Jones Act Lawyers Fighting for Maritime Workers

Texas Maritime Lawyers: Protecting Jones Act Injury Rights

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, the Willis Law Firm is here to help. We have over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of workers and other individuals who have suffered serious maritime injuries. Our Texas maritime lawyers understand that the legal system can be intimidating and confusing for injury victims. Each one of our Houston Jones Act attorneys is here to answer your questions in the strictest confidence and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Maritime injuries and accidents can have catastrophic, life-changing consequences for victims and their families. In addition to your initial pain and suffering, you may experience serious ongoing medical problems that prevent you from reaching a full recovery and returning to work. While your employer may promise to take care of you and find you a new position that accommodates your injuries, these types of promises are often not fulfilled. Far too often, employers and their insurance companies deny responsibility and look for ways to limit the amount of compensation they are required to pay injured workers.

Whether you have been injured on a ship, jack-up oil rig, offshore platform, barge, tugboat, fishing boat, or other type of vessel, you need a strong team of experienced Texas maritime lawyers and Jones Act legal experts on your side. It is important to remember that your interests and the interests of your employer are not always aligned. At the end of the day, your employer will be looking out for its own interests. David Willis, a Board Certified Texas Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer and Jones Act attorney can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.

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How The Jones Act Helps Injured Maritime Workers

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal statute designed to support and promote the American Merchant Marine while also providing important protections to sailors and crew members who are injured in the course of their employment. Prior to the passage of the Act, seamen who were injured, became sick, or died at sea had little if any recourse because they were not able to hold their employers accountable for work-related accidents and injuries. With the passage of the Jones Act, injured seamen gained important legal rights. They are now able to file a negligence lawsuit against their maritime employers for work-related injuries.

Unlike the traditional worker’s compensation system, under the Jones Act seamen are permitted to sue their employers for damages when they are injured by their employer’s negligence or the negligence of a co-worker. Recognizing the dangers of working on the water, the Jones Act provides extra protection to vulnerable crew members and other maritime employees. Under the Act, an employer can be held liable for virtually any dangerous or unsafe condition on a vessel. Any amount of negligence on the part of the employer, no matter how minor it may be, can support an injured seaman’s claim for damages in a Jones Act negligence suit. This means that if you are injured and file a Jones Act claim, your burden of proof will be far lower than what is required in an ordinary negligence lawsuit. You only need to prove that your employer’s negligence played a role in your accident in order to recover damages, rather than proving that your employer’s actions were the primary cause of your injuries.

Our Houston Jones Act Lawyer Outlines Your Jones Act Claim and Other Legal Options

If you have been hurt while working on or near the water, it is important to know that many other laws in addition to the Jones Act provide employees with the legal rights and protections they need to recover from their injuries. For example, in some cases an injured employee may not be classified as a “seaman” under the Jones Act but may fall under the protections of other maritime acts, such as the Longshore Harbor and Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA) or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

When you are injured it can be difficult to figure out which laws and legislation apply to your situation, so it is important to discuss the specifics of your Jones Act claim with a Texas maritime lawyer who is familiar with maritime legislation. The Willis Law Firm has over three decades of experience helping injured maritime workers. When you schedule a free consultation with our firm we will thoroughly review your case so that a Houston Jones Act lawyer can identify all laws that are applicable to your situation.

For 40 years we have recovered millions for our clients. See what they say:

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer due to toxic chemicals in some holding tanks, our family talked to many law firms, but chose Mr. Willis as our attorney. He worked tirelessly throughout the legal process and saw to it that our family and our needs were well taken care of. He remains a friend of our family and we highly recommend him to anyone who needs someone to fight for them.- Lindsey C.

"Mr. Willis came highly recommended by a senior partner in a major corporate law firm. Willis battled the chemical companies and won our case. Even 15 years later, he is still a close friend of the entire family."- Melissa C.

"When my husband got seriously injured we interviewed lots of trial lawyers until we met Mr. Willis. Instantly we knew he was the one. He didn’t let us down. His tenacity and fight changed our lives."- Sherry Lynn B.

"As a trial lawyer & former Texas Judge, when my own daughter got seriously injured, I thought of no other lawyer to call to handle my daughter’s injury case except David Willis."- Ben C.

"When my husband was diagnosed with AML Leukemia from benzene exposure, we interviewed numerous attorneys, but choose Mr. Willis. He fought for us every step of the way and his office was always there for us. In fact, Mr. Willis even took my husband on his last deer hunting trip 10 months before he died. We trusted Mr. Willis and he didn't let us down." - Isabel H.

"After I got seriously injured I felt lost and helpless. My father suggested I call Attorney Willis to help. His legal staff was amazing. Extremely patient and always called back when they promised. They were always available for me and helped push my case along fairly quickly. I highly recommend them to anyone I know."- Melvin D.

"After our son was killed in an explosion we needed help. A neighbor had used Willis when his mom died and recommended we do too. Willis was the right choice. Though his law office was 100's of miles away, he was always there for us. Willis always kept his word and fought tirelessly throughout the entire case. Years after the settlement, we still consider Willis a friend we can call upon and have recommended to others too." - Maxine G

"Mr. Willis did an incredible job for us on a lawsuit involving my mom’s death. Over the last 20 years I have proudly recommended him to many close friends when they needed a lawyer. I know for a fact he did agreat job on each of their cases and they all thanked me again for giving them his name. Willis is a one of a kind lawyer. His doors are always open. I can still call him up and “shoot the breeze” with him. Don’t hesitate to call him if you too need help."- J.L.N

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Over 40 Years we've recovered Millions, Millions & Millions for our Clients

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer due to toxic chemicals in some holding tanks, our family talked to many law firms, but chose Mr. Willis as our attorney. He worked tirelessly throughout the legal process and saw to it that our family and our needs were well taken care of. He remains a friend of our family and we highly recommend him to anyone who needs someone to fight for them.- Lindsey C.

"Mr. Willis came highly recommended by a senior partner in a major corporate law firm. Willis battled the chemical companies and won our case. Even 15 years later, he is still a close friend of the entire family."- Melissa C.

"When my husband got seriously injured we interviewed lots of trial lawyers until we met Mr. Willis. Instantly we knew he was the one. He didn’t let us down. His tenacity and fight changed our lives."- Sherry Lynn B.

"As a trial lawyer & former Texas Judge, when my own daughter got seriously injured, I thought of no other lawyer to call to handle my daughter’s injury case except David Willis."- Ben C.

"When my husband was diagnosed with AML Leukemia from benzene exposure, we interviewed numerous attorneys, but choose Mr. Willis. He fought for us every step of the way and his office was always there for us. In fact, Mr. Willis even took my husband on his last deer hunting trip 10 months before he died. We trusted Mr. Willis and he didn't let us down." - Isabel H.

"After I got seriously injured I felt lost and helpless. My father suggested I call Attorney Willis to help. His legal staff was amazing. Extremely patient and always called back when they promised. They were always available for me and helped push my case along fairly quickly. I highly recommend them to anyone I know."- Melvin D.

"After our son was killed in an explosion we needed help. A neighbor had used Willis when his mom died and recommended we do too. Willis was the right choice. Though his law office was 100's of miles away, he was always there for us. Willis always kept his word and fought tirelessly throughout the entire case. Years after the settlement, we still consider Willis a friend we can call upon and have recommended to others too." - Maxine G

"Mr. Willis did an incredible job for us on a lawsuit involving my mom’s death. Over the last 20 years I have proudly recommended him to many close friends when they needed a lawyer. I know for a fact he did agreat job on each of their cases and they all thanked me again for giving them his name. Willis is a one of a kind lawyer. His doors are always open. I can still call him up and “shoot the breeze” with him. Don’t hesitate to call him if you too need help."- J.L.N

Why Choose The Willis Law Firm?

Confidential Free Consultations

Confidential Free Consultations

If you have questions we are here to help. We offer free initial consultations and everything you tell us will be kept strictly confidential even if you decide not to hire a Houston Jones Act lawyer from our firm.

Same Day Return Phone Calls/Emails

Same Day Return
Phone Calls/Emails

We know that the legal system can be confusing. Our firm is here to answer your questions and a lawyer will return your calls and emails the same day.

No Fee Unless We Win

No Fee Unless We Win

Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay any legal fees or expenses unless we secure compensation for you.

Multi-Lingual Staff

Multi-Lingual Staff

We want to make sure that all of our clients understand their legal rights and options. We offer a multi-lingual staff fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Available 24/7/365

Available 24/7/365

Injuries and accidents don’t just happen from 8-5, they can occur at any time of the day. Our Houston Jones Act attorneys are here when you need us most – 24/7/365.

30+ Years Experience

40+ Years Experience

If you have a maritime injury or Jones Act claim, you have come to the right place. With over 40 years of experience protecting injured workers, David Willis knows the ins and outs of these complex laws.

Companies We've Had Cases Against:

Meet David Willis, a Leading Jones Act and Maritime Lawyer in Texas

David Willis is an experienced Houston maritime injury and Jones Act attorney who represents injured seamen and injured workers in negligence and product liability cases nationwide. Mr. Willis has over 40 years of legal experience and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a graduate of Baylor University and received his law degree at the South Texas College of Law. Mr. Willis is admitted to practice law in both Texas and New York and served as a former attorney on the Supreme Court of Texas. Currently, he is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas Bar Foundation and the American Association for Justice. In 2015 he was elected as a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA). Mr. Willis is committed to representing victims of serious injuries and accidents. In every case, he builds a strong team of lawyers focused on achieving a fair and just recovery for injured victims and their families.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Q

Do I need a Houston Jones Act lawyer to receive compensation?

A

While you may be thinking there is an easy formula you can use to calculate your damages, the reality is that maritime injuries can be are complex. Even if you have a dollar figure in mind, you should consult with a Houston Jones Act lawyer first to see what's reasonable.

Q

How am I going to live without a steady paycheck?

A

Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman is entitled to receive daily compensation (maintenance) and medical (cure) payments from his or her employer. Your employer is legally required to make these payments to you regardless of who is at fault for your injuries.

Q

Should I continue to speak with my employer about my Jones Act claim?

A

When you have been involved in a workplace accident, you should try to talk as little as possible about your case to anyone. While it is fine to maintain a friendly and amicable relationship with your employer and co-workers, you should avoid discussing the details of your accident or injuries.

Q

Should I give a recorded statement to an investigator?

A

Absolutely not. If your employer or an investigator asks you to provide any type of sworn or recorded statement you should never do so until after you have talked with your Houston Jones Act lawyer.

Go To the Jones Act Information Center

News Feed

What Can (and Can’t) Your Employer Do When You File a Jones Act Claim?

When you file a claim under the Jones Act, it is important to know what you should expect (and what you shouldn’t expect) from your employer. Unfortunately, while employers have clear obligations under the law, they don’t always meet these obligations in good faith. As a result, you need to be very careful to protect your legal rights, and this starts with putting an experienced Houston Jones Act lawyer on your side. •••

October 31, 2023

7 Reasons to Hire a Texas Maritime Lawyer After an Injury on the Job

Whether you work in the Gulf of Mexico or on Texas’s coastal or inland waters, there is always a risk that you will get injured on the job. Working on the water is dangerous—and this is especially true when companies don’t prioritize their workers’ safety. If you’ve been injured on the job, you will want to speak with a Texas maritime lawyer as soon as possible. •••

October 24, 2023

What Do You Need to Know Before Filing a Jones Act Claim?

If you work on the water and have been injured on the job, you may have a claim under the Jones Act. The Jones Act provides injured seamen with the right to financial compensation for job-related injuries in most cases. If you have a claim, what do you need to know before you file? Find out from an experienced Texas Jones Act lawyer. •••

October 17, 2023

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and won our case." - MELISSA C.