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What Our Clients Say

I hired Brian after I was hurt on an offshore oil platform. 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
Brian and his staff are courteous and professional, and they work diligently to make sure the client transitions through the process as easily and comfortably as possible.

Your sincere and satisfied client,

Steve T.

Houston, Texas
I was hurt on a boat offshore. 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. If you are
looking for someone to take your interests at heart Brian and his law
firm can give you the attention your case deserves.

Tim M.

Austin,
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. His response time is unsurpassed, replying within minutes to my initial enquiry. He has an instinctive understanding of the legal issues, and consummate people skills, an essential attribute in the negotiation phase of any litigation. Thanks to Brian the case was settled favorably within a year.

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 was unable to work or get proper medical care from the company. I was referred to Brian by another law firm because that firm knew Brian specialized in Jones Act cases. Brian settled my case in less than 12 months. The settlement will enable me to take care of my family financially for a long time. I would highly recommend Brian and his firm to any injured worker.

Freddy N.,

Lufkin, Texas

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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.

What to expect in a Jones Act injury case

I was injured at sea. How do I file a Jones Act lawsuit?
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\nWe appreciate this question and get it a lot.
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\n1. Hire an experienced Jones Act lawyer
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\nThe first thing you should do is interview some experienced Jones Act lawyers and find a lawyer, and a law firm, that you are comfortable with. Most lawyers don't do Jones Act work and haven't handled many (or any) Jones Act cases. You should consider interviewing lawyers until you find one you are sure has the experience and resources to handle your case properly.
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\n2. Gather all documentation you have about your case
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\nYou should gather all the medical information, the accident report, and correspondence from the company, any pictures of your or the accident, and anything else that may have any bearing on your case. You should also make a list of witnesses that can tell the jury or judge what happened.
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\nAll of this information may be important to your case.
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\n3. Make sure you are getting proper medical care
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\nActually, this is probably the most important part of your case, not only from a legal standpoint, but also from a personal and medical standpoint. You are not required to go to company doctors. You can select doctors with whom you are comfortable. An experienced Jones Act lawyer can help you with this process.
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\n4. Do not give any written or recorded statements until you've spoken with a good lawyer.
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\nYou aren't required to give written or recorded statements to company representatives or the insurance company (although you should try to comply with the company accident reporting procedures and make sure you report the accident).
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\nSometimes, if you give a recorded statement without the assistance and advice of your own lawyer, the company representatives or insurance people may trick you into saying something that hurts your case.
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\n5. Prepare yourself for a fight.
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\nIn most Jones Act cases, the company will not just pay you a fair and reasonable settlement immediately. Your lawyer will need to gather all the evidence, including medical records and bills, file your lawsuit, and maybe take sworn "depositions" from appropriate witnesses. In some cases, you will need an expert witness (or even more than one) to help evaluate the responsibility issues as well as your medical treatment and bills and lost wages.
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\nThis takes time and it takes a lawyer willing to fight for you.
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\nTo schedule an appointment to learn more about your offshore injury case, you can contact Mr. Beckcom toll free at 877.724.7800. There is no cost for an initial consultation, and no obligation to move forward with a case.
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\nYou can also visit the firm's maritime news website, www.themaritimelawyer.com, to learn more about the Jones Act and maritime law.
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\nWe also invite you to review the to learn more about the firm, the experience of the lawyers at the firm, and past case results (Each case has its own facts and circumstances. Past results are no indication of the value or results for your case or any other case.)
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\nFeel free to visit our firm's main website at www.vbattorneys.com
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\nAbout the author
\nBrian Beckcom is a founding partner of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Beckcom handles Jones Act and maritime injury and death cases, as well as all types of significant personal injury and wrongful death matters, insurance disputes, and business disputes.
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\nMr. Beckcom is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.