# The Jones Act: What It Means for Injured Maritime Workers in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is the Jones Act? 2. Who Is Covered Under the Jones Act? 3. Rights and Protections Under the Jones Act 4. Steps To Take If You're Injured at Sea in Texas 5. Compensation Available Under the Jones Act 6. Contact an Experienced Maritime Injury Lawyer ![The Jones Act: What It Means for Injured Maritime Workers in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/The-Jones-Act-What-It-Means-for-Injured-Maritime-Workers-in-Texas-300x201.jpg) Being injured on the job is challenging for anyone, but it can be especially complicated for maritime workers. If you’re a seaman injured while working in Texas waters, the Jones Act may provide you with a way to seek compensation. Understanding your rights under this federal law is crucial to ensuring you receive the support you need. ## What Is the Jones Act? The [Jones Act](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/jones_act), officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that protects seamen who are injured while working on navigable waters. It allows them to file a lawsuit against their employer for negligence. This act is essential because it provides maritime workers with rights similar to those of workers on land under standard workers’ compensation laws. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Who Is Covered Under the Jones Act? To be eligible for protection under the [Jones Act](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-jones-act-vs-the-longshore-act/), you must be considered a seaman. Generally, this means: - **You spend a significant amount of your work time on a vessel**: Typically, at least 30% of your duties are performed on a ship or boat. - **The vessel is in navigation**: It must be afloat, operational, and capable of moving. - **You contribute to the vessel’s mission**: Your work aids in the function or mission of the vessel. Workers such as deckhands, engineers, fishermen, and crew members are commonly covered. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, consulting a maritime attorney can help clarify your status. ## Rights and Protections Under the Jones Act Under the Jones Act, injured seamen have several important rights. They can: - **File a lawsuit for negligence**: You can sue your employer if their negligence contributed to your injury. [Negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/) might include unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or lack of proper equipment. - [**Seek maintenance and cure**](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/maintenance_and_cure): Regardless of fault, you’re entitled to maintenance (daily living expenses) and cure (medical expenses) until you’ve reached maximum medical recovery. - **Demand a safe working environment**: Employers are required to provide reasonably safe conditions on the vessel. These protections ensure that maritime workers receive fair treatment and necessary support after an injury. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Steps To Take If You’re Injured at Sea in Texas If you’re injured while working as a seaman, it’s important to act promptly: - **Report the injury**: Notify your supervisor or captain as soon as possible. Make sure the incident is documented. - **Seek medical attention**: Get immediate medical care, even if the injury seems minor. - **Document everything**: Keep records of your medical treatments, expenses, and any communications related to the injury. - **Avoid giving recorded statements**: [Insurance companies](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/settling-a-personal-injury-claim-with-an-insurance-company/) or employers may ask for statements. Consult an attorney before providing detailed accounts. - **Consult a maritime lawyer**: An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Taking these steps can significantly impact the success of your claim and the compensation you may receive. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Compensation Available Under the Jones Act Under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to various forms of [compensation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/damages-in-jones-act-dohsa-cases/), including: - **Medical expenses**: Coverage for past and future medical treatments. - **Lost wages**: Compensation for income lost due to the injury. - **Pain and suffering**: Monetary awards for physical pain and [emotional distress](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-emotional-distress-after-an-accident/). - **[Loss of earning capacity](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/loss-of-earnings-and-diminished-earning-capacity/)**: If the injury affects your ability to work in the future. These damages aim to address both financial and personal losses resulting from your injury. ## Contact an Experienced Maritime Injury Lawyer The Jones Act is a vital law that offers protection and compensation to injured maritime workers in Texas and across the United States. If you’re a seaman who has been hurt on the job, understanding your rights under the Jones Act is essential.  Acting quickly and seeking legal assistance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Contact a trusted [maritime injury attorney](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/maritime-injury-lawyer/) with Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free case review. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Maritime Accidents Blog Posts: [![Offshore Drilling for Oil: How Does It Work Exactly?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly/) [Offshore Drilling for Oil: How Does It Work Exactly?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly/) Roughly 30% of the world’s oil comes from offshore fields, but how exactly does it reach the surface? Offshore [![Underwater & Hyperbaric Welding: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Underwater-Hyperbaric-Welding-What-You-Need-to-Know-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/underwater-hyperbaric-welding-what-you-need-to-know/) [Underwater Hyperbaric Welding: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/underwater-hyperbaric-welding-what-you-need-to-know/) Underwater welding is one of the most extreme (and hazardous) jobs in the world. It combines the danger of deep-sea [![The Most Severe Oil Rig Explosions and Disasters in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Most-Severe-Oil-Rig-Explosions-and-Disasters-in-Texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-severe-oil-rig-explosions-and-disasters-in-texas/) [The Most Severe Oil Rig Explosions and Disasters in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-severe-oil-rig-explosions-and-disasters-in-texas/) Texas leads the nation in oil production, but with that dominance comes serious risks. Oil rig explosions are among [![Oil Rig Workers Are Well Paid, But Are The Dangers Worth The Money?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Oil-Rig-Workers-Are-Well-Paid-But-Are-The-Dangers-Worth-The-Money-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/oil-rig-workers-are-well-paid-but-are-the-dangers-worth-the-money/) [Oil Rig Workers Are Well Paid, but Are the Dangers Worth the Money?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/oil-rig-workers-are-well-paid-but-are-the-dangers-worth-the-money/) Oil rig jobs are plentiful in Texas. Workers who don’t mind the physical nature of the job are drawn to the good pay --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-jones-act-what-it-means-for-injured-maritime-workers-in-texas/