Thousands of serious injuries and fatalities occur each year in the Gulf Coast due to the negligent or reckless operation of watercraft of all types. With tourism steadily increasing and more people enjoying the Gulf Coast shores than ever before, boating accidents are on the rise.

A victim of a boat accident caused by negligence should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can advise the injured person on the proper course of action and help ensure his or her ability to seek financial recoveries at a later date.

Maritime law is a highly specialized area of law that requires a thorough understanding of the unique dangers and laws that govern boating and water activities. Without competent legal counsel, a cut-and-dry case can quickly fall apart, leaving the victim with exorbitant bills and no way to obtain recovery. We have the legal expertise and resources needed to build a solid liability lawsuit against the negligent party and secure fair and just financial recovery for our clients' injuries.

If you have been seriously injured off the coasts of Texas or Louisiana, the Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D. may be able to help.

Jones Act Claims

Working aboard a sea vessel is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Although employers are required by law to provide a reasonably safe work environment, these regulations are weakly enforced at best. Vessel owners and employers often cut corners and neglect necessary maintenance in order to maximize profits, forcing workers to labor under hazardous working conditions. At the Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D., we understand the unique circumstances and dangers Gulf Coast maritime workers may encounter. We aggressively advocate for the rights of a seriously injured worker against the interests of ship owners and big businesses.

Injured maritime workers are protected by the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to obtain financial recovery from an employer if the employer acted negligently or the vessel was unseaworthy.

Maritime law is a highly specialized practice area. Establishing liability under the Jones Act hinges on proving the negligence of the employer or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. The Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D. has been very successful in helping seriously injured workers obtain financial compensation. The Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D. can help you obtain recovery for past and future income loss, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and more.

Early investigation and discovery is crucial to the victim's ability to recover fair compensation for his or her injuries. The negligent company or vessel owner will immediately start working to limit their liability by altering accident sites and destroying important evidence. As soon as you contact The Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D., we will immediately start preserving crucial evidence and interviewing important witnesses for you.

If you have been injured while actively employed aboard a sea vessel, trust your future to an experienced attorney with a proven record of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Maritime and Admiralty Law?

A: Maritime and admiralty laws govern navigation and shipping operations. In general, injuries that fall under the jurisdiction of maritime and admiralty law include injuries sustained while aboard a sea vessel or injuries sustained while on or near a dock or pier. Maritime and admiralty laws cover all types of sea vessels including commercial boats, recreational water crafts, and cruise ships.

Q: What is the Jones Act?

A: The Jones Act allows seamen who are injured during employment on a ship to recover damages for their injuries. In order to receive damages, the seaman must prove his injury was caused by the negligence of the ship owner or the unseaworthiness of the ship. Because establishing negligence is crucial to successful recovery of damages under the Jones Act, it is important to seek the council of a qualified attorney.

Q: If I am injured while working aboard a ship, can I receive worker's compensation benefits?

A: No. Worker's compensation benefits do not apply to seamen working on a ship. Seamen have an exclusive set of laws that stipulate the assistance and recovery they are entitled to if injured during active employment.

Q: If my family member dies while working aboard a sea vessel, can I file a lawsuit?

A: The Death on the High Seas Acts allows the surviving members of a seaman's family to file for benefits if the seaman dies due to the negligence of his employer or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. In order to qualify, the death must occur more than three miles off the shore of any state. The seaman's decedents will receive compensation for pecuniary loss.

Q: What are "maintenance" and "cure" benefits?

A: "Maintenance" and "cure" are benefits owed by law to any seaman who is injured or becomes ill while working aboard a ship or sea vessel. "Maintenance" is a daily stipend that covers food and lodging expenses for the seaman. "Cure" is the compensation for medical expenses. These benefits are provided for any injured or ill seaman regardless of who is at fault for the injury or illness. The ship owner is required to pay these benefits until the seaman has fully recovered.