Corpus Christi Jones Act Attorney
Maritime workers injured in the Gulf of Mexico or along the South Texas coast have powerful legal rights under the Jones Act — rights that go far beyond what standard workers compensation provides. Anderson Alexander PLLC has extensive experience representing Jones Act claimants throughout Corpus Christi and the South Texas Gulf Coast. Both attorneys are Super Lawyers rated. No fee unless we win. Free consultations: (361) 452-1279.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) is a federal law that gives maritime workers the right to sue their employer for negligence when injured in the course of their employment. Unlike standard workers compensation — which provides limited benefits regardless of fault — a Jones Act claim allows an injured seaman to recover full compensation including pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
Who Qualifies as a Jones Act Seaman?
To bring a Jones Act claim you must qualify as a seaman under federal law. The primary test is whether you spend at least 30% of your work time on a vessel in navigation. Vessels include ships and tankers, barges and tugboats, offshore supply vessels (OSVs), drillships and semi-submersible platforms, and jack-up rigs and other mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) that qualify as vessels.
The determination of seaman status is fact-specific and often contested by employers and their insurers. Anderson Alexander evaluates every client's situation individually to determine whether Jones Act coverage applies.
What Damages Are Available Under the Jones Act?
A successful Jones Act claim can recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages from the time of injury through recovery, loss of future earning capacity if the injury permanently affects your ability to work, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and disfigurement. These damages are in addition to — and far exceed — what maintenance and cure provides.
Maintenance and Cure — Your Right Regardless of Fault
Even if your Jones Act negligence claim is contested, you are entitled to maintenance and cure from the moment you are injured in service of the vessel. Maintenance covers your daily living expenses during recovery. Cure covers your medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement. This right exists regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
If your employer fails to pay maintenance and cure promptly and in full, they may be liable for additional damages including attorney fees.
The Jones Act Statute of Limitations
Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury. Do not wait. Maritime injury evidence deteriorates quickly and employers and their P&I insurers begin protecting their position immediately after an accident occurs.
Anderson Alexander — Jones Act Attorney Corpus Christi
Anderson Alexander PLLC represents Jones Act claimants throughout Corpus Christi, the Port of Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Port of Brownsville, and the broader South Texas Gulf Coast. Both attorneys are Super Lawyers rated. No fee unless we win. Free consultations: (361) 452-1279 · a2xlaw.com.
Serving: Corpus Christi · Port of Corpus Christi · Brownsville · Port of Brownsville · Kingsville · Laredo · Victoria · McAllen · Gulf Coast South Texas
Anderson Alexander PLLC
101 N Shoreline Blvd, Suite 420, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 452-1279
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