Maritime Accident Compensation

Has an offshore accident left you or a loved one seriously injured and unable to return to your regular activities? You may be entitled to compensation for your loss. Because Houston, Texas has a robust economy that is based heavily in the oil and shipping industry, there are more injuries to maritime workers than you would think. Here is some important information to know about maritime accident compensation.

Maritime Accident Compensation | What Happens if You’re Injured at Sea?

If you’re a seaman, one major avenue for recovery lies with the Jones Act. Under the Jones Act, you can sue your employer for negligence. You can also sue the owner of the vessel where you were hurt on the basis of that it was unseaworthy. Finally, you can receive something called maintenance and cure, which is a little bit like no-fault car insurance. Maintenance and cure allows the injured individual to obtain a recovery regardless of who was at fault for causing the injury, covering certain expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and medical bills.

If you are not a seaman, then you’ll probably seek recovery through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA doesn’t apply to seamen, but instead applies to everyone else who works on or around the water, such as longshoremen and dock workers. The LHWCA is similar to most states’ workers’ compensation laws in that it should guarantee basic payments for medical bills and lost income. However, the LHWCA is usually better because it often provides greater benefits in the form of larger monetary payments for injuries and the ability to obtain compensation for permanent partial disability.

Maritime Accident Compensation | Hiring an Attorney

One of the most asked questions when it comes to these types of accidents is, “Should I hire a maritime attorney?” Most likely, that answer is yes. There are special filing and claims procedures for injured maritime workers that can be confusing and complicated. Additionally, many employers (and their insurance companies) aren’t eager to provide fair and adequate compensation to their workers. All they want is for you to go away for as little money as possible. This often means lowballing you or flat out denying you benefits in the hopes you give up or accept a smaller amount than what you’re legally entitled to. You need an experienced Houston offshore injury lawyer to look out for your interests, because it usually won’t be your employer or an insurance company.

If you are seeking maritime accident compensation, contact our experienced Houston offshore injury lawyer today so you can receive the compensation you deserve. We provide free initial consultations.

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