If you work in the maritime industry and have suffered an injury on the job in Beaumont, you may be entitled to significant compensation under the Jones Act. However, it can be difficult for maritime workers (or their families) to get the money they need and deserve.

Hiring an experienced Jones Act lawyer in Beaumont can help make the process easier. Our Beaumont maritime injury lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars fighting for injured seamen and their families in the great state of Texas.

With an in-depth understanding of federal disability matters, we are uniquely positioned to help you secure the best possible results after your devastating maritime injury. Call Attorney Brian White to discuss your legal rights and get started with a free case evaluation today.

How Attorney Brian White Can Help With a Jones Act Claim in Beaumont, TX

Maritime injuries can be catastrophic. Add in the stress of a complicated claim for damages, and the situation can become overwhelming fast. That’s where the Beaumont personal injury lawyers at Attorney Brian White can help.

We represent injured maritime workers and their families in all personal injury disputes and claims for state and federal benefits. This includes the often-challenging pursuit of damages under the Jones Act.

When you hire our award-winning maritime lawyers, you can expect us to:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your offshore accident
  • Communicate with local, state, and federal agencies regarding your accident and injuries
  • Handle all aspects of your personal injury claim so that you can focus on recovering compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and more
  • Gather and analyze evidence with the assistance of experienced and qualified experts
  • Advocate to ensure your rights are fully exercised under federal and Texas state law
  • Present your case at trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached

Our maritime law firm helps injured offshore workers protect their legal rights after serious accidents. Call us to arrange your initial case evaluation. Our offshore injury trial lawyers are here for you when you need us most.

How Does the Jones Act Protect Me if I’ve Been Hurt in a Maritime Accident Near Beaumont?

When you get hurt in an accident on land, Texas state personal injury and workers’ compensation laws typically apply. It’s often a different story for offshore workers; those protections aren’t in place since many accidents happen offshore. That’s where the Jones Act comes into play.

The Jones Act (or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a federal law that allows injured seamen to file personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death claims against their employers. It applies to all ships and water-going vessels and requires that they be maintained in “seaworthy” condition.

In other words, owners and employers of these ships have a responsibility to make sure that they have passed all required tests and safety checks and are fit to “sail without any mishaps.” If you are injured while working as a qualifying seaman, the Jones Act may allow you to pursue a claim against your employer.

Do I Qualify Under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act protects seamen, as defined by federal law.

You qualify if you:

  • Work on a “vessel in navigation”, which means that your ship is operational, capable of moving, and on navigable waters
  • Contribute to the work of a vessel
  • Spend a significant amount of time (at least 30%) working on a vessel

You don’t necessarily have to be working offshore or on the open waters when you get hurt to qualify.

The following workers (or their surviving family members) may qualify to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit under the Jones Act:

  • Crew members
  • Captains
  • Vessel operators
  • Commercial fishermen
  • Ship chandlers
  • Oil rig workers
  • Dive instructors
  • Masters of charter diving vessels
  • Commercial divers
  • Offshore workers
  • Welders

Even cruise ship chefs and bartenders may qualify for benefits under the Jones Act if their jobs meet minimum requirements. To learn more about maritime law and who can sue for damages, call personal injury Attorney Brian White.

Who Doesn’t the Jones Act Cover?

While it might seem like the Jones Act covers anyone who works on a seaworthy maritime vessel, that’s not the case.

Longshoremen, harbor workers, and contract workers do not qualify to sue their employers under the Jones Act. However, these workers may be entitled to seek benefits under different state or federal laws, like the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

If you have questions, call a Jones Act lawyer in Beaumont now.

Can I Still File a Jones Act Claim If I’m Partially Responsible for My Accident?

Yes. Contributing to your offshore accident won’t necessarily bar you from recovering compensation. However, it will affect how much money you can be awarded.

Your settlement or verdict will be reduced in direct proportion to your degree of fault. If it’s determined that you’re 15% responsible for your accident, your damages will be reduced by 15%.

Your employer (and any insurance companies that might be involved) will probably try to shift as much of the blame to you as they can. So, it is important to protect yourself with a maritime lawyer and fight to secure all of the benefits you deserve.

What’s the Statute of Limitations for Jones Act Claims in Beaumont?

Injured seamen in Beaumont have up to three years to file a claim for maintenance and cure benefits under the Jones Act.

Typically, failing to file a lawsuit with a maritime attorney within that three-year window will mean losing out on valuable compensation. The best way to protect yourself is by contacting an experienced Beaumont Jones Act attorney immediately after an offshore accident.

Schedule an Initial Case Evaluation With Our Beaumont Jones Act Lawyers

Injured seamen and maritime workers may have the right to file a lawsuit if their employer’s negligence contributed to their accident. Maritime injury claims are complicated, so it helps to get a Jones Act lawyer in Beaumont involved as soon as you can.

At Attorney Brian White, our team has been fighting for injured workers in southeast Texas for years. During that time, we’ve helped clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars in life-changing compensation.

Led by a Board Certified personal injury lawyer, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Give us a call to get started with a free consultation with a Beaumont Jones Act lawyer today. Visit our blog to learn more.