Introduction
Working offshore is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Whether you are a roughneck on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico or a deckhand on a commercial fishing vessel, the risk of catastrophic injury is real.
If you have been hurt at sea, standard Workers' Compensation usually does not apply. Instead, you are likely protected by a powerful federal law called the Jones Act.
This law allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence, often resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements. However, maritime law is incredibly complex. To win, you need a specialized offshore accident lawyer who understands the difference between Maintenance and Cure and Unseaworthiness.
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1. What Is the Jones Act? (And Do You Qualify?)
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 — commonly known as the Jones Act — is a federal statute that protects injured workers at sea.
Unlike land-based workers who are limited to small workers' comp checks, Jones Act lawsuit plaintiffs can sue for full lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs.
Do You Qualify as a “Seaman”?
To file a Jones Act lawsuit, you must meet the “30% Rule”:
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You must spend at least 30% of your time in the service of a vessel on navigable waters.
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This includes jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, tugboats, barges, and commercial fishing boats.
2. The 3 Types of Maritime Compensation
When you hire a maritime injury attorney, they will typically pursue three specific types of damages. Advertisers spend huge money on these keywords, so pay attention:
A. Maintenance and Cure
This is an automatic right for any injured seaman — fault does not matter.
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Maintenance: Your employer must pay your daily living expenses (rent, food, utilities) during recovery.
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Cure: They must pay 100% of your medical bills until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
B. Unseaworthiness Claims
This is where the big settlements often come from.
Under maritime law, a shipowner must provide a vessel that is “reasonably fit” for its intended use. If equipment was broken, the deck was slippery, or the crew was understaffed, the vessel is considered unseaworthy.
Why this matters: Proving Unseaworthiness is often easier than proving negligence — and it can lead to massive commercial settlements.
C. Jones Act Negligence
If your employer or a coworker made any mistake that contributed to your injury, you can sue for negligence. Damages can include:
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Long-term disability
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Loss of earning capacity
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Future medical care
3. Top Offshore Accident Law Firms (2025 Reviews)
You cannot use a general personal-injury or car-accident lawyer for this. You need a firm specializing in Admiralty and Maritime Law. Based on recent results, here are the top contenders:
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Arnold & Itkin (Houston, TX): Known for record-breaking verdicts and representing workers from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. They have won billions in offshore injury cases.
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Hofmann & Schweitzer (New York): A leader in East Coast maritime claims, especially tugboat and dredge accidents.
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Zehl & Associates: Famous for being “undefeated” in court and for handling oil-rig explosions and severe burn cases.
4. Steps to Take After an Offshore Injury
The minutes after an accident are critical. Insurance adjusters for the oil company may try to minimize your claim. Follow these steps:
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Report the Accident Immediately
Do not allow a supervisor to talk you out of filing a formal report. -
See Your Own Doctor
You are NOT required to see the company doctor. Choose your own medical specialist. -
Do Not Sign Anything
Company lawyers may pressure you into signing a release while you’re still in the hospital. Do not sign without speaking to a Jones Act lawyer. -
Request the Vessel Log
Your attorney must secure the ship’s logbook, incident reports, and the captain’s report before they “go missing.”
Conclusion
If you have been injured offshore, your financial future is at risk. While the statute of limitations for Jones Act cases is typically three years, crucial evidence can disappear within days.
Do not accept a low-ball settlement from your employer. Contact a qualified maritime injury lawyer today to fight for the Maintenance and Cure benefits and compensation you legally deserve.
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