Under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to compensation if you’ve suffered an injury while working offshore or on a maritime vessel. This federal law, designed to protect maritime workers, can provide legal recourse for workers injured on vessels, rigs, or other naval settings. If you’re in Houston and need assistance with a Jones Act claim, Hollingsworth Law Firm is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Our team of Jones Act lawyers in Houston is here to guide you through the complexities of maritime injury law, ensuring that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves. Whether you’ve been hurt on an oil rig, a fishing vessel, or a cargo ship, our Houston Jones Act attorneys can help you with the claims process.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, formerly the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law designed to protect American workers injured while working on ships or vessels operating in U.S. waters. This law allows seamen wounded due to negligence or the unseaworthiness of their vessel to file claims against their employer, offering legal protections that may not be available under standard workers’ compensation laws.
As experienced Houston Jones Act attorneys, we help injured offshore workers understand their rights under the Jones Act and pursue justice. Whether you work on a fishing boat, oil rig, tugboat, or any other type of vessel, our team can protect your legal rights.
Who Is Covered by the Jones Act?
The Jones Act applies to workers who spend significant time aboard vessels, including ships, oil rigs, barges, and offshore platforms. If you are injured while working on these types of vessels, you may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act, provided that you meet the following criteria:
- Your work is on a boat or other floating platform.
- You are a seaman, meaning your work primarily involves navigation or servicing vessels.
- Your injury occurred while you were on the job, due to employer negligence or unsafe working conditions.
However, maritime injuries can be complex, and your case will depend on specific circumstances. Our Jones Act lawyers in Houston will work diligently to investigate your case and determine your eligibility under the law.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Jones Act Claims in Houston, TX?
The injuries sustained by maritime workers can be severe and life-changing. Some of the most common injuries for which workers seek Jones Act lawyers in Houston include:
- Back and spinal cord injuries can occur from slips, falls, or improper lifting while working aboard vessels or on rigs.
- Broken bones and fractures: Due to maritime work, falls from heights or accidents involving heavy equipment can lead to broken bones.
- Head injuries: Falling objects, accidents with machinery, or falls overboard can result in traumatic brain injuries.
- Burns and chemical exposure: Offshore workers are often exposed to hazardous materials that can cause burns or chemical burns.
- Amputations: Serious accidents involving machinery or rigging can lead to the loss of limbs.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Working long hours in physically demanding environments can cause repetitive strain injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
If you have suffered any of these injuries while working offshore or on a vessel, our Houston Jones Act attorneys are here to help you pursue a compensation claim.
How the Legal Process Unfolds in a Jones Act Claim in Houston, TX
Filing a Jones Act claim can be a complex process, and the help of skilled Jones Act lawyers in Houston is invaluable to ensure that your rights are fully protected. The process generally involves the following steps:
- Consultation with a Jones Act attorney in Houston: The first step is to speak with an experienced Jones Act lawyer about your injury. During this consultation, your attorney will evaluate the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Filing the claim: If you decide to move forward, your attorney will assist in filing your claim. This involves gathering evidence of your injury, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Negotiation: Once the claim is filed, your Jones Act attorney in Houston will work to negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties. In many cases, maritime employers will offer a settlement to avoid the time and expense of a trial.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Houston Jones Act lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. The legal team at Hollingsworth Law Firm has extensive experience in maritime litigation and will aggressively fight for your rights before a judge.
- Settlement or judgment: If successful, you will be awarded compensation for your injuries, which may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why You Should Hire a Houston Jones Act Attorney
While some maritime workers attempt to handle their Jones Act claims independently, having a professional Houston Jones Act lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of success. A skilled attorney can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Identify all potential sources of compensation
- the complexities of maritime law
- Handle negotiations with your employer’s insurance company
- Represent you in court if necessary
With Hollingsworth Law Firm by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that a team of dedicated professionals is fighting for your future.
What Sets the Jones Act Apart from Workers’ Compensation in Houston, TX?
One key difference between the Jones Act and workers’ compensation is that it allows injured seamen to file claims directly against their employers for negligence. In contrast, workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault but typically limits the compensation an injured worker can receive. Under the Jones Act, however, an injured party can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages due to the inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Future disability or impairments
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Moreover, injured workers under the Jones Act can sue for damages caused by their employer’s negligence or the vessel’s unseaworthiness, whereas workers’ compensation benefits are typically fixed amounts.
Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm for Your Jones Act Claim?
Regarding maritime injury claims, you need a law firm that understands the intricacies of offshore accidents and the specific challenges of pursuing Jones Act claims. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we offer:
- Experienced Jones Act Lawyers Houston: With years of experience in maritime law, our attorneys are knowledgeable in complex Jones Act claims. We have successfully represented many injured seamen and helped them recover fair compensation for their injuries.
- Personalized Legal Representation: We understand that every case is unique. Our attorneys will provide personalized legal services to address your needs, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
- Commitment to Justice: We are dedicated to holding negligent employers accountable for their actions. Our team will fight vigorously to secure justice for you and your loved ones.
- Free Consultations and No Fees Unless We Win: At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Our Houston Jones Act Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured while working offshore, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Jones Act attorney in Houston. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the following steps in pursuing justice for your injuries.
Call us at 713-637-4560 or complete our online contact form to get started. Our team of experienced Offshore & Maritime Accident lawyers in Houston is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
