fatal.Even when they don’t kill the victims, jet ski accidents can leave victims maimed and disfigured. Some injured parties who get knocked under the surface of the water could even suffer from permanent brain damage, even if they can be resuscitated.
Some injuries can become chronic
Younger people who suffer jet ski injuries, in particular, may initially appear to recover from their injuries, only later to realize they have developed chronic back or neck conditions as a result of their earlier personal watercraft injuries.If your accident was the fault of another person’s negligence, you may have legal recourse available to you to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, losses and other (future) damages.Of course, few laymen realize the true value of their maritime injury cases. Accidents that occur on the water fall under a different set of laws than traditional Florida personal injury cases do. Learning all you can about the process of resolution may be helpful after your jet ski accident.]]>