Riverboat Accidents
We are dedicated to helping those who have been injured or affected by a catastrophic injury. You may contact us 24/7 at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation or to schedule an appointment with us.
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Riverboats tend to conjure images of Mark Twain sailing down the Mississippi River, enjoying cocktails and writing stories. But riverboats aren’t just a thing of the American past. Texas alone is home to 63% of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), where riverboats and railways are frequently used to transport passengers and goods.
Life as a deckhand can prove both prosperous and dangerous. Yet no matter how cautious you are, riverboat accidents happen. If you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. An experienced maritime attorney can help you seek this compensation.
The Jones Act & FELA
The Jones Act and the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) were created to protect the livelihood of these valuable workers.
Because riverboat and railway accidents can leave you severely impaired for life, these laws allow monetary payouts to cover medical expenses. The Jones Act also covers illnesses incurred while working on a vessel. This is known as “maintenance and cure,” and it requires companies to cover the cost of room and board during recovery.
However, these awards are not automatic. A payment may depend on solid proof that a riverboat injury was caused by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel.
An experienced riverboat accident attorney who knows the nuances of the Jones Act and other maritime laws can help you seek the fullest possible compensation.
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Common Riverboat Injuries
The injuries that can befall riverboat workers can include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractured bones
- Head injuries
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Wrongful death
Any of these injuries can put you out of work for some time and leave you in severe pain. The resulting financial and emotional strain can severely affect you and your loved ones.
When injured on the job, it is vital that you get medical attention immediately. Afterward, report your injury and your doctor’s findings to your employer.
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Get Compensated for Your Riverboat Injury
You will then want to consult a workplace injury lawyer familiar with the Jones Act and FELA to ensure your rights are protected. The experienced maritime attorneys of Pierce | Skrabanek can help.
We believe everyone has the right to a safe work environment. We offer a free consultation at no obligation to you. Call us today at 832-690-7000 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
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Real Results for Real Challenges
We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.
$2 Million for Injured Jones Act Worker
Summary: The case settled after only one deposition. The Plaintiff, a resident of Brownsville, suffered a serious back injury while working aboard a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Plaintiff was instructed to move a heavy roll of gasket material, which caused the Seaman to sustain a serious back injury. Although Plaintiff reported the injury to his supervisors he remained offshore and did not receive proper medical care until a week later. Consequently, Plaintiff’s Orthopedic Doctors recommended extensive treatment and surgery.
$810,000 Verdict in Maritime Accident Case
Summary: Served as second chair trial attorney on a maritime accident case. Defendant claimed the accident never occurred and only offered $10,000 to settle the case pretrial. Plaintiff obtained a jury verdict of $810,000, which was later upheld on appeal.
