Houston Shoreside Accident Lawyer

Can Sailors Injured Shoreside File Lawsuits Under Maritime Law?

Our Texas Maritime Injury Attorneys Help Injured Workers

Many crewman injuries occur while working on docks and wharves. If the injured crewman is acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the accident, then there may be legal options for pursuing full and fair compensation and maintenance and cure.

The federal Jones Act covers injured seamen even when the accident or negligent injury occurs ashore if the injury results from the employer’s negligence. The Jones Act also covers crewmen who suffered injury due to negligent safety precautions while working aboard another vessel at their employer’s direction. Seamen injured on a third party’s vessel or premises may also bring an action against the owner(s) of the vessel or property.

Many maritime workers do not realize their legal rights. They can seek compensation for negligent injuries extending to accidents onshore or on another vessel. If you would like to learn more about maritime and admiralty law, the Jones Act and longshoreman accident law, then we are here to help. We can explain to you how these laws may apply to your accidental injury or the wrongful death of a family member. Please contact the Houston, Texas law firm of Stevenson & Murray today. Your consultation will be free and strictly confidential.

Experienced Longshoreman Accident Attorneys

The capable longshoreman accident attorneys at Stevenson & Murray have a proven record of success. We obtain real financial recovery for victims of serious and catastrophic shoreside injury. This includes the following:

• Brain and head injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Amputation
• Crushing injuries caused by falling cargo, equipment or debris
• Badly broken bones and permanently damaged joints
• Drowning, suffocation, strangulation and other fatal accidents

The firm’s goal is to help our clients obtain the maximum financial recovery available under the law. A shoreside injury may lead to a Jones Act claim if the worker is covered under this federal law, and it’s possible for the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to apply to a shoreside injury case. Even if the cause of your injury seems perfectly clear, or if you know for certain how your injury occurred and who caused it, the actual legal process of securing the compensation you need to recover is likely to be far more challenging than you expect.

The attorneys at Stevenson & Murray have the professional legal experience you need on your side to approach all your recovery efforts with greater confidence after a shoreside work injury in Houston. The average person injured in a maritime work accident is likely to have lots of pressing legal questions in the aftermath of their injury. State law does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and workers’ comp typically isn’t an option for offshore workers. When someone works both offshore and shoreside, they could encounter all types of disputes regarding their right to recovery after a workplace injury. A Houston shoreside accident attorney can provide the comprehensive legal guidance you need in these challenging situations.

FAQs About Houston, TX Shoreside Accident Laws

What Do You Do After a Maritime Accident?

If you believe you have grounds to file a Jones Act claim, the law requires that you report your injury within seven days. However, it is always best to report workplace injuries immediately to preserve your right to claim compensation. If you need to file a shoreside injury claim, it’s possible for you to have protection under the Jones Act if a substantial portion of your work is performed aboard a vessel, including a docked vessel. Seek medical care for your injury and ensure your injury is formally reported, and then reach out to a Houston shoreside accident attorney as soon as possible.

How Much Is My Shoreside Injury Claim Worth?

If you were hurt while working shoreside in the Houston area, you could be entitled to claim more compensation than you initially expected. Having the right legal representation to assist you with your case will significantly improve the quality of the results you reach. The total compensation you can claim depends on the nature of your injuries, how long you will take to recover, and whether you can return to work. An experienced Houston shoreside accident attorney can provide an estimate of your claim’s potential value.

How Do I Know If the Jones Act Covers Me?

Employees covered by the Jones Act are typically provided documentation explaining their rights under the act upon accepting employment. The Jones Act covers any seamen or workers aboard various types of vessels on the waters surrounding the United States. This includes those who work shoreside as long as a substantial portion of their work is performed aboard a vessel, including docked vessels.

Do I Really Need to Hire a Houston Shoreside Accident Attorney?

If you must file a claim against your employer for an injury you sustained in a shoreside work accident, it’s vital to have legal counsel experienced with this type of case to assist you in your recovery efforts. Your legal team can manage all your case proceedings on your behalf while you focus on your medical needs, and they will significantly increase the amount of final compensation you obtain from the defendant.

Contact Our Houston Shoreside Accident Lawyers for A Free Consultation

Do you need knowledgeable legal guidance and dedicated, highly experienced representation in a serious or fatal shoreside accident and injury? If so, then please call our offices (713) 622-3223 or contact us by email today. We serve maritime accident and injury victims worldwide.