Austin Maritime Injury Attorneys – Texas

Maritime accidents have a reputation for being incredibly dangerous. The risks associated with maritime work are not to be taken lightly and anyone who is injured should seek compensation immediately. Maritime professionals such as longshoremen, fishermen, harbor workers, oil rig workers, and cruise line employees face the risk of injury every time they go to work. The most common injuries associated with maritime jobs include head injuries, broken bones, burns from an explosion or fire, and more.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately – especially if your employer is attempting to compensate you without admitting fault (this tactic happens all too often). At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP we have years of combined legal experience and we’re committed to protecting the rights of injured workers. We offer free consultations to help individuals understand their legal options going forward.

If you were injured while working on a ship, you could receive compensation. Austin maritime lawyers will work hard to guide you through this process and ensure that you get the justice that you deserve.

WHAT IS MARITIME LAW?

Maritime law governs matters that involve ships, shipping, insurance claims, and civil matters that occur on the fresh waters in the United States, as well as to the open water such as the Gulf of Mexico or along the coastline of the U.S. With a maritime injury, the recovery process can be incredibly complex. The laws surrounding maritime injuries are more complicated than on land and it can be difficult to understand your legal options. Maritime law is based largely on admiralty law, a set of rules that govern crimes committed on or near water. In order to successfully fight a maritime injury case, it is important for you to have an experienced attorney who understands these laws and how they apply to your specific injuries.

WHAT IS THE JONES ACT?

Maritime attorneys focus on issues that pertain to maritime law, but also to the Jones Act. The rules governing who qualifies as a Jones Act seaman, as well as what kinds of sea vessels are covered by the Jones Act are confusing. The Jones Act allows a maritime lawyer to bring legal actions on the behalf of an injured seaman, against ship owners, ship captains, or other crew members after an accident has occurred.

The Jones Act was originally passed in 1920 but has been amended several times. The law is not always clear about who qualifies as a seaman and it can be difficult to understand the process for filing claims against another party involved with the case. If you are unsure of whether or not you qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, our injury attorneys in Houston, TX will investigate the details of your case and help you file your claim.

WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECOVER?

Every maritime injury case is different and it can be difficult to determine the exact amount of compensation that you will receive. In general, a settlement or verdict for a maritime injury will include consideration for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to those losses that are clearly defined with dollar amounts, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to those losses that may not have an easily quantifiable value, such as physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship or consortium, disfigurement, disability, or loss of future earning potential.

Each case must be evaluated on its own merits in order to determine the most appropriate way forward – especially if there were any vessels involved in your accident. Working with seasoned maritime injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and develop a strong course of action as you move forward with your case.

Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP has decades of combined experience in maritime law and we know how to build a solid case on behalf of our clients. Contact our Austin maritime attorneys today for more information about filing a personal injury claim and don’t hesitate to ask about our free consultation offer if this is the first time that you’ve considered consulting with an attorney. We will do everything possible to help injured seaman receive the justice that they deserve after an accident at sea.

WHEN SHOULD I FILE A CLAIM WITH A MARITIME INJURY LAWYER? 

It is vital if you have been involved in an accident on water that you contact an attorney. Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. are your go-to maritime attorneys in Austin. Some common types of accidents reported:

• Defective design
• Unsafe working conditions
• Negligence by a co-worker
• Sunken vessels from leaking oil
• Loss of vessel from poor construction

A maritime injury attorney should have a strong knowledge of Jones Act/Maritime law. The maritime industry can be uncompromising for many workers. We help those who have suffered injuries in an offshore accident on the Gulf Coast and throughout the country. Fatal maritime accidents occur more often than you’d think. We help those dealing with a loved one killed in a maritime accident as well as other injured seamen who need help recovering damages for their medical expenses. Workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover all of your losses. We will work tirelessly to ensure you get all the compensation you truly deserve.

Our attorneys have years of experience and knowledge of maritime law in Austin. Here at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. we are dedicated to helping victims get the fair compensation that they are entitled to under the Jones Act and other maritime laws. The compensation will cover any losses after the accident such as; medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

We can assist you in developing a legal strategy, gathering evidence to make the case stronger, and answer any legal questions that you may have. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today for a free evaluation.