When workers are using heavy machinery in wet conditions aboard a vessel, offshore work becomes even more hazardous. This is why maritime workers rely on their companies to take care of them by providing them with appropriate training, safety gear and a safe place to do their job. However, when a maritime accident occurs, an offshore worker needs to know where to turn for help, and employers are typically not the best source.
Although an injured seaman may want to rely on his employer for protection and help after a maritime accident and injuries, it is in the best interest of that worker to turn to a neutral party and someone skilled in maritime law. This is because most maritime employers are not forthcoming about a seaman's rights under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act provides legal rights and protections to injured seamen that include:
- Maintenance and Cure Compensation - The Jones Act provides benefits to an injured seaman that pay for living expenses and medical care. Maintenance is the right to reasonable payments for food and lodging, and Cure means payments for medical expenses.
- No Fault - No matter who caused the offshore accident or was at fault, Jones Act benefits are available to an injured seaman.
- No Waiting Period - As soon as an injured seaman is injured, Jones Act benefits that include maintenance and cure should start immediately.
- Entitled to Trial - You may qualify to bring a lawsuit in federal court against your maritime employer, and you may be entitled to a jury trial.
- Pursue Damages - You may be entitled to damages that are more than maintenance and cure benefits. The nature and circumstances of your offshore accident and injury will determine if you are entitled to future lost wages, disfigurement, pain and suffering and more.
If you have been injured on the job, you have rights under the Jones Act that allow for recovery of damages. A knowledgeable Houston Jones Act attorney will explain to you more about your rights to recovery if you have been injured offshore. Call someone who cares about protecting your rights. Contact the Voss Law Firm and speak with a knowledgeable Texas offshore injury lawyer at 888-614-7730 in a free legal consultation.
