A deckhand provides a variety of important tasks in Houston, including vessel maintenance, assisting in loading and unloading cargo, handling lines and fenders when docking and undocking, and more. While completing these tasks, deckhands are exposed to significant risks, such as slips and falls, falling overboard, drowning, and being struck by objects. Deckhands are generally considered “seamen,” meaning they spend a minimum of 30 percent of their working time aboard a vessel. This designation also means they may be eligible to seek compensation through the Jones Act if they are injured.
If you have been injured while working as a deckhand, a Houston deckhand injury lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can help you understand the claims process and the types of services they may provide to handle your claim. Get in touch with our maritime injury attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your case.
What Is the Jones Act, and What Does It Provide for Injured Deckhands?
Maritime law is a body of law that governs activities on the sea. Embedded in these laws are protections and rights for those who work on commercial vessels in or near navigable waters. One of the fundamental pieces of maritime law is the Jones Act. This act provides, among other things, the seaman’s right to sue their employer for negligence if they are injured on the job and even allows them the right to a jury trial. Some of the Jones Act benefits that injured workers may be eligible to receive include:
- No-fault “maintenance and cure” benefits, including coverage of medical care and basic living expenses while they recover from their injury
- Personal injury damages include medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of the enjoyment of life
It should be noted that Jones Act claims are typically compensated by an insurance provider servicing a Jones Act insurance policy on behalf of the injured worker’s employer. While employers in Houston are not directly required to have a policy to cover Jones Act claims, they are required to cover injury-related expenses for their employees and typically do have a policy for that purpose. Our deckhand injury attorneys in Houston understand that these laws are complex, so we are prepared to walk you through every step.
How a Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights After an Injury
An experienced Houston lawyer can help injured deckhands seek the compensation and benefits they need after suffering an injury and assist them in navigating the challenging process of filing a maritime law claim.
They may help with the following:
- Helping the worker understand the appropriate process to use to seek compensation based on the details of the case
- Gathering documentation and testimony that shows employer negligence and the cost and severity of the injuries
- Negotiating with the employer’s insurance provider for a settlement that fairly compensates the injured worker
- Fighting the case in court, if necessary, on the worker’s behalf
Hiring an injury lawyer to handle the case is affordable for anyone, as our lawyers work on a contingent fee basis and do not require upfront payment for their services. You do not pay if we do not win.
Contact Us To Speak With a Houston Deckhand Injury Attorney
If you have been injured as a deckhand, let us help you understand your rights and the avenues you may use to seek compensation for your injury. We can also tell you about the services we may offer to help you with this process. Contact us for a free case evaluation with a Houston deckhand injury lawyer today.