Why Choose WMW?

Experienced Maritime Lawyers in Tampa, Florida

Our firm has been handling admiralty law cases since 1967. We know that the victims of these complex personal injury cases need help navigating the legal process and obtaining maximum compensation for their injuries.

Zero Risk and Nothing Upfront

We are paid a fee and our costs reimbursed ONLY if we are successful in making a recovery on your claim. If there is no recovery, you will not owe us ANYTHING. There is no fee owed for our investigation or if, after our investigation, we decide that we are unable or unwilling to handle the case.

Committed to Recovering Every Penny You Deserve

Unfortunately, too many lawyers sell their clients short by putting their own self-interests ahead of their clients’ interests in settling cases at a lower dollar amount than they should be settled for. Here at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we do not just settle cases – and certainly not for less than they deserve.

813-225-4000

We’re Ready For Your Case

WE LIKE BIG NUMBERS AS MUCH AS THE NEXT PERSON.

We’ve produced many legal landmarks over the years and have earned numerous and quite substantial verdicts and awards for our clients. They may look flashy and impressive, but they don’t tell you the entire story. In fact, in many cases, that approach can be downright misleading in presenting a lawyer’s abilities and qualifications.

Let’s face it, most clients don’t know the difference between a $1M case and a $2M one; they depend on their lawyer for that. Unfortunately, too many lawyers sell their clients short by putting their own self-interests ahead of their clients’ interests in settling cases at a lower dollar amount than they should.

Here at Wagner McLaughlin, we don’t just settle cases – and certainly not for more cheaply than they should be settled.

MARITIME & ADMIRALTY ACCIDENT & INJURY FAQS

Have another question? Call us, and speak to a lawyer about your case.

Do I Have A Maritime & Admiralty Case?

Your lawyer will need to determine if you have a valid maritime and admiralty case that can be tried. These cases must meet the following requirements:

  • The action that caused the harm took place in navigable waters; and
  • The wrong must have a significant relationship to traditional maritime activity.

How Much Does a Maritime and Admiralty Lawyer Cost?

After you finalize your maritime settlement or get a successful verdict in court, your attorney will get a portion of the recovery as a contingency fee. It’s important to know that health insurance liens and other costs, such as filing fees and travel expenses may also reduce your compensation. We value your well-being more than your wallet. We always have at least two attorneys working on your case without adding to your legal fees. This allows us to provide you with the best service possible.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Maritime Accident?

Just like in a personal injury claim, you must prove who is at fault, or liable, in your maritime accident case. This requires you to show that the at-fault party was negligent. Negligence is a legal theory indicating that the other party owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty of care, and you suffered injuries as a result of that breach. You must also be able to show that the negligence caused or contributed substantially to causing damage or injury. Your lawyer can help you prove who is at fault by investigating your accident and gathering enough evidence to support your claims of negligence.

How Do I File a Maritime & Admiralty Lawsuit?

Although maritime and admiralty lawsuits can be filed in Florida state courts, their claims are based in both state and federal laws. You need an attorney who has in-depth knowledge of admiralty law and knows firsthand what goes into a successful maritime lawsuit. The experienced attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore can help you investigate a claim, draft and file legal documents, and prepare for trial. Many Florida maritime and admiralty cases are resolved before they go to court; however, our trial-experienced attorneys won’t back down if the insurance companies don’t offer a fair settlement. If you want to sue, we will take the lead and push forward with your case until you get a successful outcome.

Hear From Our Clients

Mr. Wagner took our case when numerous other lawyers would not. Though he knew that his return on investment would be low, he was willing to accept the case on principle. My wife and I didn’t even have time to stop celebrating the fact that someone was willing to take the case before he actually had it settled. All along we were concerned about how much of our money we would ever be able to get back and he got every dime returned to us, with the payment plan in place in a matter of days from accepting the case. I can’t say enough about his professionalism, demeanor, and knowledge.

CHRIS

They Fought the Big Guys and Won. After years of litigation against one of the largest corporations in the world, Alan and his team will be delivering a huge check from the defendants. Thank You. It pays to have a Board Certified Trial Lawyer.

W.F. CASEY

From the moment I first spoke with Alan I felt like someone had my back. That alone made me feel so much better immediately. From there he stuck by me, answered my questions, gave me excellent advice and got my case resolved. He is amazing! He is the first one I will turn to if I have any legal issues and the first one I will recommend.

DAVE

813-225-4000Call Now To Start Your Case

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

LexisNexis AV Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated logo
Florida Justice Association Logo
American College of Trial Lawyers logo
Rated By Super Lawyers Logo

Types of Maritime & Admiralty Accidents

Sailboat capsized near shore

The term “maritime and admiralty accidents” covers many different types of incidents that happen on the Florida seas. We can help with an array of related accidents, including:

  • Cruise ship accidents
  • Boat accidents
  • Airboat accidents
  • Jet ski accidents
  • Parasailing accidents
  • Maritime workplace injuries
  • Longshoreman injuries
  • Jones Act claims
  • Accidents in international waters
  • Slip-and-fall accidents on boats and cruise ships
  • Death on The High Seas Act claims

Find Us On The Waterfront

If you’ve been hurt in an accident on the water due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve help with your recovery. The experienced admiralty attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore are titans of civil litigation, fiercely advocating for victims like you. We’re available and ready to fight for your recovery. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.

813-225-4000

WAGNER, McLAUGHLIN & WHITTEMORE

601 Bayshore Blvd. Suite 910
Tampa, Florida 33606

Phone: 813-225-4000

DIRECTIONS

ABOUT WAGNER, McLAUGHLIN & WHITTEMORE

Attorney Kevin McLaughlin and Attorney Michael McLaughlin discussing a case while walking down the hallway in their office

TEAM APPROACH BACKED BY A RECORD OF SUCCESS

Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is an established, leading plaintiff civil litigation firm empowering victims of negligence, drawing on our team’s diverse talent and extensive legal knowledge to give them a voice and achieve top-value resolutions. We seek justice for the injured with commanding authority by leveraging our 50+ years of proven experience and utilizing all the necessary resources for each case we take on.

As one of Tampa’s oldest and most respected plaintiff trial firms, we approach each case as a team — no matter how big or small. At least two attorneys will work on your case from the outset and all along the way, relying on their knowledge of civil litigation in Florida and record of success to build a winning claim on your behalf.

We’re Available — Call Today

813-225-4000