Crew boats play a vital role in the local oil and gas industry, transporting workers, equipment, and supplies to offshore drilling rigs and platforms. However, despite the necessity of these vessels, they carry risks of serious injuries or even death to those aboard as a result of capsizings, collisions, equipment malfunctions, and more. Crew boats commonly fall under maritime law, which is a series of federal laws, including the Jones Act, that protect seamen who have been injured during the course of their employment. If you were injured while working on a crew boat, a Houston crew boat accident lawyer can help you understand your rights to compensation and navigate the complex claims process on your behalf. Work with our maritime injury attorneys today.
Types of Compensation That May Be Available After a Crew Boat Accident
Various laws govern injuries to workers resulting from crew boat accidents, depending on the circumstances of the accident. This includes:
- The Jones Act
- General maritime law
- The Longshore and Harborworkers Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The law applicable to a specific case may require a particular remedy. For example, some cases will call for a no-fault “maintenance and cure” remedy where the injured worker’s medical treatment is covered and a portion of their wages is paid while they recover from the injury, with a process similar to workers’ compensation.
In other cases, an injured worker may file a negligence claim against their employer, the boat owner, or other negligent third parties in order to recover damages such as past and future medical treatment, wage loss and lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. LHWCA claims may provide the injured worker with medical treatment, financial compensation, and vocational rehabilitation. A crew boat accident lawyer from our firm can review your case in Houston and explain any applicable laws that may impact your compensation.
How Having a Lawyer May Help Your Case
While maritime law provides important protections for workers on vessels such as crew boats who have become injured during the course of their employment, these laws are extraordinarily difficult for many people to understand. A lawyer is an important source of information and guidance for injured crew boat workers, helping them to understand their rights and options for seeking compensation. A lawyer may also provide services, such as:
- Assistance in gathering evidence
- Valuing and submitting the claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing the case in court if necessary
They can also ensure that the often-strict deadlines involved in the claims process are met so that the case remains viable and the claimant’s rights to seek compensation remain intact.
It is important to understand that hiring an experienced lawyer to help with your crew boat accident claim in Houston does not require an upfront retainer. Instead, injured workers can speak with a lawyer about their case without cost or obligation. If the claimant and the lawyer agree to work together on the case, the lawyer may provide services on a contingent fee basis that allows the claimant to wait until their case is resolved to pay for the services of their legal team.
Contact a Houston Crew Boat Accident Attorney Today
At Williams Hart & Boundas, we understand how difficult it can be to recover from injuries suffered in crew boat accidents and how overwhelming it can be to then try and understand the complicated legal process involved in seeking compensation for those injuries. Let us help you understand your legal options and the services we may provide. Contact us for a free case evaluation with a Houston crew boat accident lawyer today.