David W. Hodges and Galvin B. Kennedy have both been named Texas Super Lawyers by Texas Monthly Magazine and selected as among Houston's Top Lawyers by H Texas Magazine.
H Texas Magazine has also named them as Professionals on the Fast Track.
Working environments for oil and gas employees are hazardous. Injuries run rampant both on and off the vessel, which is why the Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was enacted. Under its legislation, federal law provides protection for seamen from offshore accidents. If you have been injured while on a rig or while being transported to the rig, you may be entitled to compensation.
As the population continues booming, the oil and gas industry increasingly puts its employees in compromising work environments in order to maximize their profits. Considering offshore work environments are hazardous to begin with, as a greater number of employees operate within the same limited space, the likelihood of personal injury increases. Common offshore accidents include:
The circumstances of an offshore accident dictate the type of lawsuit you may be entitled to file. For those injured on one of Texas' many offshore rigs, federal maritime law or Texas' personal injury law may allow you to collect compensation for your damages.
Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, fixed platforms are recognized as an island of Texas. Consequently, employees who have sustained an injury on a fixed platform may be entitled to file a Workers' Compensation lawsuit.
While the Jones Act protects the right of offshore workers, they must be recognized as a seaman. In order for maritime workers to qualify for seaman status, they must meet three qualifications:
Thanks to a Supreme Court decision, the Jones Act has recently been updated to include floating dormitories and other non-self-propelled vessels; offshore drilling units and other special-purpose vessels; and modern vessels, such as cruise ships, tugboats and barges.
Offshore accident laws are complicated and require the expertise of an offshore accident attorney. At Kennedy Hodges, L.L.P., we have the resources and staff to handle offshore accident victims throughout Houston and greater Texas. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury while working offshore, please contact our Houston, Texas offshore accident attorneys today to schedule your free consultation.
Kennedy Hodges, L.L.P.
3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77098
713-523-0001 (phone)
713-523-1116 (fax)
877-342-2020 (toll free)
* David W. Hodges and Galvin B. Kennedy are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
This site has been posted by the personal injury lawyers at Kennedy Hodges LLP. To speak with an accident attorney in Houston, please contact us today for a free consultation. No information on this site about should be construed as formal legal advice.
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