Hurt while working at sea? Leatherwood Law protects injured seamen
under federal maritime law.
Life at sea is dangerous. Whether you work on a cargo ship,
tanker, tugboat, or offshore vessel, seamen face constant
risks—heavy equipment, rough weather, long hours, and unsafe
conditions. When injuries happen, you’re not covered by
traditional workers' comp. You’re protected under the **Jones
Act** and **general maritime law**.
At Leatherwood Law, we fight for injured seamen across the Gulf
Coast. From Port of Houston to Galveston and offshore rigs, we
help you recover medical care, lost wages, and full compensation
when your employer’s negligence caused your injury.
If your vessel was unseaworthy or your employer failed to provide
a safe working environment, you have a right to sue under the
Jones Act. Don’t rely on the company’s doctor or insurance
adjuster—we’re here to advocate for you.
We represent deckhands, engineers, mates, stewards, rig workers,
and other crewmembers injured on navigable waters or offshore.
You’ve served at sea. Now let us serve you.
Focused on Maritime Injury: We know how to prove
unseaworthiness, employer negligence, and vessel hazards.
Gulf Coast Representation: From Houston to the Gulf,
we fight for injured maritime workers and their families.
Results-Driven: You don’t pay us unless we win or
settle your case.
Respected Advocacy: We dig deep into vessel logs,
maintenance records, crew statements, and employer conduct.
What to Do If You’re Injured as a Seaman
Report the injury – Notify your supervisor or captain
and get it documented.
Get medical help – Seek treatment onboard or evacuate
if necessary. Keep all records.
Don’t sign anything – Don’t let your employer pressure
you into signing statements or accepting a quick payout.
Call Leatherwood Law – We’ll review your case and
help you take the right legal steps.
Seaman Injury FAQs
What is the Jones Act, and how does it protect injured seamen in Texas?
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence. If you work in the Houston maritime industry—whether on the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of Houston, or offshore oil rigs—and suffer an injury caused by unsafe conditions or inadequate training, the Jones Act gives you the right to pursue compensation. At Leatherwood Law, we help seamen across the Texas Gulf Coast recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Am I considered a “seaman” under the Jones Act?
You may be considered a Jones Act seaman if: You spend at least 30% of your work time onboard a vessel in navigable waters, and Your work contributes to the mission or operation of that vessel. Tugboat workers, deckhands, offshore rig crew, and engineers in Houston's busy waterways or Gulf platforms often qualify. Leatherwood Law helps seamen across Texas determine their eligibility and file accurate maritime claims.
What steps should I take after a maritime injury near Houston?
1. Seek medical care immediately—your health comes first. 2. Report the incident to your supervisor or company contact. 3. Document everything: injuries, unsafe conditions, witnesses. 4. Contact Leatherwood Law before speaking with insurance or company reps. We help injured seamen preserve vital evidence and file timely claims throughout Houston and surrounding ports.
How long do I have to file a seaman injury claim in Texas?
You generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a claim under the Jones Act. However, if other maritime statutes or third-party liability apply, deadlines may vary. Our legal team in Houston can evaluate your case and ensure no important dates are missed.
What is “maintenance and cure,” and do I qualify for it in Texas?
Yes. If you're injured while working offshore or at sea, your employer must provide: Maintenance – daily living expenses (e.g., rent, food), and Cure – full coverage of medical treatment. Leatherwood Law routinely helps clients throughout the Port of Houston region enforce their right to maintenance and cure, even when employers attempt to underpay or deny coverage.
What damages are available in a Jones Act or seaman injury lawsuit?
Depending on the case, you may recover: Medical expenses (past and future), Lost income and future earning ability, Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, Disfigurement or permanent disability, Mental anguish and loss of life enjoyment, and Vocational retraining. We fight for full compensation—backed by a deep understanding of Texas maritime law and federal Jones Act standards.
What makes Leatherwood Law different for Houston maritime workers?
We’re not just maritime lawyers—we’re Houston-based maritime lawyers. Leatherwood Law has extensive experience representing offshore workers, oil rig crew, and harbor workers from Galveston to Port Arthur and beyond. We know how maritime companies operate, and we tailor every claim to maximize your legal leverage under federal and state law.
Talk to a Houston Seaman Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured while working at sea, don’t face your
employer alone. Contact Leatherwood Law for a free consultation.
We’ll help you understand your rights under the Jones Act and
maritime law—and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
