The area of maritime law pertains to special laws that govern the remedies available to people injured while working at sea on a fishing boat or other type of commercial vessel or ship or while otherwise on navigable waters of the United States. Whether injured on an oil rig off the Gulf Coast, on a commercial shipping vessel or on a tanker landing in one of Texas' numerous port cities, the Law Offices of W. Jeff Paradowski is here to represent your interests under the Jones Act.
We represent injured seamen and the families of killed seamen working off the Gulf Coast in south Texas.
To learn more about hiring some of the best legal representation in your maritime law claim, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Any person employed aboard a ship or vessel has the right to compensation under the Jones Act, a federal law, if injured in the course of employment. This act provides workers injured aboard a vessel the right to collect maintenance and cure damages in addition to lost wages and other expenses against an employer.
Workers who are not considered to be a “seaman” under the Jones Act may still collect monetary damages under the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act where the disability or death arises from an injury that happened upon the navigable waters of the United States. We are well-versed in the area of maritime and seamen injury claims and will help you collect the monetary compensation that you deserve.
Holding Employers Liable Under the Jones Act
The Jones Act permits "a seaman injured in the course of employment" on a “vessel” to recover from his employer for negligence. Although the statute does not define the term "seaman", the United States Supreme Court has defined the term and provided a two-part test for determining a claimant's status as a seaman. First, an employee's duties must contribute to the function of the vessel or to the accomplishment of its mission. All who work at sea in the service of a ship are eligible for seaman status. Second, a seaman must have a connection to a vessel in navigation that is substantial in terms of both its duration and its nature. Whether one qualifies as a seaman under the Jones Act depends on a careful analysis of the facts of each case.
The term “vessel” has been defined to include boats, ships, barges, tugs, cruise ships, fishing boats, charter boats, dredges, and mobile offshore drilling platforms.
You need an experienced attorney to navigate you through the complicated and troubled waters of maritime law.
Providing a Free Case Review in Your Maritime injury Case
Do not wait to see if your employer will offer you compensation for your injuries under the Jones Act. Contact us at the Law Offices of W. Jeff Paradowski to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer today.
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