Texas Maritime Injury Lawyers

Have You Been Seriously Injured in a Maritime or Offshore Work Accident?

Work offshore can be dangerous, and the maritime industry is no exception. Injuries can happen at any time, causing lost wages and even life-long disabilities. If you’ve been injured while performing maritime work, it’s vital to hire a Texas maritime accident injury lawyer who understands the complexities of maritime law and can protect your rights.

Maritime law is complex and falls under different jurisdictions. There are state laws that apply to maritime commerce, federal statutes, and international laws that govern maritime activities. Our Texas maritime injury attorneys have extensive knowledge of federal admiralty and maritime laws that apply to offshore workers. We understand which laws apply to your case and can represent you accordingly.

If you or a loved one suffered a maritime injury, call our Texas maritime injury lawyers to protect your rights. Our attorneys in Texas have extensive experience in maritime law and can help you navigate the murky waters of complex legal procedures to pursue maximum compensation for lost income, medical bills, and rehabilitation costs. We have a strong track record of delivering excellent results in maritime injury cases.

At Thompson Law, we accept all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay our maritime injury lawyers unless and until we recover money for you. Our Texas personal injury attorneys offer FREE CONSULTATIONS and chare NO FEE unless we are able to obtain a settlement for your damages.

Oil rig fire and explosion - Texas maritime injury lawyers

Receive a Free Case Review

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
By submitting this form, you agree to our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.

Our Areas of Practice and Experience Handling Maritime Injury Claims

Our maritime injury lawyers have experience in handling offshore injury claims for workers. We’ve dealt with cases involving injuries from offshore oil rigs, drilling platforms, barges, boats, and other vessels. The experienced maritime lawyers at Thompson Law know what evidence to gather, how to navigate around the red tape involved, and how to fight for your rights to full compensation by the shipowner, employer, or both.

Offshore workers are often in a vulnerable position and can be taken advantage of by their employers, the shipowner, and insurance companies. Our Texas maritime injury lawyers are advocates for your rights and will ensure your safety as you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. We’ll help you navigate through all the legal procedures and prepare you for hearings, negotiations, and even court litigation if necessary. We handle offshore accidents involving elements such as:

If you were injured at sea and have questions, contact our Texas maritime injury lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We will help you understand what your options are and work to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

What Compensation Can I Get For My Maritime Accident Injuries?

Maritime injury cases can result in huge financial losses due to medical bills, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. If you were injured on the job, our skilled maritime injury lawyers can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve from all available sources, including:

  • Maintenance and cure,
  • Jones Act compensation, and
  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act benefits

When handling maritime injury cases, our attorneys often bring in experts to provide evidence and testimony. These experts could be engineers, medical professionals, safety specialists, or financial analysts. Having our experienced maritime lawyer means we’ll know which opinion leaders are best suited to your case.

What is Maintenance and Cure?

Maintenance and cure is a legal term in the maritime industry that refers to the compensation that an injured worker receives when they are injured while on duty. Maintenance refers to the daily living expenses, such as food and lodging, while the cure covers a portion of the medical expenses that the worker incurs as a result of their injuries. Even if the worker was not at fault for their injuries, maintenance and cure is still available to them.

Who Qualifies for Maintenance and Cure?

Maritime workers, including seamen and offshore workers, are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits if they are injured while on duty. Some of the vessels that fall within this category include drilling rigs, barges, fishing boats, and cargo ships. Maintenance and cure benefits also apply to part-time workers, as long as they are classified as seamen.

Benefits of Maintenance and Cure

The main benefit of maintenance and cure is that it provides injured workers with financial assistance while they are recovering from their injuries. This benefit also covers the living expenses of the worker while they cannot work. It also ensures that the medical bills incurred by the worker are paid for until they can resume work. The cure portion of the benefits enables the worker to receive medical care.

How to File for Maintenance and Cure

The process of filing for maintenance and cure is relatively straightforward. Once you are injured while on duty, inform your employer or company representative immediately. Seek medical attention for your injuries and keep a record of all the medical bills and the treatment received. File a notice of claim for maintenance and cure with your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurred.

As an injured maritime or offshore worker, it is essential to know your rights and the benefits available to you. If you have been injured while on duty, you are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits, which provides you with financial assistance while you recover from your injuries. By filing for maintenance and cure, you can have peace of mind knowing that the cost of your living expenses and medical bills will be adequately taken care of until you can return to work.

If you have any questions about maintenance and cure or the Jones Act, contact our Texas maritime injury lawyers with experience in maritime injury cases for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What is Jones Act Compensation?

The maritime industry is known for its high-risk work environment. As a result, injuries are a common occurrence among employees who work offshore or on ships. If you are a maritime worker who has suffered injuries due to the negligence of your employer or a co-worker, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a law that provides protections for injured maritime workers who work aboard vessels in navigable waters. The act was passed in 1920 and amended in 2006 to include compensation for punitive damages. The law is also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and is named after Congressman Wesley Jones, who proposed the legislation.

Who is Covered Under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act applies to workers who are employed on a vessel in navigable waters. The term “vessel” can include a wide range of vessels, such as tankers, oil rigs, cargo ships, tugboats, and dredges. Workers who are covered under the Jones Act can include seamen, longshoremen, dockworkers, and others who work on or near the water.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered Under the Jones Act?

Under the Jones Act, an injured worker can recover compensation for damages related to their injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future earning capacity. In addition, the Jones Act also allows for punitive damages in cases where the employer’s negligence or recklessness caused the worker’s injuries. Punitive damages are intended to punish the employer and prevent them from engaging in similar conduct in the future.

What Do You Need to do to File a Jones Act Claim?

If you are a maritime worker who has been injured due to the negligence of your employer or a co-worker, you should contact our experienced Texas maritime injury lawyers to help you file a Jones Act claim. To file a Jones Act claim, you must prove that your injury occurred while you were working aboard a vessel in navigable waters, and that your employer was negligent or reckless in their actions.

If you are a maritime worker who has been injured on the job, it is important to understand your legal rights and options for recovering compensation. The Jones Act is a powerful law that provides protections and compensation for injured maritime workers. If you believe you may have a Jones Act claim, contact our Texas maritime injury lawyers today for a NO OBLIGATION, FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

What Are Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Benefits?

Working in the maritime industry can be a hazardous job, and accidents can happen anytime. When a maritime worker gets injured while on the job, they should receive proper compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. However, not all maritime workers are covered by workers’ compensation. In 1927, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act was passed to provide benefits for maritime workers not covered by state workers’ compensation laws.

What is the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is a federal law that provides workers’ compensation benefits to maritime workers who are not covered by state workers’ compensation laws. The law covers workers employed in industries such as longshoring, shipbuilding, ship-breaking, and repair, among others. The LHWCA also covers workers who load or unload vessels, work on or near the water, or work in areas adjacent to navigable waterways.

Who is Entitled to LHWCA Benefits?

Maritime employees who meet the criteria set forth in the LHWCA are entitled to its benefits. Employees who are not covered are those who work exclusively on floating vessels, those employed by the federal government, and those employed by small recreational businesses and family-owned/operated businesses.

What Benefits Does LHWCA Provide?

LHWCA benefits include medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. Medical expenses include all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the employee’s injury, as well as travel expenses and prescription medications. Employees who are unable to work for more than three days due to their injury are entitled to lost wages, which can be up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage.

If the injury results in permanent disability and the employee can no longer perform the work they were employed to do, they may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. In the event of an employee’s death caused by a work-related injury, their surviving spouse, children or dependents may be entitled to death benefits.

How Do I File a LHWCA Claim?

To file a LHWCA claim, the employee must report the injury to their employer and file a formal claim with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) within one year of the injury or the manifestation of the injury. The employer and their insurance company have a set amount of time to investigate the injury. If the claim is denied, the employee has the option to appeal the decision by requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Why You Need Our Texas Maritime Injury Lawyers?

Navigating LHWCA benefits can be a challenging and complicated process for injured maritime workers. Hiring our Texas maritime injury lawyers who have experience with LHWCA claims can help ensure that the injured employee receives the full compensation and benefits they deserve under the law. Our attorneys can provide legal assistance throughout the entire claims process and fight for the employee’s rights in the event of a denied claim.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides essential benefits to those maritime workers who are not covered by state workers’ compensation laws. These benefits include medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. However, filing a claim for these benefits can be a complicated and arduous process.

Injured maritime workers should consider hiring our Texas maritime injury lawyers to help them navigate the claims process and fight for their rights under the LHWCA. If you’re an injured maritime worker seeking legal assistance, contact us for a FREE CASE ASSESSMENT. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Thompson Law

We provide maritime accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our Texas maritime injury lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.

Contact Us

Common Maritime Injuries

Working on a maritime vessel or an offshore platform is no easy feat. It involves long hours of manual labor, unpredictable weather, and rough working conditions. It is no surprise that maritime workers are at a high risk of getting injured while on the job. Injuries that occur while working on a vessel or offshore platform are usually serious and can have lasting effects on the injured worker’s life. Some of the most common maritime injuries our Texas maritime injury lawyers see include:

  • Burn Injuries:  Maritime workers are exposed to flames, hot liquids, and chemicals that can cause burns. For example, engine rooms have hot pipes, while fuel transferring is done over the open flame, which could cause second-degree burns. Burns are critical injuries that require immediate medical attention, and it’s important to insist on adequate safety equipment and gear when working in dangerous workplaces.
  • Head Injuries:  Most maritime work requires operating heavy machinery, and this could result in head injuries. For instance, the worker’s head could hit on the ships’ cargo hold ceiling when carrying out loading and offloading of the cargo. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and it’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
  • Back Injuries:  Back injuries are prevalent among maritime workers due to the heavy lifting they have to perform. Lifting boxes, crates, and other cargo items can strain or sprain muscles and your spine. Additionally, the constant swaying and vibrations from the ship can cause spinal injuries, such as herniated disks in the back and neck, and in severe cases, spinal cord injuries or paralysis. It’s important to take a break and stretch between heavy lifts and seek medical treatment immediately if you experience back soreness.
  • Limb Injuries:  Workers on oil rigs often work with heavy equipment and machinery that can cause limb injuries. This often comes in the form of amputations, joint injuries, and bone fractures. Amputations, in particular, can permanently alter a worker’s quality of life and lead to mental anguish and depression. Offshore workers who experience an amputation injury should seek sponsorships from their employer to cover surgery, rehabilitation, and medical expenses under state-funded programs like the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.

Maritime injuries can be severe and life-changing. Seeking the assistance of our Texas maritime injury lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our maritime lawyers can help to conduct an independent investigation, negotiate with your employer, and develop a comprehensive legal strategy.

If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a maritime vessel or offshore platform, call our Texas maritime injury lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

Our Texas Maritime Injury Lawyers Charge NO UPFRONT FEES

Call Our Texas Maritime Injury Lawyers Today!

Thompson Law offers FREE CASE REVIEWS, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Further, our Texas maritime injury lawyers charge NO FEE unless we win.

You will not incur any attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, or any other costs unless we recover money on your behalf. If our Texas maritime injury lawyers do obtain a settlement for you, our fee will only come out of a portion of the settlement.

No Win No Fee sign - Texas maritime injury lawyers

If you need a Texas maritime injury lawyer, give us a call today and let us do the fighting for you. If you do not need a maritime injury lawyer today, save our contact card in your phone instead of searching “maritime injury attorney near me” after you are in an offshore accident, so we will be there for you when you do need us.

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years in most injury accidents. If you have been injured in an accident at sea, call our Texas maritime accident lawyers today or submit a form for a NO COST, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION. Take action to protect your right to a full value monetary recovery for your maritime injuries. The sooner you know your options, the faster you’ll be on the path to recovery.

See What Clients Say About Thompson Law

Office Location: 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75219

4.9
Based on 1711 reviews
Estoy muy agradecida por la atención que tuve en las oficinas de Thompson law ,tomaron mi caso cuándo yo pensaba que todo estaba perdido fueron muy amables y me ayudaron exitosamente en mi caso ,muchas gracias a todo el equipo de Thompson law y muy en especial a la paralegal que trabajo en mi caso Génesis Ávalos , bendiciones para todos
js_loader

 

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEES unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We have put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements into our clients’ pockets.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.