Accidental injuries are common in the maritime industry. Working conditions can be hazardous, especially in bad weather. Anything from a slippery deck to improper footwear could lead to an injury that changes your life forever.
Our personal injury attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping those suffering from maritime injuries recover the compensation they deserve. We understand how these accidents can impact your career and health and are prepared to aggressively advocate on your behalf. Instead of handling your claim on your own, consider discussing your case with a South Houston maritime injury lawyer from our team.
What Kinds of Accidents Happen at Sea?
Seamen and crew members face a wide range of hazards in the maritime industry. This line of work has earned a reputation for being dangerous for a reason, as these hazards frequently lead to serious injuries. A South Houston attorney can help you pursue financial compensation for injuries sustained in various types of maritime accidents, including the examples below.
Slips and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls frequently lead to injuries for maritime workers. These incidents can occur due to slipping on wet decks or tripping over discarded equipment. Other accidents of this type might result from dim lighting or missing safety barriers.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Not all maritime injuries involve sudden, traumatic events. In some cases, wear and tear over time can damage your joints, tendons, and muscles. When you perform the same tasks every day, that repetitive motion can have serious health consequences.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Hazardous chemicals are commonly found aboard vessels of all sizes. They are often used for cleaning or other aspects of maintaining the ship. Examples include benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and various alcohols. Exposure, through either inhalation or skin contact, can cause considerable harm to your health.
Falling Objects
Many ships have large numbers of moving objects and pieces of heavy machinery. If one of these falls and strikes a member of the crew, it can lead to life-threatening injuries. Such incidents can happen for various reasons, including mechanical defects and poor training.
Our lawyers can help you gather the evidence you need to successfully establish liability and recover compensation.
Understanding the Jones Act
The Jones Act provides a means for those injured in maritime accidents to recover financial compensation. This legislation applies to workers on vessels that operate in domestic ports and coastal waters, although there are some limitations on the vessels it covers.
Firstly, the ship must be U.S.-owned, even if it typically operates in international waters. Secondly, the Jones Act only applies to ships used to transport people or cargo between U.S. ports. Finally, the ship in question must operate in navigable waters at least 30 percent of the time. This generally means waters that have traditionally been used for commerce.
A successful claim under the Jones Act can lead to various types of compensation. You may be entitled to damages based on your medical bills, mental anguish, and loss of income, for example.
These cases can, however, be complex, making it crucial to have the support of an experienced legal team. Before you pursue a claim on your own, you should discuss your options with a South Houston attorney who is knowledgeable about maritime injury cases.
Call a Maritime Injury Lawyer in South Houston Today
Suffering an injury in a maritime accident can change your life in an instant, impacting your ability to earn a living or even live independently. Under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
The good news is that you do not have to pursue a claim on your own. Reach out to a South Houston maritime injury lawyer at Williams Hart & Boundas today for a free consultation.