Talk to a Texas Maritime Collision Attorney about Your Rights for Free
Maritime collisions can lead to serious and fatal injuries. Captains, crewmembers and others on board can quickly find themselves facing life-or-death emergencies, and even those who survive will often face life-altering consequences. If you’ve been injured in an off-shore accident or lost a loved one in a crash between vessels, you should speak with a Texas maritime collision lawyer about your legal rights.
Of course, not all maritime collisions are so dire. But, even if a crash doesn’t cause either vessel to capsize, individuals onboard can still suffer severe injuries due to falls, collisions with objects onboard and being struck by moving equipment. Injuries from these types of accidents can still be painful and expensive—and they are still injuries for which you may be able to recover just compensation.
When Can Seamen and Families File Claims for Maritime Collisions?
Seamen and families can file claims for maritime collisions in most cases. Most maritime collision cases are governed by the Jones Act. Under the Jones Act, “no-fault” benefits are available regardless of what causes a collision, and seamen and families can recover additional compensation through Jones Act negligence and unseaworthiness claims under many circumstances.
Maritime collisions don’t just happen. With today’s navigation technology, there is no excuse for two vessels to collide. As a result, collisions are almost always the result of one or more of the following:
- Captain negligence, distraction, inexperience, intoxication or fatigue
- Crewmember mistakes
- Inadequate vessel maintenance
- Negligent vessel maintenance or repairs
- Mechanical or electrical malfunctions
These may be issues onboard one or both vessels involved in the collision. Regardless of where the issue(s) happen, all workers (and passengers) onboard each vessel have clear legal rights. In addition, families who lose loved ones have clear legal rights as well. However, asserting these legal rights isn’t easy, and victims and their families should consult with a Houston maritime collision attorney as soon as possible.
What Compensation Will a Maritime Collision Law Firm Pursue for Victims and Families?
The compensation available to victims and families after a maritime collision depends on the specific circumstances involved. In most cases, victims and families will be able to pursue claims for full compensation based on Jones Act negligence or unseaworthiness. However, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) will apply in some cases, and there are some other possibilities as well. With this in mind, generally speaking, the types of compensation that may be available include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral, counseling and other death-related expenses
Speak with a Texas Maritime Collision Lawyer for Free
If you need more information about pursuing a Jones Act claim for financial compensation after a maritime collision, we encourage you to contact our Texas offshore injuries lawyers promptly. To speak with an experienced maritime collision attorney in confidence as soon as possible, call 800-468-4878 or request a free consultation online now.
