Jones Act and Injured Seamen

Injury Claims for Texas Seamen Injured Aboard a Vessel

You may need a Houston injured seamen lawyer if you are injured while working aboard a vessel. Those who work at sea experience risks that employees in other industries don’t even have to think about. Luckily, those who are injured at sea are often protected by the Jones Act. This federal maritime law allows workers to seek compensation when specific circumstances are met.

To seek compensation under the Jones Act, a seaman must be injured while working aboard a freighter, ship, research vessel, lay barge, crew boat, or another type of floating vessel. Furthermore, their injury must be caused by the employer’s negligence or the negligence of a coworker, unsafe work conditions, inadequate medical care, or an employer’s failure to rescue a seaman.

Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may be able to ask for several types of damages. Seamen may seek damages for medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost income, future lost wages, pain, and suffering, lost earning capacity, and rehabilitation.

You have a limited amount of time to file a claim under the Jones Act after an injury or illness occurs. If you’ve suffered an injury while working aboard a vessel, let Wyly & Cook help. Schedule a consultation with our team by calling 713-236-8330.