What Our Clients Say

"You have amazing lawyers."

Offshore Company Lawyer to client of VB Attorneys (Jones Act case)
"Thank you so much for everything."

Roberto G., Injured Deckhand, McAllen, Texas
Robert hired us to help him after he was injured working as a deckhand offshore.
I thank you very much for the very nice local counsel fee for my role in the above matter.....You did a great job for your client.
"I am satisfied with all your advices, all the hours you spent working with us and doing a wonderful and great job." Dennis & Lynette, Killeen, Texas, Tugboat Injury
I enjoyed working with you on this matter, although I think we paid (your client) way too much.

-Defense lawyer in one of Brian's maritime injury cases
I was injured on a vessel and hired Brian Beckcom. I was totally satisfied with the work they did.

Mike Miller,
Houston, Texas Barge Injury
"They really helped me out. I would highly recommend giving Vuk and Beckcom a call." -- Injured Tankerman, Tugboat Accident
Excellent job.

Kevin H., Offshore wireline technician Houston, Texas
I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful job you did and the great service…you changed my life for the better!

Injured Cruise Ship Employee
I enjoyed working with you. I thought you did a superb job for your client.

Defense Lawyer in Maritime Injury CaseHouston, Texas
When we are injured and vulnerable, we must be careful who we turn to for help. I am thankful in my time of need I had Curtis Bickers and his staff on my side.

Brandon H.
I am very grateful with Mr. Brian and his employees and also happy above all with Cindy who speaks 2 languages and help me a lot when I didn't understand something.

J. Ayala
Injured Offshore Welder
Port Arthur, Texas
I, Rosie, thank you, Mr. Curtis, for doing such a wonderful job for me, because without you, it would have never happen.

-Rosie T.
I want to thank my attorney and his secretary for the kindness I was treated with. I want to express my gratitude because they valued my rights without discriminating my race, color, or religion.

Maria G.
I never got a chance to say thank you for the wonderful job you did on my daughter's case. Thanks to your efforts her college education has been taken care of. Thank you again from both of us.

J. Perez
Houston, Texas
I was truly grateful to have Mr. Beckcom on my side and would recommend him to anyone without reservation."

A. Worley, Injured Cruise ship employee
New Mexico
Brian Beckcom did such a fabulous job and I recommend using his firm for your maritime injury case.

J. McKeone, Deckhand
Livingston, Texas
Brian and his staff are courteous and professional.

Steve T.Houston, Texas
Brian and his law firm worked hard on my case. The settlement he got for me will take care of my financial needs for the rest of my life.

Tim M.
Austin, Texas
I would recommend Brian and his law firm to anyone who needed a good injury lawyer, and especially any offshore worker.

Jackie R
Houston, Texas
There are only a small number of attorneys who could handle such a complex case as mine, and Brian was at the top of the list.

Steven S.,
Wales, U.K.
Brian, your book was a real eye-opener. If I had read your book sooner, I would have avoided a lot of costly mistakes.

Captain Jim Vickers
I was hurt on an offshore oil rig. I would highly recommend Brian and his firm to any injured worker.

Freddy N.,
Lufkin, Texas

Disclaimer

We designed this website to provide information to consumers, injured people, and their families. Our goal is to level the playing field between consumers and insurance companies and expose the tricks, traps, and techniques they use to cheat injured people out of their legal rights. We also let consumers know about legal news, including verdicts and settlements and other interesting legal information.

But please understand that nothing on this website is meant to provide legal information about your specific case, create an attorney-client relationship, or imply that the results of your legal case will be the same as some other case.

How Much is Maintenance and Cure?

If you have been injured offshore and are unable to immediately return to work, you may be entitled to compensation, known as maintenance and cure. To qualify, you must be considered a seaman.

Seaman Status
Three factors are considered when determining if an offshore worker is a seaman, and therefore entitled to compensation. An injured offshore worker must prove the following:

1. A relatively permanent connection to a vessel or identifiable group of vessels;

2. The vessels must be "in navigation." (This DOES NOT mean the vessel must be moving.)

3. The injured worker's duties must contribute to the mission or function of the vessel. (This is defined very broadly).

Once it has been determined that you are legally a seaman, you need to show that you have been inured while working on a vessel (or that you have become ill) and that you have not reached the maximum cure, to qualify for benefits.

Maintenance
Maintenance refers to the compensation you receive to pay your living expenses. This amount generally is paid at a rate necessary to cover your basic living expenses. These living expenses may include, a house payment, insurance, food, utilities and mileage to and from your medical provider. Employers often only pay a small daily amount, such as $20 to $30 a day, for maintenance. However, you may be entitled to more money and should consult with a maritime attorney who can help you determine the amount of maintenance you should be receiving.

Cure
Cure is designed to cover your medical expenses. It is the amount needed to pay for your medical treatment, such as physician visits, physical therapy and medications. Your employer is required by law to pay the entire amount of your medical expenses until your condition can not improve any further. There are often disputes between injured seamen and their employers as to when maximum cure is reached. The employer’s doctor may say that the employee has reached this maximum, while the employee’s treating physician disagrees.

Jones Act Claim
If your offshore injury was caused by negligence by the vessel owner, crew, officers or other party, you may be able to file a Jones Act lawsuit that could entitle you to compensation beyond maintenance and cure. After an injury on a vessel, you need to contact an experienced maritime attorney who can explain your legal rights. Call Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. today at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800 for legal consultation regarding your offshore injury case. Also contact us if your employer refuses to pay maintenance and cure.

Private Consultation

Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C
1001 Texas Avenue
Suite 1020
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.224.7800
Fax: 713.224.7801
Toll Free: 888.473.1258
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