Maritime injuries are different from ordinary injury cases because the work is dangerous, the law is highly specific, and the companies involved may begin protecting themselves immediately. If you suffered catastrophic harm on a vessel, offshore platform, barge, dock, or other maritime worksite, a Fort Worth maritime injury lawyer could help you understand which laws apply and what claims may be available.
These cases may involve severe burns, crush injuries, brain trauma, and more. A personal injury attorney could investigate the incident, identify responsible parties, preserve evidence, and help you pursue accountability for the harm done to you and your family. Your lawyer, Brant Stogner, could bring the focus and courtroom strength needed for a serious maritime injury claim.
What Makes Maritime Injury Cases Different?
Maritime injury cases often involve overlapping federal laws, vessel safety regulations, company policies, and third-party responsibility. A Fort Worth maritime accident attorney could examine where the injury happened, what kind of work you were doing, and whether you qualify as a seaman, longshore worker, offshore worker, contractor, or passenger.
Under the Jones Act, 46 United States Code § 30104, a seaman injured in the course of employment may bring a civil action against the employer, with the right to a jury trial. That law may apply when negligence by an employer, vessel owner, captain, crew member, or supervisor contributed to the injury.
Evidence That Could Shape an Offshore Injury Claim
A serious offshore or maritime accident claim may depend on evidence that is controlled by the companies involved.
Helpful evidence generally includes:
- Vessel logs or maintenance records
- Safety inspection documents
- Training materials
- Incident reports
- Photographs and videos of the incident
- Crew or other eyewitness statements
- Communications between contractors
Brant Stogner, a lawyer skilled in Fort Worth maritime injury claims, could move quickly to secure this information before records are lost or the incident is reframed. Early investigation may also reveal whether the harm resulted from unsafe equipment, inadequate crew training, poor supervision, or a failure to follow established safety procedures.
Claims Beyond a Single Employer
Maritime injury cases may involve more than one claim and more than one responsible party. In addition to a Jones Act negligence claim, an injured seaman may have claims under general maritime law involving an unseaworthy vessel or maintenance and cure. These claims may address unsafe vessel conditions, medical care, and basic support while the injured person recovers.
Other maritime workers may fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which is found in 33 U.S.C § 901. A Fort Worth offshore injury lawyer could evaluate whether the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, the Jones Act, general maritime law, or a third-party civil claim may apply.
Third-party claims may be especially important in catastrophic cases. A vessel owner, equipment manufacturer, maintenance contractor, platform operator, transportation company, or other outside company may have contributed to the danger. We look closely at every layer of responsibility because serious cases require more than a narrow view of what happened.
Call a Fort Worth Maritime Injury Attorney for Guidance Today
After a catastrophic maritime accident, you may be facing pain, uncertainty, financial pressure, and questions about whether the company is telling you the whole story. We understand how much is at stake, and we approach these cases with the preparation and force they deserve.
A Fort Worth maritime injury lawyer could help you determine what law applies, who may be responsible, and what steps could protect your future. Contact us for a case review from Attorney Brant Stogner about your maritime injury or offshore accident case.