Are You an Injured Deckhand? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Rights

Work isn’t easy when you are a deckhand. You are at constant risk of a serious injury, as you contend with a tough work environment. If rough seas and unpredictable weather weren’t enough to deal with on a daily basis, you are also faced with long hours and slippery decks. It is no wonder that deckhands are injured regularly.

If you have been hurt while working on a deck of a tug, barge, fishing boat or other vessel, you need to be aware of your rights under the law. For the most part, deckhands are considered seamen and are therefore protected under a federal law known as the Jones Act.

Here are some of the key aspects of the Jones Act that you need to understand:

• You could be entitled to compensation known as maintenance and cure. This compensation is designed for seamen who are injured on the job. It is supposed to cover medical treatment and daily living expenses.
• You may be able to file a lawsuit against the vessel owner. As a Jones Act seaman, you can pursue damages if negligence or an unseaworthy vessel caused your maritime accident. Damages could include lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, disfigurement and other costs associated with your maritime injuries.

What Should You Do?

Keep in mind that the vessel owner and their insurance company will not make it easy for you. You may be pressured to give a recorded statement or sign papers to settle your claim. Doing either of these activities could hurt your claim.

The best thing for you to do following an offshore accident is to contact an experienced Houston maritime attorney. A lawyer will be able to review your case and discuss your options. He or she will also be looking out for your best interests and will work hard to ensure that you are fairly compensated.

For more information regarding your legal rights, contact us today at 877.724.7800. 

Be sure to order a FREE copy of maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom’s book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. It has information you need to read, as an injured deckhand.