Offshore rig work plays a vital role in Houston’s economy, but it comes with serious risks. If you’ve been injured on the job, the financial and personal consequences can be overwhelming: lost income, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.
However, if your injury happened offshore, the Jones Act may be your strongest protection.
Here’s what that means and how it can help.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows certain maritime workers to sue their employers for injuries caused by negligence. It is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and gives you rights that land-based workers do not have under standard workers’ compensation.
Under the Jones Act, offshore workers have the right to sue for damages, rather than only receiving limited medical coverage or partial wage replacement.
Who Qualifies as a Seaman?
Not every offshore worker is covered. The Jones Act applies to seamen, which generally includes workers who:
- Spend at least 30 percent of their time on a vessel in navigation
- Contribute to the mission or function of that vessel
- Are more than just passengers or short-term contractors
Offshore oil rigs, jack-up rigs, and certain floating or mobile platforms may be considered vessels under the law. This classification is important, as it determines whether you can file a claim under the Jones Act or need to use another legal route.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, consult a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What Counts as Negligence?
Negligence under the Jones Act is broader than many realize. Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment. If they fail to do that and someone is injured as a result, even slightly, they may be held responsible.
Examples of negligence include:
- Unsafe or poorly maintained equipment
- Slippery or obstructed walkways
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Understaffing or overworking crews
- Ignoring safety procedures
You do not have to prove that your employer was entirely at fault. Partial negligence is enough to support a claim under the Jones Act.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If you are covered, you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages, both past and future
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning ability
- Compensation for disability or disfigurement
This is significantly more than what standard workers’ compensation usually provides. The Jones Act gives you a real chance to recover what you have lost, both financially and physically.
What If Your Employer Was Not at Fault?
Even if your employer was not negligent, other laws may still protect you. Under the doctrine of unseaworthiness, you can sue the vessel’s owner if the rig or its equipment was not reasonably safe.
You may also qualify for maintenance and cure, which are no-fault benefits that cover basic living costs and medical care during your recovery.
Why Time Matters
Federal maritime laws have strict deadlines. The statute of limitations for Jones Act claims is three years from the date of your injury. But waiting too long can weaken your case. Evidence may disappear. Witnesses may become unavailable. The company may start building its defense.
Speak to an attorney as early as possible, ideally before you talk to an insurance company or sign any paperwork.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
At Parks Law PLLC, we help offshore rig workers in Houston and across the Gulf Coast understand and assert their rights. If you have been injured offshore, we can guide you through every step of a Jones Act claim and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to understand your rights. Contact Parks Law PLLC for a free consultation and a clear path forward.