Offshore work is some of the most dangerous labor in the Gulf Coast. In Port Arthur, Beaumont, Nederland, Orange, and Sabine Pass, thousands of workers support the offshore industry—whether on crew boats, OSVs, supply vessels, barges, tugboats, jack-up rigs, or drilling platforms. When an injury happens offshore, the laws that protect you are very different from normal Texas personal-injury claims.
If you were hurt offshore, federal maritime law—not Texas state law—controls your rights. That means your claim may fall under the Jones Act, General Maritime Law, or the Doctrine of Unseaworthiness, all of which offer strong protections to injured seamen.
Here’s what every Jefferson County offshore worker needs to know immediately after an injury.
Your Rights Under the Jones Act & Maritime Law
You May Qualify as a “Seaman”
Most offshore workers in Jefferson County qualify as seamen, which gives you powerful rights, including:
- The right to sue your employer for negligence
- The right to maintenance and cure (daily living expenses + medical treatment)
- The right to compensation for lost wages, future earnings, pain, impairment, and more
Even if your employer or the insurance adjuster says you don’t qualify, do not take their word for it.
Common Offshore Accidents in the Port Arthur–Beaumont Area
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet decks
- Crane failures
- Line-handling and mooring incidents
- Back injuries from heavy lifting
- Fires, explosions, and equipment failures
- Rough seas and vessel instability
- Unsafe gangways or ladders
- Defective or poorly maintained tools and equipment
Many of these accidents happen due to negligence or an unseaworthy vessel, both of which create liability for your employer or vessel owner.
Maintenance and Cure Begins Immediately
Your employer must pay:
- Maintenance: daily living expenses (food, rent, utilities)
- Cure: all medical treatment until you reach maximum improvement
If they delay or refuse your benefits, that can be grounds for additional damages.
Why You Should Never Give a Statement Without Counsel
Offshore companies often pressure workers to provide recorded statements before medical treatment. This can damage your claim.
Always speak with a maritime attorney first, especially if:
- You don’t trust the company doctor
- The company is rushing you back to work
- They’re blaming you for the accident
- They want you to sign paperwork
Steps to Take After an Offshore Injury
1. Report the Injury Immediately
Notify your supervisor—but do not let them change your statement to shift blame onto you.
2. Request Medical Treatment (Not Just the Company Doctor)
You have the right to see your own doctor.
3. Document Everything
If possible, save photos, witness names, and notes about what happened.
4. Don’t Sign Anything Until You Talk to a Lawyer
Companies often present “incident forms” or “light-duty agreements” that limit your claim.
5. Call a Maritime Attorney
Port Arthur and Beaumont workers regularly travel offshore from Sabine Pass, Galveston, Port Fourchon, and Corpus Christi. No matter where the injury occurred, if you live in Jefferson County, you can file your case in Texas.
Call Us Today
If you or a family member was injured offshore, you have rights under the Jones Act and maritime law that may entitle you to significant compensation. Call Gilman & Allison, LLP today at (713) 224-6622 for a free consultation.