Maritime and Jones Act Injury Attorney in Houston, TX

Help for Injured Seamen and Maritime Workers

Maritime jobs demand strength, skill, and safe vessels. When unsafe conditions or negligent operations cause injury, you have special rights under maritime law. The Arnsworth Law Firm represents deckhands, engineers, tug and barge crews, commercial fishermen, and offshore workers based out of Houston and ports across the Gulf.


As a Jones Act attorney, we pursue maintenance and cure benefits, investigate unseaworthiness, and file suit for negligence to recover lost wages, medical care, and pain and suffering. If a tragedy at sea leads to loss of life, we guide families through wrongful death options and coordinate strategy across our broader practice areas.

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What the Jones Act Provides

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Seamen may sue their employer for negligence

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Separate unseaworthiness claim against the vessel owner if the ship was unsafe

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Maintenance and cure until maximum medical improvement

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Choice of state or federal court in many cases

Where Maritime Injuries Occur

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Tugboat, towboat, and barge operations

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Cargo handling and deck injuries on vessels in navigation

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Offshore service vessels and crew boats

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Oil and gas support work and anchor handling

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Slips, falls, line handling injuries, and equipment failures

Evidence We Secure and How We Win

We collect ship logs, safety reports, maintenance records, and witness statements, and we preserve incident photos and inspection notes before they disappear. We work with maritime experts to show how staffing, training, procedures, or defective gear created an unsafe condition. We also enforce your right to maintenance and cure when employers delay or underpay. When third-party manufacturers or contractors contribute to the hazard, we pursue them as well to maximize recovery.

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Answers to Common Jones Act and Maritime Questions

  • Who qualifies as a seaman under the Jones Act?

    Generally, crew who spend at least 30 percent of their time on a vessel in navigation and are connected to the vessel’s mission. We assess status based on your actual work.

  • What compensation is available?

    Beyond maintenance and cure, a negligence or unseaworthiness claim may recover lost wages, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

  • How long do I have to file?

    Most maritime injury claims, including Jones Act negligence, have a three-year statute of limitations. Evidence fades quickly, so early action matters.

  • Do I need a Texas lawyer if the injury happened offshore?

    Yes, if your home port, employer, or hiring was tied to Texas, venue may be proper here. We handle Gulf Coast claims and coordinate logistics while you recover.

Your Recovery Starts Onshore

The Arnsworth Law Firm represents injured seamen and maritime workers from Houston to ports across Texas. Start with a free consultation to protect your benefits and explore every path to compensation.