Maritime Blog 
Diver Accident Lawyer
Jones Act Cases
- Jones Act injury case against Waterman Steamship
- Injured worker sues D&S Marine Services under the Jones Act
- We are pleased to announce the coming publication of The Complete Guide to Jones Act & Maritime Injury Claims
- Offshore back and neck injuries at sea, on vessels, or on offshore oil rigs
- Jones Act Lawsuit Against Kirby Inland Marine and Capital Inland Marine
- Preventing offshore slip and fall injuries by using non-slip coatings on walking and working surfaces
- Can I negotiate an offshore injury case myself without hiring an attorney?
- Resolve Marine Hit With Jones Act Lawsuit After Boat Crashes Into Jetty
- SEAMEN'S ALERT - Important Warning for Injured Offshore Workers and Seamen
- Injured Worker Sues Horizon Offshore Following Back Injury
Maritime Injury & Death Cases
- Widow of deceased barge worker sues barge company under Jones Act
- Man Injured on Norweigian Cruise Line cruise ship near Miami
General
- Exxon Valdez case - Punitive damages allowed under maritime law
- New Longshore and Harbor Worker's case against Noble Drilling protects injured worker's rights
- Injured employee sues Matteson Marine Service under the Jones Act
- Houston Police Officer Dies in Crash with Truck
- Global Industries Offshore Settles Jones Act Case Brought by Injured Rigger
V&B Maritime Law News
- Navigazione Montanari S.p.A. and Pelican Offshore Services settle Jones Act case with mooring master
- 5th Circuit Upholds 1.2 million dollar Jones Act verdict
- Settlement for offshore welder who injured back
- Jones Act & Maritime Injury Claims Book
- Lawsuit Filed Against Blessey Marine Under the Jones Act
- Houston Maritime Death - Man Killed While Loading Ship
- Hoosier Marine Hit With Lawsuit By Injured Worker
- Injured Galleyhand Sues Universal Sodexho and Rowan Under Jones Act
- Worker Sues Diamond Offshore for exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Worker Sues Pride Offshore For Forcing Him to Work In An Unsafe Position
V&B Frequent Questions
General
- Am I required to give a written statement after I am injured?
- If I am injured offshore, am I required to sign paperwork in exchange for receiving medical benefits or maintenance payments?
- If I suffer an offshore injury, am I required to see only company doctors?
- 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, can I bring claims for negligence against the parties who are at fault?
- I was injured on a U.S. government vessel - Do I have a Jones Act case?
- How do I know if I am a Jones Act "seaman?"
- What is General Maritime Law?
- What does "unseaworthiness" mean??
- What is "maintenance and cure?"
What to expect in a Jones Act injury case
I was injured at sea. How do I file a Jones Act lawsuit?We appreciate this question and get it a lot.
1. Hire an experienced Jones Act lawyer
The first thing you should do is interview some experienced Jones Act lawyers and find a lawyer, and a law firm, that you are comfortable with. Most lawyers don't do Jones Act work and haven't handled many (or any) Jones Act cases. You should consider interviewing lawyers until you find one you are sure has the experience and resources to handle your case properly.
2. Gather all documentation you have about your case
You should gather all the medical information, the accident report, and correspondence from the company, any pictures of your or the accident, and anything else that may have any bearing on your case. You should also make a list of witnesses that can tell the jury or judge what happened.
All of this information may be important to your case.
3. Make sure you are getting proper medical care
Actually, this is probably the most important part of your case, not only from a legal standpoint, but also from a personal and medical standpoint. You are not required to go to company doctors. You can select doctors with whom you are comfortable. An experienced Jones Act lawyer can help you with this process.
4. Do not give any written or recorded statements until you've spoken with a good lawyer.
You aren't required to give written or recorded statements to company representatives or the insurance company (although you should try to comply with the company accident reporting procedures and make sure you report the accident).
Sometimes, if you give a recorded statement without the assistance and advice of your own lawyer, the company representatives or insurance people may trick you into saying something that hurts your case.
5. Prepare yourself for a fight.
In most Jones Act cases, the company will not just pay you a fair and reasonable settlement immediately. Your lawyer will need to gather all the evidence, including medical records and bills, file your lawsuit, and maybe take sworn "depositions" from appropriate witnesses. In some cases, you will need an expert witness (or even more than one) to help evaluate the responsibility issues as well as your medical treatment and bills and lost wages.
This takes time and it takes a lawyer willing to fight for you.
To schedule an appointment to learn more about your offshore injury case, you can contact Mr. Beckcom toll free at 877.724.7800. There is no cost for an initial consultation, and no obligation to move forward with a case.
You can also visit the firm's maritime news website, www.themaritimelawyer.com, to learn more about the Jones Act and maritime law.
We also invite you to review the to learn more about the firm, the experience of the lawyers at the firm, and past case results (Each case has its own facts and circumstances. Past results are no indication of the value or results for your case or any other case.)
Feel free to visit our firm's main website at www.vbattorneys.com
About the author
Brian Beckcom is a founding partner of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Beckcom handles Jones Act and maritime injury and death cases, as well as all types of significant personal injury and wrongful death matters, insurance disputes, and business disputes.
Mr. Beckcom is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Quick Contact Form
Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C
1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.224.7800
Fax: 713.224.7801
Library
Jones Act Cases
- Cruise ship injury cases - What are my legal rights if I am hurt on a cruise ship?
- The number one mistake to wreck your maritime injury case
- I was exposed to benzene, asbestos, or another toxic substance as part of my maritime employment - What are my legal rights?
- Injured in the Gulf of Mexico - What Law Applies?
- You have legal remedies if you are hurt on a cruise ship
Maritime Injury & Death Cases
- Tricks Offshore Employers Use on Injured Workers
- I was involved in an accident offshore and the insurance company wants me to give a recorded statement - What should I do?
- Five Things You Must Know If You Suffered An Offshore Injury
- Injured Offshore? Here are five helpful tips for navigating your legal voyage
- 5 Secrets Your Offshore Employer May Not Want You To Know If You Are Injured Offshore
Diver Accident Lawyer
- Diving Injuries - Are Diving Injuries Covered Under the Jones Act?
- What Law Covers Diving Accidents & Injuries?
General
- Financial Insecurity & Wrongful Termination - Two Big Fears When You Suffer An On-The-Job Injury
- Oil Platform Injury Cases
- How to hire the best lawyer for your injury or accident case
- I was injured on an offshore jack-up rig or oil platform - What are my legal rights to compensation?
- Reporting your offshore injury