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.
Find Answers to Your Question By Searching Here
Jones Act Injury Information - Protect Your Legal Rights
The Jones Act is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, a federal law passed by the United States Congress. The Merchant Marine Act regulates maritime activity in the United States and in U.S. ports.
The Jones Act was first adopted in 1920 and re-codified on October 6, 2006.
Part of the Jones Act deals with seaman's rights after a maritime injury. Before the Jones Act was passed, seaman's rights were a matter of Admiralty law, decided by the Courts. Seaman's rights had been recognized for centuries but were not part of the United States Code.
The Jones Act allows injured "seaman" to bring a legal claim for damages against the shipowner, captain, and crewmembers for negligence or unseaworthiness. Injured seamen can also bring a claim for maintenance and cure. If the employer wrongfully denies maintenance and cure, the injures seaman can bring a claim for punitive damages.
The Jones Act is an extension or addition to the Federal Employee's Liability Act, a law passed by the U.S. Congress to protect injured railroad workers.
The Jones Act only applies to "seamen" injured in the course of their employment. In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court in Chandris, Inc. v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347 (1995) set forth the standard test for determining whether a maritime employee qualified as a Jones Act seaman.
Essentially, any worker who spends less than 30% of his or her time on a vessel in navigable waters is presumed not to be a seaman.
However, this is just a Rule of Thumb. You may be a Jones Act seaman if you spent less than 30% of your time on a vessel, and conversely, you may NOT be a Jones Act seaman if you spent more than 30% of your time on a vessel. An experienced maritime injury attorney can analyze the facts of your case and determine if you are a Jones Act seaman or not.
Any injured worker who qualifies under the Jones Act is entitled to bring his or her case in state or federal court and is entitled to a jury trial.
Seaman are entitled to many benefits under the Jones Act. Here are some benefits:
Maintenance and Cure
Unearned Wages
Lost Wages, Past and Future
Damages for Personal Injury Including Pain and Suffering, Disfigurement, Impairment, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life (If the company was neligent).
Determining how much money your Jones Act case is worth is a complicated question. The value of your case will be determined by many factors, including whether the company was negligent, whether the boat was unseaworthy, whether the company is paying your maintenance and cure benefits, how badly you are injured, your lost wages, and whether you will be able to work again.
Read this article to get more information: Settlement Values for Jones Act Cases
Click Here if you want to read the full text of the Jones Act Act.
However, the Jones Act has been interpreted by the Courts for many different types of cases, injuries, and accidents, so simply reading the Jones Act is not likely to give you enough information to evaluate your case.
Contrary to popular belief, you may not need an attorney for your Jones Act injury case. If your case involves minor injuries, you may not even need an attorney.
Read this article to find out more about whether you need an attorney:
Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Attorney For Your Jones Act Case
Also, although it seems relatively rare, if the company is treating you well after an injury, you may not need a Jones Act attorney immediately.
Be careful with this situation, though. Sometimes the company may be treating you well but actually working "behind the scenes" to minimize your case, blame you for the accident, or even eliminate completely your legal rights under the Jones Act.
I've developed a "tool" for injured Jones Act and maritime workers that will help you determine if the company is really concerned about your future or whether, instead, they are trying to trick you or mimimize your case.
It's called "Protect Your Future." It's FREE for injured Jones Act seamen and maritime workers.
Give me a call toll free at 877.724.7800 if you want a copy delivered to you immediately.
The Jones Act was first adopted in 1920 and re-codified on October 6, 2006.
Part of the Jones Act deals with seaman's rights after a maritime injury. Before the Jones Act was passed, seaman's rights were a matter of Admiralty law, decided by the Courts. Seaman's rights had been recognized for centuries but were not part of the United States Code.
Who Can Bring A Case Under The Jones Act?
The Jones Act allows injured "seaman" to bring a legal claim for damages against the shipowner, captain, and crewmembers for negligence or unseaworthiness. Injured seamen can also bring a claim for maintenance and cure. If the employer wrongfully denies maintenance and cure, the injures seaman can bring a claim for punitive damages.
The Jones Act is an extension or addition to the Federal Employee's Liability Act, a law passed by the U.S. Congress to protect injured railroad workers.
The Jones Act only applies to "seamen" injured in the course of their employment. In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court in Chandris, Inc. v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347 (1995) set forth the standard test for determining whether a maritime employee qualified as a Jones Act seaman.
Essentially, any worker who spends less than 30% of his or her time on a vessel in navigable waters is presumed not to be a seaman.
However, this is just a Rule of Thumb. You may be a Jones Act seaman if you spent less than 30% of your time on a vessel, and conversely, you may NOT be a Jones Act seaman if you spent more than 30% of your time on a vessel. An experienced maritime injury attorney can analyze the facts of your case and determine if you are a Jones Act seaman or not.
Do Jones Act Seamen Get a Jury Trial?
Any injured worker who qualifies under the Jones Act is entitled to bring his or her case in state or federal court and is entitled to a jury trial.
What Benefits Are Available Under the Jones Act?
Seaman are entitled to many benefits under the Jones Act. Here are some benefits:
Maintenance and Cure
Unearned Wages
Lost Wages, Past and Future
Damages for Personal Injury Including Pain and Suffering, Disfigurement, Impairment, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life (If the company was neligent).
How Much Is My Jones Act Case Worth?
Determining how much money your Jones Act case is worth is a complicated question. The value of your case will be determined by many factors, including whether the company was negligent, whether the boat was unseaworthy, whether the company is paying your maintenance and cure benefits, how badly you are injured, your lost wages, and whether you will be able to work again.
Read this article to get more information: Settlement Values for Jones Act Cases
Read the Full Text of the Jones Act
Click Here if you want to read the full text of the Jones Act Act.
However, the Jones Act has been interpreted by the Courts for many different types of cases, injuries, and accidents, so simply reading the Jones Act is not likely to give you enough information to evaluate your case.
Do I Need to Hire At Attorney For My Jones Act Case?
Contrary to popular belief, you may not need an attorney for your Jones Act injury case. If your case involves minor injuries, you may not even need an attorney.
Read this article to find out more about whether you need an attorney:
Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Attorney For Your Jones Act Case
Also, although it seems relatively rare, if the company is treating you well after an injury, you may not need a Jones Act attorney immediately.
Be careful with this situation, though. Sometimes the company may be treating you well but actually working "behind the scenes" to minimize your case, blame you for the accident, or even eliminate completely your legal rights under the Jones Act.
Protect Your Future
I've developed a "tool" for injured Jones Act and maritime workers that will help you determine if the company is really concerned about your future or whether, instead, they are trying to trick you or mimimize your case.
It's called "Protect Your Future." It's FREE for injured Jones Act seamen and maritime workers.
Give me a call toll free at 877.724.7800 if you want a copy delivered to you immediately.
Free Book For Injured Jones Act Seaman
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, before you sign anything or give a recorded statement, you need to order Maritime Attorney Brian Beckcom’s book,
Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. This controversial book will answer your pressing legal questions and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. This controversial book will answer your pressing legal questions and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Help for Injured Offshore Workers
No matter where you live, we can help. We have been able to achieve positive resolutions for our clients within the maritime industry. We continuously work hard in our defense of the Jones Act and maritime law.
If you want our help, please use the Contact Forms on this website. Many of our clients prefer to call us directly. If you'd prefer to talk to your Jones Act Attorney directly, call us today toll free at 877.724.7800.
Blog for Jones Act
- Injured AB Seaman hires VB lawyer for tugboat injury claim against G&H Towing
- Back and neck injuries are wild cards in the OSG Salary Continuation Plan
- OSG Attempts to get Seaman to Release “Jones Act” Rights
- Shipping companies trying to buyout seamen’s Jones Act rights
- Lawsuit Against Wood Group & Chevron
- Federal court stops company’s Jones Act assault
- Even at fault mariners can be compensated
- When Jones Act justice turns to greed
- Deckhand slips on wet glove, blames captain in Jones Act claim
- Far East seaman loses leg then loses Jones Act claim
- Tug worker files Jones Act claim for on the job injuries
- Improper venue, expired statute of limitations sink winch injury Jones claim
- Washington State Ferries not liable for selling a violent drunk a ticket
- Louisiana man files Jones Act claim for unseaworthiness
- Port worker files claim after wet paint slip and fall
- LNG Mariners need to be aware of terrorism risk
- Art Catering Settles Injury Case Brought By Injured Employee
- Jones Act Lawsuit Filed Against Diamond Offshore
- Seaman Sues Towing Companies Over Unseaworthy Vessel
- Your Rights When Your Employer Won't Pay Maintenance & Cure
Library for Jones Act:
- VB Lawyer hired to file tugboat injury lawsuit against Grifco.
Description: Tankerman employed by Grifco aboard the tugboat "Natalie Alexander" hires VB attorney to file Jones Act lawsuit. - Port Arthur, Texas Maritime Attorney Provides Insight into Jones Act Protection
Description: If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you need to become familiar with the Jones Act. Read this article to learn more and contact an experienced Port Arthur maritime attorney at our office for a free case evaluation. - Liberty, Texas Maritime Attorney Defines a “Jones Act Seaman”
Description: If you have been hurt in an offshore accident, you need to read this article to find out if you are protected under the Jones Act. For a free case evaluation, contact a Board Certified Liberty maritime attorney at our office. - How do you know if you need a Livingston maritime attorney?
Description: How do you know if you need a Livingston maritime attorney? Read this article to find out. Order your free copy of Board Certified Attorney Brian Beckcom’s book, How to Hire the Best Attorney for Your Maritime Injury Case, if you have been hurt in a maritime accident. - Orange, Texas Maritime Attorney Answers Some Commonly Asked Questions
Description: Read this article if you have been seriously hurt in an offshore accident. Orange maritime attorney Brian Beckcom answers some of the most commonly asked questions by injured seamen. When you are on the site, be sure to order a free copy of the controversial book, Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. - Beaumont, Texas Maritime Attorney Explains Offshore Workers’ Rights
Description: If you have been seriously hurt in a maritime accident, you need to understand your rights. In this article, Beaumont maritime attorney Brian Beckcom explains the rights of injured offshore workers. Be sure to order a free copy of the controversial book, Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. - Jones Act opponents using BP spill to distort the truth
Description: The truth is, the Jones Act has had absolutely no impact on the crisis one way or another. As just retired Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen pointed out, vessels do not require a waiver if they are operating more than three miles offshore. - Here is the OSG Salary Continuation Plan. This is a waiver of seamen's Jones Act rights in exchange for a temporary wage increase. By signing this the company is telling you that you give up your right to take legal action in the event of an injury. [PDF]
Description: Seaman need to beware of industry efforts to get them to sign away their Jones Act protection in exchange for a temporary raise. - Offshore Accident Attorneys helped deckhand from Livingston, Texas, by settling his case for a favorable sum of money.
Description: Our Board Certified Jones Act lawyers recently represented an offshore worker who lived in Livingston, Texas, and settled his case for a confidential, and very favorable, sum of money. - Galveston Maritime Attorney Helping Injured Seamen
Description: If you have been injured in an offshore accident, whether it occurred on a fishing boat, tug, barge or other vessel, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced Galveston maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom at 877.724.7800. - Calculating settlement amount for your Jones Act legal case
Description: What is the value of settlements for offshore injury cases? Read this informative article by Board Certified Injury Lawyer Brian Beckcom. - Injured on BP Thunderhorse platform - Learn your rights
Description: Board Certified Maritime Law Attorney Brian Beckcom answers questions about the BP Thunderhorse platform. - The Jones Act Deadline & the Discovery Rule
Description: There is a deadline as to when you can pursue a Jones Act claim. Read this article to learn more about the deadline and the discovery rule. If you have been injured offshore, contact a maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for answers to your questions. - What Happens When a Seaman is Fired for Filing a Jones Act Claim?
Description: If you have been injured offshore, you may be hesitant to file a Jones Act claim out of fear that you will be fired. Read this article to learn more about cases involving retaliation and your rights as an injured maritime worker. Contact an experienced maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for legal advice. - "Vessel" under the Jones Act or not?
Description: If you were injured offshore, you will want to know if you qualify for benefits under the Jones Act, the Longshore Harbor Worker's Compensation Act, or some other law. Visit the internet's best maritime legal website to read the full U.S. Supreme Court opinion on the definition of "vessel." - Seamen May Seek Punitive Damages in Some Cases
Description: A recent case involving an injured tugboat crewmember, confirmed the rights of seamen to pursue punitive damages when en employer refuses to pay maintenance and cure. Read this article to learn more and contact a Jones Act attorney at 713-224-7800 or 877-724-7800 for legal advice regarding your maritime injury. - Jones Act Seaman Status Explained
Description: U.S. Supreme Court explains who qualifies under the Jones Act as a seaman in one of most important cases ever under the Jones Act - Calculating Personal Injury Damages Under the Jones Act
Description: Jones Act injury cases. Read about your entitlement to personal injury damages. - Calculation of Jones Act Unearned Wages
Description: Jones Act Attorney Explains Seaman's Right to Unearned Wages Following An Injury - Maintenance and Cure Benefits Explained
Description: What is Maintenance and Cure? Read this article to find out your rights under Jones Act Maintenance and Cure.
Frequent Questions for Jones Act:
- What are some examples of an unseaworthy vessel?
- Can I recover compensation for money I would have made in the future, if I hadn’t been permanently injured in an offshore accident?
- I was injured in an offshore rig accident. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
- Will I get fired if I hire an attorney for my Jones Act case?
- I injured my back on an offshore drilling rig. Do I have a claim?
- Offshore Transfer Accident - What Law Covers Offshore Transfer Accidents
- What is a Jones Act "vessel?"
- What is "maintenance and cure?"
- How do I know if I am a Jones Act "seaman?"
- I was injured on a U.S. government vessel - Do I have a Jones Act case?
- If I am injured offshore, can I bring claims for negligence against the parties who are at fault?
- If no one is at fault for my injury offshore, do I still get an medical benefits or wage replacement/lost wages?
- If I am injured offshore, am I required to sign paperwork in exchange for receiving medical benefits or maintenance payments?
Case Results for Jones Act:
- Offshore Welder Obtains $225,000 Settlement One Day Before Trial
Awarded: $225,000.00
Videos about Jones Act:
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Jones Act
- 7/28/2010VB law firm hired on another tugboat injury lawsuit against Grifco...
- 6/24/2010OSG's New Waiver & Its Impact on Maritime Workers' Rights...
- 3/9/2010More About Jones Act Suit Filed Against Marquette...
- 2/19/2010Houston Tugboat Accident Leaves One Man Dead...
- 2/3/2010Jones Act Suit to be Settled in Sledge Hammer Incident...
