If you work on a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico or along the South Texas coast, you may have powerful legal rights that most workers never know about. The Jones Act — formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 — is a federal law that gives injured seamen the right to sue their employers for negligence and recover far greater compensation than what standard workers' compensation allows.

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is one of the most important pieces of federal legislation for maritime workers. It provides seamen with a negligence cause of action against their vessel owner or employer, similar to how railroad workers have rights under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Unlike traditional workers' compensation, a Jones Act claim allows you to recover damages for your employer's negligence — meaning if someone's carelessness contributed to your injury, you can seek full compensation.

Who Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?

Not every maritime worker automatically qualifies for Jones Act protection. To be considered a "seaman," you must meet what is commonly called the "30% vessel test." The U.S. Supreme Court established that a worker qualifies as a seaman if they contribute to the function of a vessel or the accomplishment of its mission, and if they have a connection to a vessel (or fleet of vessels) that is substantial in both its duration and nature — generally spending at least 30% of their work time aboard a vessel.

Common South Texas Workers Who May Qualify

Workers in South Texas who frequently qualify for Jones Act coverage include crew members on drilling vessels and supply boats in the Gulf of Mexico, workers on tug and barge operations along the Texas Coastal Bend, and deckhands, able seamen, and vessel crew operating out of Corpus Christi Bay and surrounding ports. Our maritime practice page outlines which types of workers commonly qualify.

Jones Act Damages vs. Workers Compensation

This is where the Jones Act becomes critically important for injured offshore and maritime workers. Standard workers' compensation — if it even applies — limits you to medical bills and a portion of lost wages. The Jones Act, by contrast, allows injured seamen to recover:

Economic damages including all past and future medical expenses, lost wages from time missed work, and diminished future earning capacity if your injury prevents you from returning to maritime work at the same level. Non-economic damages including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical disfigurement. These damages alone can substantially increase the value of your claim compared to a workers' comp settlement.

Maintenance and Cure: Your Rights Regardless of Fault

Even if you cannot prove your employer was negligent, you may still be entitled to maintenance and cure. Maintenance is a daily living stipend paid while you are unable to work due to a maritime injury — typically covering basic living expenses like rent and food. Cure is the payment of your reasonable medical expenses until you reach what is called "maximum medical improvement" (MMI). These rights exist independently of any fault determination and are among the strongest protections available to seamen under general maritime law.

The Three-Year Deadline for Jones Act Claims

Unlike general personal injury cases in Texas, which carry a two-year statute of limitations, Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury. While three years may seem like ample time, it is critical to begin building your case immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and employer records can be difficult to obtain years after the fact. An early investigation gives your legal team the best chance of preserving critical evidence.

Why South Texas Maritime Workers Need Specialized Legal Help

Maritime law is a complex specialty area that overlaps federal statutes, general maritime common law, and state law in ways that general personal injury attorneys may not fully understand. Employers and their insurance carriers hire maritime defense firms that work these cases every day. You need an advocate who knows this field equally well. At Anderson Alexander PLLC, our attorneys Austin Anderson and Clif Alexander — both rated by Super Lawyers — have extensive experience representing offshore and maritime workers throughout South Texas and the Gulf Coast. Learn more about our attorneys on our about page.

Free Consultation for South Texas Maritime Workers

If you or a family member was injured working on a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Texas coast, contact Anderson Alexander PLLC today for a free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we win. Call us at (361) 452-1279 or visit our contact page. Our office is located at 101 N Shoreline Blvd, Suite 420, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.