Injured working at sea? You may have a Jones Act claim.
If you’re a seaman who was injured while working on a vessel, you
may be entitled to powerful protections under the Jones Act. This
federal law gives injured maritime workers the right to sue their
employer for negligence and recover damages beyond workers’
compensation.
At Leatherwood Law, we represent deckhands, engineers, captains,
commercial fishermen, and other maritime workers injured aboard
ships, barges, offshore vessels, and rigs. Based in Houston, we
fight for seamen across the Gulf Coast and handle complex claims
involving
offshore platform accidents
and
longshore and harbor injuries .
Jones Act claims require proving that your employer’s
negligence—even if slight—contributed to your injury. These cases
demand deep knowledge of maritime law, vessel operation standards,
and federal legal procedures. We have the experience to help.
Don’t accept a lowball settlement or feel pressured into silence.
You have rights—and we’re here to enforce them.
Maritime Law Focus: We understand seamen’s rights
under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
Houston-Gulf Coast Representation: We’ve represented
injured workers from Port of Houston to offshore rigs and deep-sea
vessels.
Contingency-Based Fees: You pay nothing unless we
win your case.
Aggressive Investigation: We gather ship logs, maintenance
records, witness statements, and more to prove employer negligence.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured Working at Sea
Report the injury immediately – Notify your supervisor
or vessel captain and request a written report.
Get medical care – Ask for medical evacuation if
needed. Don’t delay treatment.
Document the conditions – Take photos of the worksite
and gather contact info of any witnesses.
Contact Leatherwood Law – Before you sign any statements
or accept employer assistance.
Jones Act FAQs
What is the Jones Act and how does it protect injured maritime workers in Texas?
The Jones Act is a federal maritime law that allows injured seamen—including those working offshore near Houston or in the Gulf of Mexico—to sue their employer for negligence. If you're hurt on a vessel due to unsafe conditions, lack of training, or equipment failure, the Jones Act gives you the legal right to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Leatherwood Law is a Houston-based maritime injury law firm dedicated to helping seamen across Texas pursue maximum recovery.
Who qualifies as a “seaman” under the Jones Act?
To be covered under the Jones Act, a worker must spend at least 30% of their time on a vessel in navigable waters. This includes offshore oil rig workers, tugboat deckhands, engineers, commercial fishermen, and others working on ships, barges, or drilling vessels. Leatherwood Law helps Gulf Coast workers establish eligibility and assert their rights under federal maritime law.
What types of compensation can I recover in a Jones Act claim?
Injured maritime workers in Texas may recover: Current and future medical expenses, Lost income and future earning potential, Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, Vocational rehabilitation, and Maintenance and cure during recovery. Leatherwood Law aggressively pursues every form of compensation allowed under the Jones Act for seamen based out of Houston and nearby ports.
How does a Jones Act claim differ from Texas workers' compensation?
The Jones Act is distinct from standard workers’ compensation. Instead of automatic benefits, you must prove employer negligence—but you can recover significantly more, including damages for pain and suffering. Leatherwood Law is experienced in handling complex maritime cases where proving liability is key to a successful outcome.
Can I file a Jones Act claim if I was injured offshore or in international waters?
Yes. Many accidents that occur outside U.S. territorial waters still qualify under the Jones Act, especially if you were working on a U.S.-owned vessel or your employment is connected to Houston or another U.S. port. We help offshore workers throughout the Gulf Coast understand how jurisdiction applies to their case.
What qualifies as employer negligence under the Jones Act?
Examples include: Failure to maintain safe equipment, Poor training or supervision, Hazardous working conditions, Unsafe orders or reckless conduct. Even small acts of carelessness can establish liability under the Jones Act. Leatherwood Law conducts thorough investigations to hold employers fully accountable.
What is an “unseaworthy” vessel, and how does it impact my case?
If your injury was caused by a vessel that was unsafe or poorly equipped, you may have a claim for unseaworthiness under general maritime law in addition to your Jones Act rights. Leatherwood Law evaluates both negligence and unseaworthiness to strengthen your case and maximize compensation.
How long do I have to file a Jones Act lawsuit in Texas?
You generally have three years from the date of injury to file a claim. However, it's essential to act quickly—early investigation helps preserve evidence and witness testimony. Contact Leatherwood Law in Houston as soon as possible to get your claim started.
Can I sue my employer directly under the Jones Act in Texas courts?
Yes. Injured seamen can sue their employers in either federal or Texas state courts under the Jones Act. This provides a legal advantage not available in regular workers’ compensation claims. Leatherwood Law has successfully represented injured maritime workers in both jurisdictions across Texas.
Why should I hire a Houston-based Jones Act attorney?
Houston is one of the busiest maritime and offshore energy hubs in the country. Leatherwood Law knows the local courts, maritime employers, and legal strategies needed to win Jones Act cases across Texas. Our firm brings extensive experience and a track record of success fighting for the rights of injured offshore workers.
Talk to a Houston Jones Act Lawyer Today
If you were injured while working on a vessel, don’t let your
employer downplay your injuries or deny your rights. Contact
Leatherwood Law today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your
options under the Jones Act and help you get the compensation you
deserve.
