Jones Act/maritime law injuries refer to injuries arising from maritime accidents. If you’ve suffered an injury while working at sea, you need legal guidance tailored to maritime laws. At Paxton Law Firm, our Jones Act injury lawyers in Houston understand the intricacies of maritime law and premises liability, and will fight for the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
You Deserve Fair Compensation…
Regardless of Your Citizenship or Documentation
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides protections and remedies for maritime workers who are injured while working aboard vessels in navigable waters. Under the Jones Act, eligible seamen have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligence on the part of their employers or fellow crew members. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the injury.
Maritime law injuries refer to a wide range of accidents and incidents that occur at sea, including but not limited to slip-and-falls, equipment malfunctions, collisions, and illnesses caused by hazardous conditions onboard. Regardless of citizenship or immigration documentation, all maritime workers are entitled to fair compensation under the Jones Act and other applicable maritime laws. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of maritime workers and ensuring they receive the compensation and support they deserve, irrespective of their background.
Beware of Insurance Companies After Maritime Law Injuries… Even When They Sound Caring or Friendly
After a maritime law injury, you can expect a call from an insurance adjuster representing the responsible party’s insurance company. While they may sound compassionate, concerned, or even helpful, you must be careful. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the interests of their company, not yours. They may ask for recorded statements or request access to your medical records, all under the guise of assisting you. However, their primary goal is often to minimize the compensation they have to pay out.
During these conversations, insurance adjusters may ask for details about the accident, your injuries, and your medical history. They may try to twist your words or use your statements against you to reduce the value of your claim. Remember, you are not obligated to provide detailed information or agree to anything without consulting with a qualified maritime law attorney. Protect your rights and interests by contacting Paxton Law Firm, your Jones Act injury lawyers in Houston — we’ll handle all negotiations to help you secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
Steps to Take Immediately After Maritime Law Injuries:
- Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Report the injury to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible, documenting the incident and any hazardous conditions that contributed to it.
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photographs of the accident site, equipment involved, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses who can provide statements regarding the incident.
- Refrain from giving recorded statements or signing any documents provided by insurance adjusters without consulting a maritime law attorney.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment received, including doctor’s appointments, medications, and rehabilitation therapies.
- Consult with our qualified maritime law attorney at Paxton Law Firm to understand your rights, explore your legal options, and determine the best course of action.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications.
- Keep track of any expenses related to the injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs, for reimbursement purposes.
Common Reasons for Maritime Law Injuries:
- Slippery decks or surfaces due to wet conditions or lack of maintenance
- Equipment malfunctions or failures, such as winches, cranes, or rigging
- Collisions with other vessels or maritime structures
- Inadequate training or supervision of crew members
- Unsafe working conditions, including exposure to hazardous materials or substances
- Fatigue or overwork, leading to decreased alertness and an increased risk of accidents
- Negligence or recklessness of fellow crew members or supervisors
- Failure to comply with safety regulations and maritime laws
- Adverse weather conditions, such as storms or high seas, leading to dangerous working conditions
- Inadequate medical facilities or treatment onboard vessels, leading to exacerbation of injuries or illnesses
If you would like to speak to a Jones Act injury lawyer in Houston to find out if you have a case, contact our office now.
Jones Act/Maritime Law Injuries FAQs
What is the Jones Act, and who does it cover?
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides protections and remedies for maritime workers who are injured while working aboard vessels in navigable waters. It covers “seamen,” defined as individuals who spend a significant amount of their time working aboard vessels, contributing to the vessel’s function or mission.
What types of injuries are covered under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act covers a wide range of injuries sustained by seamen while performing their job duties, including but not limited to slip-and-falls, equipment malfunctions, collisions, illnesses caused by hazardous conditions onboard, and repetitive stress injuries.
What compensation am I entitled to under the Jones Act?
If you are injured while working as a seaman, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses related to treating your injuries
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation services
Schedule a call with our Jones Act injury lawyers in Houston today.
How do I know if I qualify as a "seaman" under the Jones Act?
To qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, you must meet certain criteria, including:
- Spending a significant amount of your time working aboard vessels
- Contributing to the function or mission of the vessel
- Having a connection to a specific vessel or fleet of vessels
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, seek legal representation immediately. Our maritime law attorney at Paxton Law Firm can review the details of your case, advocate on your behalf, and pursue the compensation you deserve through negotiation or litigation.
Lady Justice Is Blind…
but We Help Her See the Truth
Paxton Law Firm is committed to providing personalized and attentive legal representation to every client we serve. We understand that each case is unique, and we treat you like the only client we have, ensuring your concerns are heard. Our team goes above and beyond to negotiate fair compensation for every client, diligently investigating each case to uncover the truth and pursue justice on your behalf. If you’ve been injured, schedule a consultation with our Jones Act injury lawyers in Houston today to secure the compensation you deserve.