Award-Winning Houston Jones Act Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a maritime accident, contact our dedicated Houston Jones Act lawyer at Morrow & Sheppard LLP for a free, confidential consultation.
If you’ve been injured while working as a seaman, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act—a federal law that protects offshore and maritime workers injured due to negligence. The Jones Act typically covers accidents that happen on the high seas or on navigable waters in states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, our Houston Jones Act lawyers are here to listen to your story and provide clear, honest guidance tailored to your situation. Whether you were hurt on a tugboat, barge, cargo ship, or another vessel, we’re ready to help you stand up to even the largest maritime companies.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Jones Act lawyer. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Does a Houston Jones Act Lawyer Do?
A Houston Jones Act attorney helps injured maritime workers pursue fair compensation for their injuries. This includes assistance with medical expenses, gathering evidence, providing legal advice, negotiating a potential settlement, and trying the case in front of a jury. Jones Act settlements are often essential in maritime personal injury cases, and an experienced lawyer can navigate the legal process to help maximize your recovery.
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we offer free, confidential consultations to individuals who have been seriously injured while working aboard a vessel or while offshore. During this consultation, we evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and develop the most effective strategy under the law. If you need help with a Jones Act claim, you can reach an experienced Houston Jones Act lawyers by calling (713) 489-1206 or submitting a message through the contact form on this website.
We handle all Jones Act cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act, is the federal law that protects maritime workers who are injured while at sea or on navigable waters. It allows eligible seamen to seek compensation for injuries caused by employer negligence. A skilled Houston Jones Act lawyer understands the unique rules of maritime law and can help protect your rights, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, our experienced Houston Jones Act attorneys are committed to standing up for injured maritime workers throughout Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast. Hiring a knowledgeable Jones Act lawyer after an offshore accident is one of the most important steps you can take after an injury. We’ll help determine if you have a valid claim and guide you through your next steps.
We also provide clients with a detailed explanation of the Jones Act and why working with a qualified Houston Jones Act lawyer can make all the difference in your case.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law that protects maritime workers who are injured while working at sea or on navigable waters. The Jones Act Law was passed in 1920, and was designed to ensure that seamen have the right to pursue a lawsuit for compensation when they are injured due to the negligence of their employer or unsafe working conditions.
Before the Jones Act, injured maritime workers had very few legal protections and often went uncompensated after serious accidents. The Act was created to close that gap—giving seamen a legal path to hold their employers accountable and recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
While the Jones Act also governs shipping and commerce in U.S. coastal waters, its most important role for injured workers is allowing them to file a lawsuit when they are hurt on the job.
If you’ve been injured while working offshore or aboard a vessel, the Jones Act may give you powerful legal rights—and an experienced Jones Act lawyer can help you take full advantage of them.
Key Provisions and Protections
The Jones Act is a federal law that protects workers who spend a significant amount of time working on vessels in navigable waters. Specifically, if you spend at least 30% of your work time aboard a vessel that is “in navigation” (meaning it’s afloat, operational, and capable of moving), then you may qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act—and that gives you important legal rights and protections.
One of the most important protections is your ability to seek compensation if you are injured or become ill while working due to someone else’s negligence. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows you to sue your employer directly if their negligence played a part in your injury. This could include things like:
- Unsafe working conditions (such as slippery or cluttered decks)
- Poorly maintained equipment (such as winches or cranes that malfunction)
- Inadequate training (such a worker operating a crane without being certified)
- Failure to follow safety protocols (such as failing to shut down operations during severe weather)
If you file a lawsuit, a jury will look at the facts of your case to decide who was at fault and to what extent your employer is responsible for your injuries. If your employer is found liable, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages—the Jones Act uses a system called comparative fault, which means your compensation can be reduced based on your share of responsibility, but not eliminated entirely.
Types of Vessels and Workers Covered by the Jones Act
The type of workers covered by the Jones Act are seamen— any individual employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a vessel. Jones Act seamen are those who spend a significant amount of their working time on a vessel in navigation and are entitled to legal rights and protections if injured during their employment. These vessels include cargo ships, cruise ships, casino boats, tankers, ferries, fishing boats, charter boats, as well as offshore drilling rigs. All boats and ships are covered under the Jones Act as long as they meet these specifications:
- Registered and built in the US
- Operated by permanent residents or US citizens
- At least 75% owned by a company in the US
- The crew comprises at least 75% Americans
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
It’s inherently dangerous to work at sea, which is why maritime workers face numerous hazards daily. In fact, these hazards result in serious and life-threatening injuries impacting the quality of life for seamen. There are a dozen causes for maritime accidents, some of which are unavoidable, like weather, while others are directly attributed to human error. Common causes for maritime injuries include:
- Vessel accidents and collisions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Equipment malfunction and failure malfunction
- Inadequate supervision or training
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous substances
Types of Injuries and Illnesses Covered by the Jones Act
The types of injuries and illnesses covered under the Jones Act include:
Physical Injuries
If you have sustained the following physical injuries while working at sea due to negligence, you are entitled to compensation:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns and electrocution
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Neck, head, and spinal cord injuries
Occupational Illnesses
According to OSHA, occupational illnesses are any disorders or abnormal conditions resulting from exposure or non-instantaneous event in the work environment—in this case, aboard a vessel.
- Respiratory diseases
- Tinnitus and hearing loss
- Skin conditions
- Long-term illnesses like cancer
Compensation and Benefits Under the Jones Act
Compensation and benefits offered under the Jones Act fall under the following categories:
- Maintenance and cure: This covers wages, cost of living, as well as all reasonable medical expenses.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: This covers money you could have earned but didn’t because you couldn’t work after your maritime injury.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation: This covers all medical expenses for treating your injuries.
- Loss of consortium and other non-economic damages: This covers damages such as loss of companionship, comfort, as well as intimate relations with family.
Proving Negligence and Unseaworthiness
Under the Jones Act, the employer or another worker must cause your injury or illness for you to receive compensation. Determining fault and proving negligence and unseaworthiness is crucial to pursuing your maritime injury case. A Houston Jones Act lawyer can help you prove negligence under the following claims:
Employer Negligence
- Failure to provide adequate training and safety awareness
- Lack of adequate safety measures and policies in place
- Poor maintenance and repair
Vessel Unworthiness
- Use of damaged and defective equipment and machinery
- Hazardous conditions on board
- Inadequate training or crewing
Jones Act Cases – Real World Examples
To better understand how the Jones Act works in real life, here are some actual case examples that show how injured maritime workers have used the Jones Act to recover damages:
Morrow & Sheppard Jones Act lawyers, Daniel Sheppard and Hogan Leatherwood, secured a $3.2 million verdict in a Louisiana offshore injury case. Our client, a deckhand, was seriously injured while working aboard the M/V Dustin Danos during a personnel basket transfer. He was crushed between a conex box and the personnel basket—a preventable incident that occurred due to the vessel captain’s negligence.
Another deckhand who witnessed the event testified that the captain placed the vessel in forward gear and then stepped away from the controls during the transfer operation. The witness also stated that the captain appeared to be using his phone at the time. When our injured client later confronted the captain about what happened, the captain claimed he hadn’t seen anything.
In another serious offshore injury case handled by Jones Act lawyer Nicholas Morrow, our client was catastrophically injured due to a series of reckless decisions made during a winch troubleshooting operation on a seismic vessel. The crew and charterer decided to move forward with the operation despite knowing the equipment was faulty. There was no proper planning, no effective safety meetings, and the entire process was handled with complete carelessness.
Our client wasn’t even part of the winch operation—he was just doing his job for another company when the Defendants chose to proceed with this dangerous task. During the operation, a winch was suddenly reversed without warning. The slack in the line caused our client to be violently thrown into a concrete column.
He suffered multiple serious injuries, including fractured ribs that led to a permanent lung condition requiring ongoing medical care. Doctors have said he will likely live the rest of his life with only one functioning lung. He also sustained hip and back injuries that required surgery and will impact him for the rest of his life.
This case ultimately settled for a confidential amount involving millions of dollars, helping our client secure the financial support he needs for a lifetime of medical treatment and recovery.
How Much Are Jones Act Cases Worth?
One of the most common questions we hear from injured maritime workers is: How much is my case worth? The answer depends on the facts of your case—but in general, Jones Act cases tend to be worth more than typical onshore injury claims. There are several reasons for this:
- Injuries Are Often More Severe
Offshore work is physically demanding and often takes place in hazardous environments. When accidents happen, they tend to result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries.
- Specialized Maritime Laws
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence—something that most onshore workers cannot do under traditional workers’ compensation laws.
- High Wages and Earning Potential
Offshore workers typically earn more than many land-based employees. When an injury prevents them from returning to work, the lost income over time can add up quickly.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jones Act Lawyer?
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we understand that a work injury can turn your life upside down—physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we offer a free consultation to evaluate your Jones Act case, explain your legal rights, and walk you through how the process works.
We handle Jones Act cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. No hourly fees. No upfront costs. Just experienced legal representation focused on getting you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working offshore or on a vessel, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Jones Act lawyer.
What Is a Jones Act Lawyer, and What Should You Look for When Hiring One?
A Jones Act lawyer is an attorney who focuses on representing offshore workers injured on the job. These cases involve a special set of federal laws that are very different from standard personal injury claims and they require specific legal knowledge to handle correctly.
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence, but proving that claim and recovering fair compensation isn’t simple. That’s why it’s critical to work with a lawyer who understands the complexities of maritime law and has real experience handling offshore injury cases.
Why Experience Matters
Hiring an experienced Houston Jones Act lawyer can make all the difference in your case. The right attorney will:
- Know how to prove negligence under the Jones Act—even when the employer tries to shift blame
- Accurately calculate your damages, including lost wages, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more
- Handle tough negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys who know how to play hardball
- Make sure your claim is filed on time, meeting strict legal deadlines to preserve your right to recover
- Guide you through the legal process, so you’re not left feeling overwhelmed or confused.
What to Look For in a Jones Act Lawyer
When choosing a Jones Act lawyer, look for someone who:
- Has a track record of success in offshore injury cases
- Is deeply familiar with maritime laws and court procedures
- Offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee basis
- Can clearly explain your legal rights and answer your questions
- Will fight for you in court, not just push for a quick settlement
At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we’ve handled serious Jones Act cases resulting in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. We know what it takes to win—and we’re ready to help.
If you were injured as a seaman, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. In general, the Jones Act applies to work injury accidents on the high seas and navigable waters in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Arkansas. Our Houston Jones Act attorneys want to understand your unique situation so we can provide guidance that will help you obtain a favorable result against one of the largest maritime companies in the world. If you were injured working as a seaman on a , barge, cargo ship, or another vessel, you should speak with an experienced Jones Act attorney for a free, confidential consultation regarding your Jones Act case.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
It’s inherently dangerous to work at sea, which is why maritime workers face numerous hazards daily. In fact, these hazards result in serious and life-threatening injuries impacting the quality of life for seamen. There are a dozen causes for maritime accidents, some of which are unavoidable, like weather, while others are directly attributed to human error. Common causes for maritime injuries include:
- Vessel accidents and collisions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Equipment malfunction and failure malfunction
- Inadequate supervision or training
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous substances
Types of Injuries and Illnesses Covered by the Jones Act
The types of injuries and illnesses covered under the Jones Act include:
Physical Injuries
If you have sustained the following physical injuries while working at sea due to negligence, you are entitled to compensation:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns and electrocution
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Neck, head, and spinal cord injuries
Occupational Illnesses
According to OSHA, occupational illnesses are any disorders or abnormal conditions resulting from exposure or non-instantaneous event in the work environment – in this case, aboard a vessel.
- Respiratory diseases
- Tinnitus and hearing loss
- Skin conditions
- Long-term illnesses like cancer
Compensation and Benefits Under the Jones Act
Compensation and benefits offered under the Jones Act fall under the following categories:
- Maintenance and cure: This covers wages, cost of living, as well as all reasonable medical expenses.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: This covers money you could have earned but didn’t because you couldn’t work after your maritime injury.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation: This covers all medical expenses for treating your injuries.
- Loss of consortium and other non-economic damages: This covers damages such as loss of companionship, comfort, as well as intimate relations with family.
Proving Negligence and Unseaworthiness
Under the Jones Act, the employer or another worker must cause your injury or illness for you to receive compensation. Determining fault and proving negligence and unseaworthiness is crucial to pursuing your maritime injury case. A Houston Jones Act lawyer can help you prove negligence under the following claims:
Employer Negligence
- Failure to provide adequate training and safety awareness
- Lack of adequate safety measures and policies in place
- Poor maintenance and repair
Vessel Unworthiness
- Use of damaged and defective equipment and machinery
- Hazardous conditions on board
- Inadequate training or crewing
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Houston Jones Act Lawyer
The Jones Act features a complex set of rules and principles that require the expertise and knowledge of a Jones Act lawyer to seek compensation. In fact, only a lawyer familiar with maritime law and its complexities can help you understand the total value of your claim and maximize your compensation. They can help you prove negligence, navigate the legal process, as well as deal with insurance companies. An experienced Houston Jones Act lawyer can also ensure the timely filing of claims and meet deadlines.
Our Law Firm’s Expertise and Track Record
At Morrow & Sheppard, we have a proven track record of success in maximizing compensation and finding justice for maritime workers after serious injuries aboard vessels. We’ve represented thousands of maritime injury workers and achieved favorable results for all our clients. Feel free to read some of our client testimonials. We commit to personalized attention and dedicated representation, which makes us the right Jones Act law firm for you.
How to Start With Your Jones Act Claim
To start with your Jones Act claim, schedule a free consultation with our top-rated Houston Jones Act lawyers. Be sure to prepare for the consultation by making a list of questions, gathering relevant documents, and determining your goals. After the consultation, we will build and pursue your Jones Act claim by gathering all the evidence and filing the claim. During negotiations and potential litigations, you can also expect offers from your employer or their insurance company. However, don’t sign any settlement paperwork or accept payment until you’ve discussed it with your lawyer. Contact us today to start with your Jones Act claim.
Morrow & Sheppard, LLP represents injured maritime workers in Texas and Louisiana, including those located in Houston, Beaumont, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland, Odessa, Corpus Christi, Port Arthur, Laredo, Lafayette, Lubbock, Amarillo, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, New Iberia, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Slidell, Carlsbad, Lovington, Hobbs, Roswell, and the surrounding communities.
