Hurt on the Water: What Galveston Maritime Workers Need to Know About the Jones Act and Your Rights
Galveston’s economy has always been tied to the water. From the thriving port and offshore oil and gas platforms to fishing vessels and cruise lines, thousands of dedicated seamen and maritime workers put themselves at risk every day.
If you were injured while working aboard a vessel, you cannot rely on Texas state workers’ compensation. Your rights are governed by complex federal laws. As experienced maritime lawyers in Galveston, we are here to guide you through your primary legal protection: the Jones Act.
The Jones Act: Your Primary Legal Shield as a Seaman
The Jones Act (formally the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is the most critical piece of legislation protecting workers who spend a significant amount of time at sea.
Who Qualifies?
To be protected by the Jones Act, you must be classified as a “seaman.” Generally, this means you spend at least 30% of your work time on a vessel (or fleet of vessels) that is “in navigation” on navigable waters.
If you qualify, the Jones Act allows you to sue your employer for negligence. This means that if your injury was caused, even in part, by the carelessness of your employer, a co-worker, or inadequate equipment, you may be entitled to full compensation.
What is Negligence Under the Jones Act?
Under this federal law, negligence has a very low threshold. It can include:
- Failing to provide a safe place to work (an “unseaworthy” vessel).
- Failing to properly train co-workers or supervisors.
- Failing to maintain equipment or decks.
- Failing to enforce safe working rules.
If you are injured, having a seasoned maritime attorney in Galveston is vital to establishing that negligence and securing your full financial recovery.
Immediate Protection: Your Right to Maintenance and Cure
The most immediate and critical benefit for any injured seaman is the no-fault right to Maintenance and Cure, which is owed to you regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
- Cure: Your employer must pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
- Maintenance: Your employer must pay for your basic living expenses (like food and housing) while you are recuperating on shore.
This right to maintenance and cure begins the moment you are injured. If your employer denies or delays these payments, you need an aggressive maritime lawyer in Galveston to step in immediately.
Common Causes of Injuries on Galveston’s Vessels
We understand the dangers of working on the docks, oil rigs, barges, and fishing boats that operate out of this city. Common causes of serious injury include:
- Slips and falls on wet, poorly lit, or oil-slicked decks.
- Accidents involving defective or poorly maintained equipment (winches, cranes, ladders).
- Injuries sustained during cargo loading or transfer operations.
- Crew exhaustion due to employers violating federal rest regulations.
When Tragedy Strikes: Wrongful Death
If a catastrophic accident due to employer negligence or an unseaworthy vessel leads to the loss of a loved one, federal maritime law also provides a path for justice and compensation. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can guide families through the complex claims available under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law to recover damages like lost wages, loss of services, and pain and suffering.
Why Local Galveston Experience Matters
Federal admiralty and maritime law is specialized and entirely distinct from state court cases. When your health, financial future, and family depend on the outcome, you need a firm that knows the specific legal landscape of the Gulf Coast.
As maritime lawyers in Galveston, we have the specialized knowledge of federal courts and the Jones Act required to hold large shipping companies, drilling operators, and vessel owners accountable.
Time is limited to file these complex claims. Do not speak to your employer or sign any documents before consulting legal counsel.
Contact Aaron Perry Law Firm Today for a Free, Confidential Maritime Case Consultation.