Maritime Information
What Our Clients Say
- Dear Mr. Beckcom:
I never got a chance to say thank you for the wonderful job you did on my daughter's case. She will be graduating in June from High School with cum laude status. She will be attending college at U.T. Austin and majoring in Communications. Thanks to your efforts her college education has been taken care of. Thank you again from both of us.
J. Perez
Houston, Texas
- Mr. Beckcom fought diligently on my behalf against my former employer, without a retainer from me.....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 - I hired Brian Beckcom in 2009 for the injury case I had after I was hurt as a deckhand and within 11 months Brian had settled my case. He 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, 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 - 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 - 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
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.
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Maritime Accident News
Our maritime injury lawyers know the importance of staying educated on the Jones Act and compensation laws for seamen and offshore workers. We frequently update our website to contain the latest news on relevant topics for maritime workers. If you have been injured offshore in areas including the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, the Gulf Coast, Galveston Bay, Port of Houston or the Houston Ship Channel, contact us today.Jones Act
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VB law firm hired on another tugboat injury lawsuit against Grifco
Jul 28, 2010
A cook was employed by Grifco to work aboard the tugboat "Natalie Alexander." Due to a defect on the tug, the cook feel down a stairway from the second deck to the first deck. She struck many parts of her body, including her head, and she lost consciousness. The cook has been diagnosed with a head injury, as well as various orthopedic injuries for which she is receiving medical treatment.
This tugboat injury happened off the coast of Louisiana. The cook is from Louisiana.
The cook hired Jones Act Lawyer Vuk Vujasinovic to file a Jones Act lawsuit on her behalf. The lawsuit was filed in Harris County, Texas, and it asserts claims for maintenance and cure, negligence, and unseaworthiness.
This is the second recent tugboat injury lawsuit filed by our law firm against Grifco based on a serious injury occurring on the company's tug boat "Natalie Alexander." The other Grifco tugboat injury case involved defective equipment that smashed in to the face of a tankerman.
This tug injury lawsuit remains pending. - 1 - 10 -
OSG's New Waiver & Its Impact on Maritime Workers' Rights
Jun 24, 2010If you are a maritime worker then you are aware of the fact that you are at risk of being injured in an accident. Understand that if you are injured as a result of a maritime accident that your employer may not be on your side. Their goal is to protect themselves.
For instance, the tanker company OSG is requiring one of their employees to forgo his rights to file a Jones Act or unseaworthiness claim if he elects to participate in the company’s “Salary Continuation Plan.”
The waiver requires the employee to cooperate with OSG while obtaining medical care. They will be calling the shots. Again, the problem is that companies generally have their best interests in mind. This could pose a serious problem for the worker whose number one concern is getting proper treatment.
Also, the waiver requires the employee to give up his right to sue OSG for damages, if he participates in the company’s “Salary Continuation Plan,” unless the release is cancelled according to the conditions contained in the waiver.
Keep in mind that these waivers are prepared by knowledgeable attorneys retained by the company. You should never sign a waiver or a release without consulting your own maritime attorney first. Your future could depend on it.
If you or someone you know has been injured while working on a tanker, you should contact one of our experienced maritime lawyers at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800.
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More About Jones Act Suit Filed Against Marquette
Mar 09, 2010A Louisiana seaman has filed a Jones Act suit against Marquette Transportation Co. Gulf-Inland. The Seaman claims that he was injured on board a vessel operated by the company.
According to Timothy J. Rogers, he suffered injuries while working on board the Mary Kay, which is operated by Marquette Transportation Co. Gulf-Inland. The seaman filed the lawsuit on February 19, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court.
While working on the Mary Kay, Rogers claims that he sustained injuries to his back and body. However, Rogers has not specified how the injuries occurred.
He has also cited that the Mary Kay was unseaworthy and has blamed Marquette for negligence, resulting in his injuries.
Rogers has made claim that he has incurred medical costs and loss of wages. He has also indicated that he has suffered physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment and physical disfigurement as a result of his injuries sustained on board the Mary Kay.
Johnson is seeking a judgment that will include more than the minimum jurisdictional limits of the courts as well as pre-judgment interest and post-judgment interest. He is also seeking attorney’s fees and other relief that the court sees fit.
The Jefferson County District Court number is: D186-080. Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, will be presiding over the case.
An accident aboard a ship can be catastrophic and lead to serious complication. We wish Mr. Rogers a speedy recovery. - 3 - 10 -
Houston Tugboat Accident Leaves One Man Dead
Feb 19, 2010A tugboat accident leaves one man dead after the tug sinks to the bottom of the Houston Ship Channel. The incident took place on Wednesday evening, February 17, 2010.
There were five seafarers onboard when the tug sank. According to the Coast Guard, workers from a nearby refinery site were able to rescue four of the victims. However, they were unable to locate the fifth seafarer. TNT salvage divers recovered the man's body the following afternoon. Officials have not released the man’s identity.
The 56-foot tug J.R. Nichols sank in the Houston Ship Channel near the Sims Turning Basin and shut down approximately four miles of the ship channel. The J.R. Nichols was carrying approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel at the time of the sinking. Approximately 1,000 gallons of that spilled into the ship channel.
The Houston tugboat accident is still under investigation by officials. It has not been determined what caused the tugboat to sink. The Coast Guard indicated that the cause would not be able to be determined until the tugboat has been raised.
This is a tragic and unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all of those that have been affected by this terrible accident. - 4 - 10 -
Jones Act Suit to be Settled in Sledge Hammer Incident
Feb 03, 2010A Jones Act lawsuit involving a seaman that was struck on the head while at work is expected to be settled before the case goes to trial.
According to the Southeast Texas Record, Nicky Hutson, a Mississippi seaman, filed a lawsuit against his employer after a fellow shipmate struck him on the head with a sledgehammer. Hutson claimed that his employer, Rowan Companies, negligently failed to properly supervise its employees.
The trial is expected to commence on February 8, 2010. However, the parties contacted the presiding Jefferson County Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District, and reported that both parties have reached a tentative settlement. Details concerning the potential settlement were not made available.
According to court papers, the incident in question took place on May 23, 2007, while Hutson was working aboard the vessel Bob Palmer, located in Sabine Pass.
“Hutson experienced an accident which resulted in serious painful injuries to his head and other parts of his body while employed by Rowan and while being supervised by Rowan,” the lawsuit states. “Specifically, another employee struck Hutson on the head with a sledge hammer causing him to sustain a closed head injury.”
Hutson, who is represented by Kurt Arnold, a partner in the Arnold & Itkin law firm, issued a complaint that cited that Rowan failed to provide proper crew supervision and adequate safety equipment. - 5 - 10 -
Jones Act Suit Filed by Jefferson County Man
Oct 22, 2009A Jones Act lawsuit has been filed by a Jefferson County man against his employer. The Texas man claims that his employer failed to provide a safe place to work resulting in career-ending injuries.
The incident reportedly took place on September 1, 2009 onboard a ship operated by defendant Hercules Offshore. Ayala was employed by defendant Global Industries Offshore at the time he suffered the severe and debilitating injuries.
Ayala filed his complaint on October 5, 2009 in Jefferson County District Court, which has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.
The Jones Act suit claims that the companies failed to provide a seaworthy vessel. It also claims that the defendants failed to provide proper supervision onboard the vessel at the time of the incident.
According to the plaintiff’s complaint, he has suffered pain, mental anguish and a loss of earnings due to the injury as well as incurred medical expenses.
The complaint also cites that the companies failed to pay for his maintenance and cure. The Jefferson County man is seeking exemplary and punitive damages as well as costs, legal fees and other relief to which he may be entitled.
Ayala has retained Attorney Brian Beckcom from our law firm. - 6 - 10 -
Federal Courts Rule that Sunken Vessel was Seaworthy
Sep 27, 2009A federal jury in Portland, Maine, ruled that the fishing vessel that sank on July 13, 2005, was seaworthy.
Fisherman Gary Thorbjornson, 42, of Port Clyde, died when the fishing boat he was on, The Sirius, capsized. The boat accident took place approximately 60 miles off the coast of Rockland. The boat’s crew included Thorbjornson’s son, Garrett, 17, and crewman David Wilgus, 19.
The Sirius was headed home after being loaded with approximately 10,000 pounds of groundfish when it began to take on water. “Leaky vessel’s pumps just couldn’t keep up,” a family member said.
Thorbjornson was fetching survival suits from below when the boat capsized. All three men were thrown into the sea. Garrett Thorbjornson and Wilgus survived the accident by locating a life raft and sharing one survival suit. They were eventually rescued by the Irene & Alton.
The trial, which lasted three days, resulted in a federal jury finding for the owners and ruling that the Sirius was seaworthy.
Garrett Thorbjornson and Wilgus filed a civil suit for personal injuries under the Jones Act and the general maritime law of unseaworthiness against the F/V Sirius Inc. in the Maine District of the U.S. District Court. Tammy Thorbjornson, Thorbjornson’s widow, also filed a civil suit against the owners of the ill-fated boat.
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Seaman Sues Employer for Fall Accident on Barge
Aug 04, 2009A Jones Act lawsuit has been filed against Cal Dive Offshore Contractors by an injured seaman. Timothy David Jones, a Nederland resident, claims that he sustained serious and permanent injuries from a fall accident on a barge while working for Cal Dive.
The complaint was filed by Jones on July 22 in the Beaumont Division of the Eastern District of Texas. Jones was employed as a seaman and was doing work as an oiler and mechanic on board the barge owned by Cal Dive, when the slip and fall incident occurred.
The accident in question took place on November 7, 2008 as Jones climbed a ladder to access a diesel generator on the barge. He slipped and fell when the vessel was tossed by choppy seas. Jones tried to catch himself, but instead he claims he sustained serious and permanent injuries.
The plaintiff is seeking compensation for maintenance and cure, attorneys’ fees, medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical impairment, loss of consortium and damages for pain and mental anguish.
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Justices Rule that Injured Seaman Entitled to Punitive Damages
Jul 24, 2009The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right of an injured seaman to recover punitive damages when an employer refuses to pay for medical care and other related expenses.
The case was based on the Jones Act, along with Miles v. Apex Marine Corp, that strictly defined the damages seamen can obtain when suing an employer for maintenance and cure, which provides compensation for medical care and living expenses during a sailor’s recovery.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority stating that punitive damages have generally been available and awarded in general maritime actions, which also includes some actions involving maintenance and cure. He wrote that “we find that nothing in Miles or the Jones Act eliminates that availability.”
Thomas went on to write that “American courts have…permitted punitive damages awards in appropriate cases since at least 1784.”
Edgar L. Townsend was a crewmember on a motor tug, when he fell on the boat’s steel deck and injured his shoulder and arm. The vessel owner, Atlantic Sounding, would not pay for the injured crewmember’s maintenance and cure. As a result, Townsend sued Atlantic Sounding for negligence and its failure to pay maintenance and cure and wrongful termination under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
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Injured Seaman Files Jones Act Lawsuit After Falling on Knife
Jul 15, 2009A Harris County seaman claims that he was seriously injured on July 2, 2006 while fixing a meal. He is suing three Louisiana-based companies and a jack-up rig in Galveston County District Court.
In his Jones Act lawsuit, Michael Robinson alleges that during his meal break, he fell in the galley of the M/V Nicole Eymard. He attributes his accident to the mobile platform in rem, Coastal Catering LLC, Offshore Marine Contractors Inc. and Offshore Marine Inc.
His original petition states that the defendants owed him a duty to furnish a safe place to work and a seaworthy vessel. Due to the unseaworthiness of the vessel, he was injured and sustained damages, according to the petition.
Robinson apparently tripped on a 1/8 inch thick mat just as he prepared his meal. At the time of his fall, he was holding a knife. As a result, he injured his abdominal area. The seaman is adamant that he did nothing to cause the accident and was conducting himself as a reasonable or prudent person would.
He is seeking damages for pain and suffering, impairment and limitation of activities, disfigurement, medical expenses, mental anguish and losses of wages and household services.
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