Whether on land or sea, Texas employers are tasked with maintaining a safe work environment and following federal safety guidelines. For employers operating at sea, the Jones Act is the primary set of guidelines governing how employers operate, along with the rights of employees. Working offshore, or on a seagoing vessel, has unique dangers of which Jones Act attorneys in Houston are well aware.
Citing the Jones Act and general negligence laws, a seaman recently filed a lawsuit in Texas stemming from injuries he sustained in a fall while working on a barge in 2014. The lawsuit filed in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas alleges that the employer ordered the seaman to operate a valve that was defective. After struggling with the valve, the seaman slipped on a leaked substance and fell, injuring his back. The lawsuit claims that the vessel was not seaworthy, that the employer failed to provide a safe working environment, including placement of non-skid coatings and a failure to provide employees with appropriate tools and equipment.
Jones Act Attorneys in Houston can Help Make Sense of Dire Circumstances
Before the Jones Act was created, seamen were quite limited in their ability to seek recovery after an on-the-job injury. Because maritime injuries are so often devastating, it has become increasingly more important for the rights of seamen to be protected. Injuries sustained in the workplace can be devastating, regardless of the industry. Coupled with the complex nature of the Jones Act and maritime laws, seeking recovery for injuries and losses sustained offshore can be particularly daunting.
For the seaman referenced herein, the injuries sustained have prevented him from securing other employment, thus damaging his finances and relationships. Under the Jones Act, seamen experiencing a similar situation may be able to file a lawsuit in pursuit of damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages.
If you or someone you love has been injured while working offshore or on a vessel, contact the Jones Act attorneys in Houston who can work to protect your rights and get you the results you need. Contact our skilled attorneys to schedule a free consultation of your maritime injury case. Follow our link to learn more about Jones Act lawyers .
Sources:
http://setexasrecord.com/stories/510632460-seaman-avers-spinal-injury-in-valve-struggle