Home•Jones Act Merchant Maritime Law•Maritime Accidents

Maritime Accidents

Providing more than 39,000 jobs to Texans, and $8 billion annually to the Texas economy, domestic maritime industries are an important part of both the state and national economies.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, it is important to be aware of the amount of time you have to pursue financial compensation. Below Our Texas maritime accident attorneys review three state and federal laws that are designed to protect domestic maritime workers in Texas.

Jones Act

Unlike most workers, people working at sea are not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits should they be injured on the job. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act, grants seaman the right to sue their employer for damages if they sustain an injury while working at sea. Seaman have three years from the time of an accident to file a claim against their employer. Like other workers’ compensation cases, the injured party must prove negligence on the part of their employer; however, the burden of proof under the Jones Act is lower.

Death on the High Seas Act

Passed by Congress in 1920, the Death on the High Seas Act allows a seaman’s spouse, child, or parent to recover pecuniary loss, such as lost income, when the death of their loved one occurred due to wrongful or negligent acts. Additionally, the accident must occur more than three miles from the shoreline of the United States in order for the family to collect compensation under this DOHSA. Those considering filing a lawsuit under the DOHSA have three years from the date of their family member’s death to file their lawsuit.

Long Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act

Also known as the Longshore Act, this federal law provides protection to dock workers and other maritime workers, such as ship builders and harbor construction workers, who are not otherwise covered by the Jones Act. The LHWCA entitles a worker to medical and indemnity benefits while they are receiving treatment, and thus are unable to work, for injuries sustained during a workplace accident. Under the LHWCA, workers have one year from the time of the accident to file a claim.

Reach out to experienced Texas maritime accident attorneys

If you or a loved one have been injured while on a domestic maritime job site or have questions about a personal injury claim, Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers invites you to contact us online or call us at (281) 645-5000 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your concerns.

Request A Free Consultation

We are available 24/7, and 365 days a year. Contact Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers today.

Practice Areas

Client Reviews

THE RIGHT CHOICE

“I am a survivor of the March 23, 2005, BP explosion. Knowing my life had just been changed in an instant and not knowing what was to come was extremely unsettling. So when the time came to find legal representation, I chose Burwell Nebout personal injury attorneys from League City, Texas. Knowing they are from the Galveston County area made this an easy choice. Russ and Jimmy assured me they would do all things possible to help me and my family get through this most difficult time. Once again, I’d like to thank these men and their staff for their professional knowledge and guidance throughout those tough times. I know without a doubt I made the right choice.”

David Laymance
Santa Fe, Texas

LITIGATION EXPERTISE

“My company has faced disputes that require the litigation process to achieve resolution. I chose Russ and Jimmy to represent me not only for their ability to guide us through the process in a cost-efficient manner with the goal of resolution, but also with the comfort of knowing they have the skills and expertise to try the case.”

Will Watt
Friendswood, Texas

EXCELLENT WORK

“Thank you for the excellent work performed by you and your staff in helping our company each step of the way in our pursuit of seeking reimbursement from BP due to our losses from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The presentation of the facts as well as the unknowns with each turn of the roller coaster has been greatly appreciated. I cannot thank you enough for the work you put into this nor credit you enough for the polish and professionalism in the way you did it.”

Doug Vingoe
Houston, Texas

Case Results

Automobile Accident

$19.2 million

Two clients killed as a result of a special defect in the shoulder of the roadway. A state court jury trial resulted in a $19.2 million verdict.

Premises Liability

$10 million

Children that attended school on a former toxic dump site made claims for exposure injuries. $10 million settlement.

Liberty County Record Verdict

Record-setting verdict

Two high school seniors were on their way home on a stretch of road that had been the subject of repeated complaints to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) about the poor condition of the shoulder. When the students entered a curve, the poor condition of the shoulder resulted in a crash that killed one and severely brain-damaged the other. A trial against the Texas Attorney General’s office resulted in the discovery of altered records, a spoliation instruction, and a record-setting jury verdict for Liberty County.

Get In Touch With Burwell Nebout

There Is No Firm More Qualified to Fight for You!