Your Houston-Based Offshore Injury Lawyers

An offshore injury lawyer has experience helping workers who spend much of their time on seagoing vessels. These workers are exposed to risk on a near-constant basis, so they need their employers to take extra care for their well-being. A slick surface, an awkward blind spot, a single splayed wire – these are just some of the small dangers that can seriously injure a worker. And medical assistance may be hours away, which means even a slight injury may escalate to something life-threatening. In such situations, having the right legal support, including a medical malpractice lawyer, can make all the difference in protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.

Fortunately, many ship workers and seamen are protected by the powerful Jones Act, which gives them legal rights that few other workers share. This includes the right to sue an employer for negligence, which means a hurt worker may recoup much more compensation for an injury. However, a worker will have to prove their case in court, which means they need experienced, knowledgeable legal representation, such as a worker compensation lawyer, to manage the claim.

What claims can an offshore injury lawyer assist with?

As long as a seaman is qualified under the Jones Act, they can sue an employer for negligence, and a ship owner if their vessel is not seaworthy. In both cases, the seaman can be put in great danger, so employers and ship owners must put forth every effort to provide a safe work environment. In most industries, hurt workers have to go to great lengths to prove employer negligence, but claims filed using the Jones Act are different. Victims have a much lower bar to clear in terms of proof, which greatly increases the liability an employer may have in the event of an accident. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s advisable to consult with a vehicle accident lawyer who can provide you with the necessary legal assistance and guidance. If you or a loved one has been injured while working at sea, it’s crucial to consult with a work injury lawyer who specializes in maritime law for the proper legal guidance and protection of your rights.

For example, in most settings, if a worker slips on a slick surface and breaks their arm, they may only receive worker’s compensation, even if the employer is partly responsible for the danger. That’s because victims filing negligence claims against an employer must prove that the employer’s negligence was the prevailing factor. With the Jones Act, though, an offshore injury lawyer only has to demonstrate that the employer’s negligence was involved to any degree at all.

Qualified seamen can sue for the medical expenses, their current and future lost wages, and their current and future pain and suffering. It can be difficult to quantify these values, but an attorney can help with this, ensuring that a victim is taken care of going forward.

However, it is also essential that a victim prove that they are qualified under the Jones Act. Though there are a couple requirements to demonstrating qualification, the major hurdle a victim must clear involves their work history. Qualified seamen must spend at least 30 percent of their time on a navigating vessel while contributing to the vessel’s purpose. An offshore injury lawyer can prove this on the victim’s behalf, preventing any attempt to undermine the victim’s claim based on their work history.

Seamen hurt on a vessel may face years, or a lifetime of recovery. An offshore injury lawyer will ensure that these workers can approach their recovery with the resources they need, and help them fight for their legal rights.

Attorney Terry Bryant

Attorney Terry BryantTerry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]