Houston Maritime & Offshore Injury Lawyer

Houston Maritime & Offshore Injury Lawyer

Farrah Martinez, PLLC represents injured offshore workers, crewman and their families who are entitled to compensation as a result of an injury that occurred at sea, while aboard a ship, oil rig, or over deep water. Maritime & offshore workers are afforded special protections under the Jones Act. Workers in the maritime industry do not file worker’s compensation claims under Texas law because they are protected under the Jones Act and the Harbor Worker’s Compensation ACT.

The Jones Act Requires an Employer to:

• Provide maritime workers with a safe work environment
• Maintain and keep the vessel in a reasonably safe condition

A maritime worker should know that almost any unsafe work condition is a violation of the Jones Act. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of an unsafe condition, contact a lawyer immediately.

A Seaman is protected under the Jones ACT

The term “seaman” is defined by the law. A seaman is afforded special protection under the Jones Act. Here are the two requirements that qualify a maritime worker as a seaman:

1. An employee permanently assigned to a vessel in navigation or performs a duty aboard a vessel; and
2. The employee must contribute to the function of the vessel or the accomplishment of its mission.

Injured Seamen are entitled to Compensation

An injured seaman may seek legal action against the owner of the vessel in either state where the injury occurred or federal court. You have three (3) years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. An injured seaman may seek damages for lost wages, lost earn capacity, medical expenses, permanent disfigurement, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

Farrah Martinez, Maritime Injury Lawyer, represents seaman who have been injured while working aboard a vessel due to the negligent acts of the vessel owner. Farrah aggressively represent seaman to make sure important legal rights are protected and timelines are kept. For a free consultation or review of your case contact an offshore injury lawyer at (713) 853-9296.