Texas Maritime and Offshore Injury Lawyers
Legal Help for Victims of Maritime and Offshore Accidents
Maritime accidents occur during activities on or relating to the sea. Both work-related accidents and recreational accidents can occur. Maritime accidents involve watercraft of all shapes and types, from small boats to massive cruise ships.
If you have been injured at sea, call the experienced Texas maritime injury and offshore accident lawyers at Thomas J. Henry Law.
Accidents and Injuries on The Water and At Sea
Throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the Coastal Regions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and on inland waters, oil and gas industry employees, seamen, fishermen, drillers, dockworkers, and recreational water-goers are exposed to dangerous conditions on the high seas.
Although the many hazards of working or enjoying recreational activities at sea are well known, no one can truly be prepared for a fatal accident to happen to a family member or friend.
Maritime incidents which can lead to injury, property damage, and death Include:
- Cruise ship accidents
- Offshore oil rig accidents
- Marine crane accidents
- Commercial fishing boat accidents
- Tanker, cargo ship, and barge accidents
- Shipyard accidents
Important Laws Pertaining to Maritime Accidents
Many maritime injury claims are governed by the jones act or general maritime law also known as admiralty law. maritime law is a distinct body of law which governs maritime questions and offenses. It deals with matters including marine commerce, marine navigation, shipping, sailors, and the transportation of passengers and goods by sea. it also covers many commercial activities, even land-based, if they are maritime in character.
Filing a Jones Act Claim
Seamen and maritime workers have special rights under federal law, including the ability to sue an employer or the ship’s owner for negligence under the jones act. this operative provision is found at 46 u.s.c § 688 (a) and provides that: “any sailor who shall suffer personal injury in the course of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages at law, with the right to trial by jury, and in such action, all statutes of the United States modifying or extending the common-law right or remedy in cases of personal injury to railway employees shall apply…”
With regard to the jones act, keep these important notes in mind:
- Any worker who spends less than 30% of his time in the service of a vessel on navigable waters is presumed not to be a seaman under the jones act.
- An action under the act may be brought either in a u.s. federal court or in a state court.
- The seaman/plaintiff is entitled to a jury trial, a right which is not afforded in maritime law absent a statute authorizing it.
Under the jones act, the burden of proof is much lower, meaning victims whose injuries were at all caused by the negligence of the employer may be entitled to compensation. Injured victims are entitled to collect damages just like any other personal injury case, including medical costs, lost wages, future earnings, and pain and suffering with the help of maritime accident and offshore injury attorneys.
Contact us for a free case review
Your Maritime and Offshore Accident Questions Answered
We have straight answers to difficult questions to help you make critical decisions, navigate legal process and help you get justice.
Following a maritime accident, there are always more questions than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer any questions you have about your injury case.
How Does the “No Win No Fee” Promise Work?
The Thomas J. Henry “No Win No Fee” promise works as part of a contingency fee agreement. Instead of receiving payments from clients, we recoup fees and expenses from the final settlement or verdict our clients receive.
This allows us to start working on your case as soon as you hire us, ensuring that your case is handled with the urgency it deserves. It also means you can focus on getting better rather than cutting us a check.
The percentage we collect may vary depending on the complexity of your case, but you will be kept informed so you know what we are collecting before your case is closed.
Even better, you owe us nothing if we don’t win your case! Because our fees are collected as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, we do not collect anything unless and until you get your recovery. This means there is no risk to hiring a qualified attorney to handle your case!
Do I Have to Pay to Speak with an Injury Attorney?
Thomas J. Henry Law offers free case reviews so that you can better understand your legal options. This means you pay nothing for your first consultation. Additionally, Thomas J. Henry Law works on a contingency fee basis meaning that if you do choose to hire us, you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case.
To learn more about what it takes to speak with an injury attorney about your claim here.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me Settle My Case?
Insurance companies will attempt to pay out as little as possible when resolving an injury claim. When an individual pursues compensation from an insurance company without the aid of an attorney, the insurance company may see the lack of representation as an opportunity to lowball the injured victim as there is no immediate risk of trial or legal recourse.
By hiring a competent attorney who has a reputation for achieving large verdicts in the courtroom, you are sending a message to the insurer. It will provide the insurance company with extra incentive to offer a fair settlement the first time.
If that first offer is not fair, an experienced personal attorney will have the resources and the knowledge to negotiate with the insurance company in pursuit of a better offer.
What is a Contingency Fee?
In a contingency fee arrangement, an attorney agrees to accept a fixed percentage of your recovery as payment. This means that if you win your case, your attorney will collect their fees and expenses from the money awarded to you. However, if you lose your case, your attorney will collect nothing.
Most lawyers prefer not to work on contingency cases for two reasons:
- There is a risk the firm will be paid nothing
- Any payment is delayed until money is collected from the opposing party
Generally, a lawyer who accepts contingency fee cases:
- Regularly represents clients who lack the financial resources to pay hourly attorney’s fees (as is often the case for personal injury victims).
- Is more selective about the cases they accept.
- Is very confident in their ability to win the cases they choose to handle.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
The cost associated with hiring a personal injury attorney and how payment is collected may vary from firm to firm. At Thomas J. Henry, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t charge our clients a penny unless and until we win their case.
Working on a contingency fee basis allows clients access to resources and legal representation they might otherwise struggle to afford. The more serious a case is, the more money it costs to take to trial. This is because complex litigation tends to take longer to resolve and the entities involved fight harder.
This is especially true if your lawsuit is against a large company, as would be the case in a trucking accident or on-the-job injury. Such companies employ teams of lawyers and have seemingly unlimited financial resources. You need an attorney who has the same. Thomas J. Henry employs a team of more than 100 attorneys and has the money to fight your case out to the end.
Finally, by collecting any fees and expenses after a verdict or settlement is secured, Thomas J. Henry can help ensure his clients are able to focus on healing. “The client’s job is to heal. We will handle the rest,” says Thomas J. Henry.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
In Texas, a personal injury case is only worth what a jury is willing to award you. This is why you need an attorney who can not only prove the economic damages you have sustained due to your accident, but can also demonstrate the value of non-economic damages you may have sustained, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
Learn more about how to estimate the value of your personal injury claim here.
Why
choose
us?
We help clients across the U.S. with all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
Thomas J. Henry offers a “No Fee Promise.” We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.
If you’ve been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.
We are committed to your complete recovery. We will work with you to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and support for your healing journey.
If you’ve been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don’t worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.
Our locations
Locations
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
Austin
Dallas
Houston
Customer
Reviews
Care and comfort for clients is the #1 priority for these guys. You guys continue to provide the best for everyone!
Took care of my friend and her daughters accident case! Got the maximum allowed! Also I love he gives back to our community!
Thank you for all your help and support!!!
Very helpful and straight forward with my case. Very satisfied.
At one of the lowest points in my life, when the world literally came crashing down on me, I made the best decision in my life by seeking immediate representation by this law firm!
Truly was always there when I reached out. White glove service.
Very professional and courteous staff. Gets the job done swiftly and promptly! Friendly and always treats you with respect.
Very professional and overall great experience!
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