JONES ACT LITIGATION ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

The Jones Act was put in place to ensure that any seaman or mariner that becomes injured while on the job is duly compensated, both medically and financially, by the shipowner. If you have been hurt at work or on a boat, ship, cruise ship, barge, vessel, fleet, or an offshore drilling rig, you are within your rights to take legal action and recover damages.

Since 2008, my law firm has been providing compassionate legal representation to seamen who are hurt on a boat or at work. As a knowledgeable Jones Act attorney in Houston, Texas, I can protect your rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain & suffering. I am proud to serve personal injury and wrongful death victims in Houston, South Houston, Pasadena, Friendswood, Bacliff, Clear Lake, and other surrounding areas of Texas.

WHAT IS THE JONES ACT?

The Jones Act is a federal law that regulates many areas of maritime commerce in the United States. The law specifically addresses the personal injury and wrongful death of seamen.

According to the Jones Act (46 U.S. Code § 30104), “A seaman injured in the course of employment or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer.”

This indicates that an employer of a seaman is legally responsible if the negligent act of the employer, agent, or co-employee, causes injury or death to you or your loved one. However, your employer owes you fair financial compensation if, and only if, you are able to demonstrate that your injuries were caused by your designated work and, more specifically, the employer’s act of negligence.

WHO IS PROTECTED BY THE JONES ACT?

Employees who qualify as seamen are protected by the Jones Act. Generally, anyone who works or contributes his skill or trade to the operation of the boat, barge, ship, fishing boat, cruise ship, charter boat, casino ship, another type of vessel, or an offshore drilling rig, can be referred to as a seaman.

However, to be considered a seaman for the medical and financial compensation afforded seamen under the Jones Act, you must possess the following qualities:

• You are involved in traditional maritime trades or non-maritime trades;

• You contribute a significant amount of your time to the ship, vessel, or fleet (usually 30%);

• Your work contributes to the main objective of the ship, vessel, or fleet; and

• Your ship, vessel, or fleet is in navigation.

If you meet the above criteria, then you may be able to file a claim and pursue compensation under the Jones Act. You can consult a highly-skilled personal injury attorney to discuss the most beneficial option available to you. I am here to help.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY

Seamen can be involved in a number of accidents. These can include fires, explosions, slip and falls, engine room accidents, equipment failures, and more. In a perfect world, you’d file your claims and recover full and fair compensation from your employer right away. Unfortunately, your employer or their insurance company can turn down or delay your claims. Such instances include;

• You Jones Act claim was rejected.

• Your employer is arguing that the accident was your own fault.

• Your claim is being delayed.

• You’re receiving less compensation than you think you should.

Having a knowledgeable Jones Act lawyer can make a huge difference in your case. If any of the above applies to your case, you should contact my law firm immediately.

I will investigate your case, carry out due diligence, and establish fault and liability. Also, I will determine your case value and develop a strong litigation strategy. I will represent your interest and seek to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company to cover your medical bills, property damage, future medical treatment, lost wages, and pain & suffering.

Even if you need to file a lawsuit, I will use my extensive knowledge and experience to protect your rights and represent you vigorously in court. Contact my office, Jose Orihuela, Attorney at Law, today for a free case evaluation on how to proceed with your Jones Act and seamen’s injury claims.