It’s critical not to delay taking action after you suffer a job-related injury on a barge. Not only is it vital to tend to your health, but you also have to consider your rights as a maritime employee and the protections afforded to you. Under the Jones Act, you’re able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages, and more—but you have to do so quickly.
Traversing the intricacies of maritime law may seem daunting, especially as you’re recovering from your injuries as a barge worker and already feel overwhelmed. In times like these, it's good to have an offshore injury attorney on your side. The professionals at Terry & Thweat, P.C. will mobilize to ensure your claim is filed within the Jones Act statute of limitations and assist on your path to financial recovery.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is an essential safeguard for maritime workers considered “seaman,” including those employed on barges. This federal law offers vital protections for seamen injured or killed due to others’ negligence while working on vessels in navigation.
Formerly known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, its primary focus is to provide protections for maritime workers injured during their duties, not just to regulate maritime commerce as outlined in Section 27. This legal foundation secures your rights as you face the daily risks associated with barge work.
Jones Act Statute of Limitations for Barge Injuries
The term statute of limitations refers to the timeframe within which you must file a claim. For injuries sustained on a barge under the Jones Act, this period is three years from the date of the injury. Understanding this timeframe is essential for barge workers, distinguishing it from other claims under maritime law that might have different limitation periods. Missing this deadline results in a forfeiture of the right to seek compensation.
Importance of Acting Promptly
This deadline ensures that claims related to barge injuries are handled while evidence remains fresh and memories of the incident are clear. So the actions you take following your injury are foundational to any future claim under the Jones Act:
- Seek medical attention. Prioritize your health and document all medical interventions.
- Report the injury. Formally notify your employer about the injury to ensure it’s officially recorded.
- Document everything. Record details about the barge incident and your injuries. Take photos of the scene if you can and keep a log of your symptoms.
How Our Houston Offshore Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case
It’s also absolutely necessary to arrange for a free case evaluation with Terry & Thweatt, P.C. right away. If we agree to work together, our legal team won’t hesitate to:
- Investigate the cause of the incident.
- Preserve key evidence from the barge accident scene.
- Secure accurate witness testimonies from fellow barge workers.
- Help you thoroughly prepare for your maritime injury case.
- Negotiate with employers and insurers.
Immediate action supports a more robust legal claim for your barge accident injuries.
What to Expect Terry & Thweatt, P.C. as Your Jones Act Legal Counsel
Dealing with maritime law, particularly for barge operations, requires detailed legal knowledge and strategic planning. Our specialized maritime lawyer, Joe Terry, serves not only as your advocate but also as your strategic advisor, expertly steering your barge-related case toward a successful resolution.
Here's how we handle cases:
- Personalized legal representation. Every case receives tailored advice and representation to ensure your specific circumstances and needs are thoroughly addressed.
- Comprehensive case handling. As outlined above, we manage all aspects of your case. This full-spectrum approach allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
- Proven success in barge injury cases. For example, we represented a barge tankerman who was severely injured due to a lack of proper safety procedures onboard. Our firm successfully negotiated a substantial settlement that covered all of his medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. This case highlights our firm’s commitment to securing justice and adequate compensation for injured maritime workers.
Take charge and safeguard your rights. While three years might seem like a long time, the full benefits of the Jones Act are realized only through timely and informed actions. Equip yourself with the best legal support to ensure that your rights as a barge worker aren’t just understood but effectively enforced.
