Houston Jones Act Lawyers

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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Legally Reviewed By

Michael E. Pierce

How Can a Houston Jones Act Attorney Help You?

In the dynamic world of maritime employment, the safety of the workers should be paramount. When accidents occur at sea, understanding your rights under the Jones Act becomes crucial.

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The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides legal remedies to seamen who are injured or become ill while working on vessels in navigable waters. It allows eligible maritime workers to pursue compensation for injuries caused by employer negligence.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we understand the unique challenges faced by maritime workers, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your rights under the Jones Act are vigorously defended. If you've experienced an injury while working at sea, our team of experienced Jones Act attorneys is here to guide you through the legal intricacies and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

As advocates for justice on the high seas, we've compiled essential information, frequently asked questions, and the knowledge resources needed to make informed decisions about your case. Whether you're a seasoned maritime professional or new to the industry, our goal is to be your trusted legal partner in securing the compensation and justice you deserve.

Our team is ready to help you and your family with Jones Act claims, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected every step of the way.

‍Contact us online or by calling our Houston offices at (832) 690-7000. When you're ready to discuss your case, we're here to listen, strategize, and advocate on your behalf. Your journey to maritime justice begins here.

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What Kind of Compensation Can a Houston Jones Act Injury Lawyer Help You Secure?

If you've been injured as a maritime worker in Houston, a Jones Act injury lawyer can help you secure various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Here are some potential forms of compensation that a Jones Act injury lawyer may help you pursue:

Medical Expenses: A Jones Act injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury. These may include doctor's visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatments.
Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working or results in a loss of income, a Jones Act lawyer can help you pursue compensation for lost wages, including past and future earnings.
Pain and Suffering: In addition to economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages), a Jones Act injury lawyer may help you seek compensation for non-economic damages. These can cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent disability or impairment, a Jones Act lawyer can assist you in pursuing disability benefits, which may include compensation for the loss of earning capacity.
Wrongful Death Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a maritime worker's death due to a work-related injury, a Jones Act lawyer can help surviving family members pursue wrongful death benefits. Compensation may cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other costs.

It's important to note that the specific compensation you may be entitled to depends on the details of your case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. Consulting with an experienced Jones Act injury lawyer in Houston will help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.

What Is Most Important to Know About Jones Act Claims?

Understanding the key aspects of Jones Act claims is crucial for maritime workers who may be entitled to compensation for work-related injuries.

Here are some important things to know about Jones Act claims:

Eligibility: The Jones Act applies to "seamen," which includes individuals who spend a significant amount of their working time on a vessel in navigation. This can include crew members of ships, offshore oil rigs, fishing vessels, and other maritime workers on tugboats or ferryboats.
Negligence Requirement: Unlike workers' compensation, the Jones Act requires the injured seaman to prove that the employer or a co-worker's negligence contributed to their injury. This negligence can include unsafe working conditions, failure to provide proper training, or inadequate maintenance of equipment.
Maintenance and Cure: Injured seamen are entitled to receive maintenance and cure benefits, covering daily living expenses and medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the injury. These benefits continue until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement.

Understanding these key aspects of Jones Act claims can help injured maritime workers take appropriate actions to protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is highly recommended to navigate the complexities of maritime law. Contact Pierce Skrabanek in Houston at (832) 690-7000 for help understanding the law so you can make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones.

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What Does a Houston Jones Act Injury Attorney Do For Your Case?

A Houston Jones Act injury attorney plays a crucial role in helping maritime workers who have been injured on the job.

‍Here are some key functions that a Jones Act injury attorney in Houston may perform for your case:

Investigation: Attorneys from Pierce Skrabanek investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, gathering evidence to establish liability and support your case. We collect and review relevant documents, such as accident reports, medical records, and employment contracts.
Negotiations: Our team will engage in negotiations with the responsible parties, their insurers, or legal representatives to reach a fair settlement. We advocate on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation available under the law.
Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may initiate legal proceedings and represent you in court. That may involve presenting your case before a judge and jury, and arguing for the compensation you are entitled to under the Jones Act.

Having an experienced Jones Act injury attorney in Houston is crucial to navigating the complexities of maritime law. Lawyers help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your personal injuries. They can provide the expertise needed to build a strong case and effectively advocate for your rights.

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Contact Experienced Houston Jones Act Lawyers

Navigating a Jones Act claim demands experience, diligence, and a commitment to justice. With Pierce Skrabanek, you have a trusted ally to guide you through every legal nuance, from the initial consultation to resolution.

Why Hire Pierce Skrabanek

The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek have years of experience in Texas with Jones Act cases. We stand ready to be your legal anchor in the challenging waters of maritime law. Our seasoned team of Jones Act lawyers is dedicated to ensuring that you not only understand your rights but also receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

‍Contact us today at (832) 690-7000 to embark on a path toward comprehensive legal support. Your journey to justice begins with a single step. We are committed to your case, committed to justice, and committed to you.

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

“If you're looking for a great firm, then look no further!”

“Everyone at Pierce Skrabanek was so helpful to our case. They worked fast and efficiently and kept us notified of the status of our case. They helped us a lot and made sure we understood what was happening and why. If you're looking for a great firm, then look no further! I can't recommend them enough. They truly changed our lives. Five Stars on all accounts!”

Samantha S.

“I greatly appreciate all of their help!”

“Mr. Skrabanek and his team are all very diligent, thorough, and hard-working. For my first time ever needing a lawyer, I had a great experience. They walked me through the process and answered all of my questions along the way and in a timely manner. I greatly appreciate all of their help!”

Tori P.

“I’m very pleased with my results.”

“They took care of me from start to finish! I’m very pleased with my results. I will 100% recommend it to my friend's family or just another person who needs good help in a bad situation. Thank you to Paul and the whole team!”

Jon J.

“Pierce Skrabanek represented me in a very high-profile wrongful death case.”

“Pierce Skrabanek represented me in a very high-profile wrongful death case. Whenever I felt uninformed or just needed reassurance, Paul had no problems getting on the phone with me to clear up any questions I had.

This firm was very professional through the entire process.”

Jeremy S.

“Pierce Skrabanek was polite, professional, and direct at all times.”

“When I needed help, they were there. I reached out to over 5 other firms, but all declined to assist. Pierce Skrabanek was polite, professional, and direct at all times. Just awesome”

Al B.

“This law firm treats you as family.”

“Every person I came in communication with was a great person. This law firm treats you as family and will do anything to get the best for you.”

Andres T.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own doctor for medical treatment under the Jones Act?

Yes, injured seamen have the right to choose their own doctors for medical treatment. Employers cannot dictate which doctor the injured worker must see.

How is a Jones Act lawsuit different from a workers' compensation claim?

Unlike workers' compensation, the Jones Act allows seamen to sue their employers for negligence. This means you must prove that your employer's negligence, or the vessel's unseaworthiness, directly contributed to your injuries.

How is negligence proven in a Jones Act claim?

To establish negligence, the injured seaman must demonstrate that the employer or a co-worker's actions (or lack thereof) directly contributed to the injury. This could involve unsafe working conditions, failure to provide proper training, or inadequate maintenance of equipment.

What is an unseaworthiness claim?

In addition to negligence claims, seamen may bring unseaworthiness claims, asserting that the vessel or equipment was not reasonably fit for its intended purpose. Unseaworthiness claims do not require proof of negligence. Contact Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 583-1862 in Houston for more specific, actionable information.

We’re Here for You:
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.

$16.9 Million Verdict in Jones Act Case

Summary: Served as first chair trial attorney in a lawsuit alleging that a drilling company failed to provide sanitary water to its employees working aboard a drilling rig in the Persian Gulf. The Tillman verdict was the largest maritime verdict in Texas in 2014 and was featured in both Texas Lawyer and VerdictSearch Texas Top Verdicts of 2014.

$14 Million Settlement in Jones Act Case

Summary: Settled a Jones Act case for $14 million two days before trial. Our client suffered a head injury on the Hercules 15 Inland Barge. The Hercules 15 was located in Lake Washington, Louisiana at the time of the incident. Hercules employees tack welded a three foot pipe to the derrick and then forgot to remove it before starting drilling operations. The pipe was jarred loose and hit the plaintiff in the head. The case was filed in Galveston County court in March 2008. The case was set for trial February 2, 2009. Hercules settled the entire case for $14 million on the eve of trial.