Houston Jones Act/Offshore Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a maritime accident? Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers are here to help. Marine and offshore accidents and injuries can have severe, life-changing consequences for you and your family. You can have severe, long-term medical problems that prevent you from enjoying life and going back to work.

Whether you suffered an injury on an oil rig, tugboat, offshore platform, barge, fishing boat, or another vessel, our Houston offshore accident lawyers can secure the compensation you deserve under the Jones Act.

The Jones Act is a federal law that supports and promotes merchant marines while offering vital protections to sailors and crew members who are hurt while working. Unlike traditional workers' compensation systems, Jones Act seamen may be eligible to sue their employer for negligence.

Why Choose Us? 

The Houston Jones Act and offshore accident attorneys at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers are the strong team of personal injury attorneys you need to fight for your rights.

Our tenacious personal injury attorneys have obtained many impressive settlements and jury awards for clients injured in offshore and marine accidents. You can rely on our Jones Act and offshore accident workers to protect your rights and fight for the money you need to recover from your injuries.

Our Houston Jones Act and offshore accident attorneys are standing by. Please call our Houston personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.

Compensation In A Houston Jones Act And Offshore Accident Claim 

Under the Jones Act, compensation isn’t automatic like traditional workers’ comp. You’ve got to prove your employer was negligent. If you show that negligence contributed to your injury, you’re eligible for various damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and lost earning capacity.

It’s not just about the money you’re out, though. You can also get compensated for pain and suffering, including physical aches, emotional stress, and the whole problem of living with an injury. And in rare cases, if your employer was blatantly reckless, punitive damages might be on the table to punish them and send a message.

In addition, the Jones Act may entitle you to "maintenance and cure" compensation without requiring fault. Maintenance is a daily stipend for living expenses, usually around $30-$50 a day, and the cure covers your medical costs until you’re as healed as possible. Employers sometimes drag their feet on this, so you might need to push hard or get legal help to ensure you receive the money.

The big catch with the Jones Act is qualifying as a seaman. This means you spend at least 30 percent of your time on a vessel that’s in navigation, contributing to its mission. If you’re a dockworker or on a fixed platform, you might fall under something like the Longshore Act instead, which is more like no-fault workers’ comp.

Our Houston Jones Act and offshore accident attorneys at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers can resolve this for you. You can qualify for substantial compensation under the Jones Act, and we will work tirelessly to prove your eligibility.

Related article: Houston Platform Accident Injury Lawyer

What Causes Offshore Accidents Around Houston? 

Offshore accidents in Texas, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, where much of the state’s offshore activity occurs, are often tied to the oil and gas industry, maritime work, and the unique hazards of working on or near water. These are the major causes of offshore and marine accidents in Texas:

• Explosions and fires: These are among the most catastrophic offshore accidents. They often occur on oil rigs or platforms where flammable materials like oil and gas are present. They can result from malfunctions, human error, or uncontrolled pressure releases (blowouts). 
• Blowouts: A blowout occurs when an uncontrolled release of oil or gas from a well occurs, often due to a failure in pressure control systems. 
• Transportation accidents: Many offshore workers rely on helicopters or boats to travel to and from rigs or platforms. Accidents involving these vehicles, such as helicopter crashes or vessel collisions, cause offshore fatalities. 
• Falls: Workers can fall from heights or slip and fall on the same level due to wet, oily surfaces or rough seas. 
• Equipment failures: Heavy machinery, cranes, winches, and drilling equipment are staples of offshore work, but when they malfunction, they can cause serious injuries. 
• Collisions: Vessels such as barges, tugboats, or supply ships can collide with each other, as can rigs or structures like bridges.
• Chemical exposure: Offshore workers handle toxic substances, including drilling chemicals and fuels, which can lead to burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health problems if spilled or improperly managed. 
• Deck accidents: Slippery decks, unsecured equipment, or swinging loads on vessels or platforms can lead to injuries. 
• Drowning: Any accident that throws workers into the water, such as falls, vessel capsizing, or being swept overboard, carries a drowning risk. 

Always retain a Jones Act and offshore accident attorney in Houston to fight for your legal rights and the most compensation. If your loved one died in a marine accident on the job, you can pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit and hold those responsible accountable for your loss.

Common Offshore Accident Injuries In Houston 

Offshore work in Texas, particularly in industries like oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico, is known for being dangerous. Based on the nature of the work and available data, here are some of the most common injuries associated with offshore accidents in Texas:

• Slips and falls: Wet surfaces, oil spills, or uneven decking often lead to slips and falls, resulting in fractures, brain injuries, or spinal cord damage. 
• Lifting injuries: Improper lifting techniques or handling heavy equipment can cause back injuries, hernias, or rotator cuff tears. Offshore workers regularly deal with heavy machinery and materials, making this a prevalent risk.
• Struck-by injuries: Being hit by falling objects like tools, chains, or equipment is common, often affecting the head, neck, or back. 
• Caught-in or caught-between injuries: Workers can get trapped in machinery or between objects, leading to crush injuries, amputations, or fractures. This is especially hazardous in confined spaces or near moving parts on rigs and vessels.
• Burns from fires and explosions: The presence of flammable materials like oil and gas increases the risk of fires and explosions, which can cause severe burns, respiratory damage, or even fatalities. 
• Chemical exposure injuries: Contact with toxic substances can lead to burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health problems like cancer. Offshore workers often face exposure to hazardous chemicals during drilling and extraction processes.
• Transportation-related injuries: Accidents involving helicopters, boats, or other transport to and from offshore sites can result in a range of injuries, from minor to fatal, often exacerbated by remote locations and rough conditions.

These injuries reflect offshore workers' challenging conditions, including heavy machinery, extreme weather, and isolation. Data from sources like the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration highlights that falls, equipment-related incidents, and explosions are among this sector's leading causes of injury.

Remember, you can be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act if you qualify as a maritime worker. Your injuries after a maritime accident can be devastating, and you need a skilled Houston Jones Act and offshore accident attorney from Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers fighting for you. We know maritime law and can fight to obtain all the compensation you are owed. 

Fighting The Insurance Company 

Navigating insurance claim problems under the Jones Act for an offshore accident injury can be challenging, as maritime law introduces unique complexities compared to standard workers’ compensation claims. Issues often arise when dealing with insurance companies, employers, or the claims process. Here are several challenges with insurance companies with Jones Act claims:

Eligibility Disputes 

One frequent issue is eligibility disputes. To file a claim under the Jones Act, you must qualify as a "seaman," meaning you spend a significant portion of your work time, at least 30 percent, on a vessel in navigation, contributing to its function. Insurance companies may argue that you don’t meet this definition to deny coverage. This can be especially tricky for offshore workers like those on oil rigs, where the line between Jones Act coverage and other maritime laws, like the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, isn’t always straightforward.

Proving Negligence 

Another problem is proving negligence, a cornerstone of Jones Act claims. Unlike traditional workers’ comp, where fault isn’t required, the Jones Act demands evidence that your injury stemmed from your employer’s or a coworker’s negligence or an unseaworthy vessel condition. Insurance companies often push back, asserting that you were at fault or that no negligence occurred.

They might downplay unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or equipment failures, leaving you to gather solid proof to counter their stance, including accident reports, witness statements, photos, or medical records.

Insurance Denials And Delays 

Delays and denials are also common. Insurers may stall payments for "maintenance" and “cure,” which you’re entitled to regardless of fault until you reach maximum medical improvement. They might demand excessive documentation or question the severity of your injury, especially if you didn’t report it immediately. Employers or insurers can also offer quick, lowball settlements to avoid larger payouts, hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full scope of your damages.

Maritime Law Is Complex 

The complexity of maritime law adds another layer. If your injury occurred more than three nautical miles offshore, the Death on the High Seas Act might apply instead, or if you’re a dockworker, the Longshore Act can kick in, each with different rules and benefits. Insurance companies might exploit this confusion, arguing your claim falls under a less favorable law to limit their liability.

These many issues mean you’ll likely face resistance from the insurance company. For example, if you suffered an injury on an offshore rig due to a faulty crane, the insurer might claim the equipment was fine, and your injury was due to misuse, not negligence. Or they can delay your maintenance payments, leaving you financially strained while recovering. The process can feel stacked against you, especially since maritime employers and insurers often have experienced legal teams.

You can counter the insurance difficulties by documenting and reporting your injury carefully. Keep detailed records of medical visits and photograph the accident scene if possible. Consulting our maritime injury lawyer. We can guide you in dealing with the insurance company effectively.

Contact Our Skilled Houston Offshore Accident Lawyer Today 

Were you injured in an offshore accident in Texas? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. These cases are complex and require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Our Houston Jones Act and offshore accident attorney is committed to securing compensation for your losses. Please contact Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers today.

We only get compensated if we secure compensation for you through a settlement or lawsuit.