Texas's Gulf Coast is home to one of the largest concentrations of offshore oil and gas operations in the world. Maritime injuries are governed by unique federal laws that provide powerful protections for injured seamen and offshore workers — but these laws are complex and require specialized legal knowledge.
Federal Laws Protecting Maritime Workers
The Jones Act
The most powerful protection for injured seamen. If you qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act — working on a vessel in navigation for a substantial portion of your work — you can sue your employer for negligence with very favorable legal standards. The employer's negligence only needs to play any part in causing your injury.
Unseaworthiness
Vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide a seaworthy vessel — one that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. If a vessel defect contributed to your injury, you may have an unseaworthiness claim regardless of negligence.
Maintenance and Cure
Regardless of fault, injured seamen are entitled to maintenance (daily living allowance) and cure (medical treatment) until they reach maximum medical improvement. These benefits must be paid promptly or additional damages may be available.
Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA)
For maritime workers who do not qualify as seamen — dockworkers, harbor workers, shipyard workers — the LHWCA provides workers compensation-style benefits with the right to sue third parties.
$0
Upfront cost — contingency only
3 YRS
Jones Act statute of limitations
Federal
Law — applies throughout Gulf Coast
⚠️ Do Not Accept Maintenance and Cure Alone
Offshore employers and their insurers often present maintenance and cure as your only option. This is not true. You may have significantly more valuable claims under the Jones Act, unseaworthiness doctrine, and other theories. Never accept any settlement without first consulting a maritime attorney.
💡 Qualify As A Seaman?
You generally qualify as a seaman if you work on a vessel in navigation for at least 30% of your work time and have a substantial connection to the vessel. This includes workers on oil rigs, supply boats, crew boats, and other offshore vessels. A maritime attorney can evaluate your seaman status for free.
Injured Working Offshore or On The Water?
Free case review — takes 60 seconds — no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jones Act and how does it protect injured offshore workers?
+
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence. The employer's negligence only needs to play any part in causing your injury — a much lower standard than regular negligence. Seaman status requires working on a vessel in navigation for a substantial portion of your work.
What is maintenance and cure for offshore workers?
+
Maintenance is a daily living allowance paid to injured seamen regardless of fault. Cure is full medical treatment until maximum medical improvement. These benefits must be paid promptly. Unreasonable denial or delay of maintenance and cure can result in additional damages and attorney fees.
How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim?
+
The Jones Act has a 3-year statute of limitations. However maritime injury cases require immediate action to preserve evidence including vessel logs, safety records, witness accounts, and equipment. Contact a maritime attorney immediately after any offshore injury.
Can I sue for more than maintenance and cure after an offshore injury?
+
Yes. Maintenance and cure is just the minimum. Under the Jones Act and unseaworthiness doctrine you can pursue full compensatory damages including pain and suffering, lost wages, future earning capacity, and more. Never accept maintenance and cure as your only recovery without consulting a maritime attorney.
Injured working offshore in Texas?Free case review — no obligation