1-800-MARITIME (1-800-627-4846)
An injured crew member who works on a ship, tanker or freighter has legal rights under General Maritime Law. The Willis Law Firm, located in Houston, TX, has helped hundreds of maritime workers receive large monetary settlements for their injuries. The maritime attorneys at the Willis Law Firm will review your case for free and will keep the consultation confidential. Call 1-800-MARITIME 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ship, Tanker & Freighter Crews Injuries

Working on the ocean brings a different set of dangers than a job on land.  Unpredictable weather, rough sea conditions and the vessel itself can result in a perilous work environment for the crew.   Federal laws exist to protect the maritime worker.  If you are a crew member and have been injured on a ship, tanker or freighter, you have legal rights.

If you choose to file a lawsuit against your employer or vessel owner, they will have an attorney on their side to make sure that you receive the lowest settlement possible.  They know that you stand to receive a large sum of money if you win your case, which is why you need to have someone looking out for your best interests and ensuring that you get the maximum amount of money you deserve.

Contact the Willis Law Firm at 1-800-MARITIME immediately after an accident to find out your rights under General Maritime Law.

Crew Members’ Legal Rights
The Jones Act protects crew members who work on ships, tankers and freighters.  The law provides that anyone who works on a vessel or fleet of vessels, also known as a seaman, is entitled to compensation if an injury occurred because of negligence on behalf of the employer, co-workers, operators or other third party.  If an injury was caused because of unseaworthiness of the vessel, a maritime worker also has the ability to bring a lawsuit against the vessel’s owner.  An unseaworthy vessel does not mean that it is going to sink; unseaworthiness can refer to a vessel that had unsafe working or living conditions.  

Dangerous weather conditions, assault, defective equipment, chemical exposure, fire and wet surfaces are among the many causes of crew members’ accidents.  Even if you are not sure if negligence or unseaworthiness played a factor in your injury, you should contact an experienced admiralty lawyer who can review your case.  

A successful Jones Act lawsuit could entitle you to a substantial monetary settlement.  However, there are deadlines as to when you can file a claim, so do not wait to take action following an accident.  It is very hard to recover compensation and damages if you miss these deadlines.

General Maritime Law, including the Jones Act, is very complex and requires the expertise of a maritime attorney.  David Willis has been practicing admiralty law for over 25 years and will work with you to determine if you have a case.  He has helped hundreds of crew members win their Jones Act lawsuits.  The consultation is free and confidential.

Remedies for Crew Members
If you have been injured, you will be able to receive maintenance and cure without having to prove fault.  Maintenance refers to the amount of money needed to have the same accommodations off the vessel as you had while on board, such as food and shelter.  An injured maritime worker will usually receive anywhere from $10 to $35 a day for maintenance.  Cure is the amount of money necessary to cover your medical expenses.  However, as soon as you reach maximum medical improvement, this money stops coming.  That means if your injury is permanent, or if you are unable to return to work in the same manner, you may not get any further compensation.

Your rights under the Jones Act allow you to file a claim against the negligent party or vessel owner, in addition to receiving maintenance and cure.   As an injured crew member, you can sue for lost wages, both past and present if the condition is permanent, medical expenses and damages for pain, suffering and mental anguish.  

After an accident, it is important to understand that you do not have to complete your shift or see the company doctor.  You can choose who you want to provide your medical care.  Keep records of all of your medical treatment and contact witnesses of your accident.  Your admiralty attorney at the Willis Law Firm will review all the documentation and facts of your claim to build a strong case against your employer and/or vessel owner.

The Willis Law Firm gives straightforward and honest advice to maritime workers.  They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call 1-800-MARITIME to talk with an experienced maritime lawyer.

Library for Ship, Tanker & Freighter Crews Injuries:

  • Cruise Ship Injuries   
    Description: Cruise ship employees are generally covered under the Jones Act. The Willis Law Firm discusses the rights of injured cruise ship employees in this article. Contact 1-800-MARITIME for free legal advice regarding your cruise ship injury.
  • Crew Member Assaults   
    Description: Assault that occurs while working on a ship or other vessel can be traumatic. This article discusses the legal rights of crew members who have been assaulted. Contact us at 1-800-MARITIME if you have been injured from an assault, for a free and confidential consultation.

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Willis Law Firm
1221 McKinney Street
Suite 3333
Houston, TX 77010

Toll Free: 1-800-MARITIME