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Maritime and Offshore Cases

• Gulf of Mexico Rig Explosion Still Creating Problems
• Death on the High Seas Act Benefits
• What Makes a Vessel Unseaworthy?
• Compensation for Maritime Injury Cases
• Are You Considered a Seaman Under the Jones Act?

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Maritime and Offshore Cases

• Texas Offshore Accident Attorney
• New Center for Offshore Safety Institute in Houston
• Houston Maritime/Offshore Attoreny
• The Rig Explosion In The Gulf of Mexico Continues to Create Problems
• What Every Seaman’s Family Needs to Know about the Death on the High Seas Act
• Maritime Workers at Risk of Harmful Benzene Exposure
• Unseaworthiness Claims
• Falls Are Leading Cause of Maritime Injuries
• Maintenance and Cure for Injured Seamen
• Rights for Injured Longshoremen and Harbor Workers

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Unseaworthiness Claims

A vessel can be considered unseaworthy, even if it is able to operate and is not in danger of sinking. Unseaworthiness can mean that the vessel does not provide a safe environment to live and work. It can be a vessel that lacks the appropriate safety gear and equipment. To put is simply, an unseaworthy vessel is one that is not fit for all aspects of its voyage.

Some of the factors that can cause a vessel to be deemed “unseaworthy” include the following:

• Defective gear or equipment
• Faulty machinery
• Inadequate crew
• Dangerous condition (oil, rust or grease)
• Poor maintenance
• Crew member violence
  

Seamen are protected under the law when they are injured on an unseaworthy vessel. These types of claims can be confusing and are not as cut and dry as some negligence cases. An unseaworthiness claim is typically filed against the vessel owner and is an additional source of recovery for injured maritime workers. Damages available are similar to negligence claims and include such things as past and future lost income, past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and other costs associated with the maritime injury.

When it comes to an injury caused by an unseaworthy vessel, you only have three years from the date of your injury to file your claim. While this may seem like plenty of time, the quicker you take action, the better. Your maritime attorney will need to gather evidence and documentation, as well as investigate your claim.

Before you settle with the insurance company regarding your maritime injury, you should consider talking with an experienced Houston maritime attorney who can explain your legal rights and ensure that you are fully compensated. Contact Attorney Steve Lee today at (800) 232-3711 for legal advice.

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Firm News

• MMS Still Not Doing Enough to Protect Seamen...
  Posted on 9/1/2011
• Control room work may delay Texas refinery return...
  Posted on 11/26/2008
• Workers begin salvaging Cynthia Woods...
  Posted on 6/11/2008

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