Boating Accident Attorney

in Houston, Texas

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.

How Offshore Accidents Occur

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:

• Cathead slips
• Falling objects
• Cables snapping
• Dangerous grating
• Negligent equipment operation

Types of Offshore Accidents

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.

Seaman Qualifications

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:

1. Assignment to a "vessel" that operates on a navigable waterway
2. Their responsibilities must contribute to the vessel's operations
3. Their contribution must have occurred over a prolonged time period and been significant

Vessel 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.