Maritime Accidents in Beaumont

In the aftermath of a maritime accident, your choice of legal representation can determine the outcome of your case. David W. Starnes Attorney At Law delivers results-driven legal counsel for injured seamen, offshore workers, and maritime professionals in Beaumont, navigating Jones Act claims, maintenance and cure disputes, and wrongful death suits. We act quickly to investigate your accident, preserve critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and future care.

Call (409) 835-9900 for immediate legal guidance.

Speak With a Maritime Lawyer

What Is Maritime Law?

Maritime law is a specialized legal system developed to handle disputes and injuries tied to work or travel on the water. Unlike standard personal injury law, it operates under its own set of federal rules, shaped by centuries of maritime tradition and legal precedent. As a result, it treats individuals differently depending on their specific role and connection to a vessel.

These legal classifications aren’t just technical. They determine your rights, the type of compensation you can seek, and how your case must proceed. That’s why understanding where you fall within the framework of maritime law is the first and most important step toward building a successful claim.

Which Laws Apply to Maritime Accident Claims?

Maritime law—often called admiralty law—is the legal framework that applies to disputes and offenses that happen on navigable waters like oceans, rivers, and sizable lakes. It’s the rulebook for the high seas and busy harbors, shaping everything from international shipping routes to weekend boating mishaps.

This body of law has its own set of principles, separate from general personal injury law. It includes long-standing doctrines like maintenance and cure (an injured seaman’s right to medical care and living expenses), seaworthiness (the vessel owner’s obligation to provide a safe ship), and the Jones Act, which gives seamen the right to sue employers for negligence.

Maritime law reaches into areas such as cargo losses, vessel collisions, marine insurance claims, and injuries to longshore workers. Cases often end up in federal court, although plaintiffs can sometimes choose state court under the “saving to suitors” clause. What makes maritime law especially complex are its unique deadlines for filing claims and different standards for proving a case. Given its complexity, effective navigation of maritime law requires knowledgeable legal counsel to ensure compliance and maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What Qualifies You To Pursue a Maritime Lawsuit?

To file a maritime lawsuit, the injured party must meet specific criteria depending on their classification under federal maritime statutes.

The most common categories include:

• Seamen under the Jones Act: Eligibility requires that a minimum of 30% of your job duties take place aboard a vessel or identifiable fleet in navigable waters. As a seaman, you’re entitled to sue your employer for negligence and claim maintenance and cure benefits.
• Longshore and harbor workers: If you’re a dockworker, shipbuilder, or engaged in maritime-related activities onshore, coverage may be available to you under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
• Passengers and third parties: Passengers injured due to vessel operator negligence or failure to follow maritime safety regulations may pursue claims under general maritime law.
• Fishermen and offshore workers: Injuries occurring aboard commercial fishing boats or oil rigs may qualify under specific maritime statutes, such as the Jones Act or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).

Eligibility also depends on whether the injury occurred on navigable waters and whether the incident involved traditional maritime activity. Case viability can depend on vessel status, ownership liability, and whether unseaworthiness or regulatory violations contributed to the event.

What Is the Maritime Law Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations in maritime law sets strict deadlines for filing injury or wrongful death claims. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. In most cases under general maritime law, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the type of claim, the parties involved, and the specific law that applies, such as the Jones Act or the Death on the High Seas Act.

Courts enforce these deadlines firmly, and delays, even for valid reasons, can result in dismissal. This makes it important to act quickly. Preserving evidence, identifying the correct legal framework, and filing on time are all essential to protecting your case.

What Should You Do After a Maritime Accident?

The actions taken immediately following a maritime accident are critical to preserving your right to pursue full and fair compensation. While prompt response is essential, following the correct legal procedures in the proper sequence is equally important to safeguard your health, protect your legal interests, and strengthen any future claim.

Here’s what to do after a maritime accident:

• Report the incident: Notify your supervisor or vessel master and request that it be documented in the official log.
• Seek medical care promptly: Plan to visit your own doctor, not just the company-assigned physician, to ensure independent documentation of your injuries.
• Document the scene and preserve evidence: Take photos of equipment, weather conditions, and any visible hazards if you’re able. Keep damaged gear, torn clothing, or broken tools that may support your claim.
• Avoid signing employer-issued paperwork: Do not sign statements or waivers without speaking to a maritime attorney.
• Get witness information: Collect names and contact details for anyone who saw the incident or its aftermath.

Finally, contact David W. Starnes Attorney At Law. Our legal team will evaluate your situation, advise you of your rights under maritime law, and guide you through the appropriate steps to pursue a valid claim.

David W. Starnes Attorney At Law: The Maritime Injury Lawyer You Need on Your Side

At David W. Starnes Attorney At Law, we handle maritime accident litigation with a command of federal admiralty statutes, case precedent, and maritime-specific evidentiary standards.

Our practice is equipped to:

• Investigate vessel and employer liability
• File claims under the Jones Act
• Represent longshoremen and dockworkers
• Negotiate with marine insurers
• File federal court actions

How Long Does a Maritime Law Case Usually Take?

The duration of a maritime law case typically ranges from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the claim, the legal issues involved, and how far it proceeds to court. More straightforward claims may be resolved within a few months through settlement or administrative processes. In contrast, cases involving allegations of negligence, unseaworthiness, or third-party liability often extend beyond one year due to prolonged discovery, expert involvement, and court scheduling.

A more precise estimate of the case timeline can be provided after a thorough review of the facts, supporting evidence, and the applicable legal standards governing the claim. This assessment is necessary to evaluate procedural considerations and potential obstacles that may affect the overall resolution period.

Request a Case Assessment

Maritime law is complex, but with David W. Starnes Attorney At Law, you gain a legal partner who knows how to protect your income, health benefits, and long-term stability. We focus on uncovering every opportunity for recovery so your claim reflects the full extent of your loss.

Looking for a maritime accident attorney in Beaumont? Contact us at (409) 835-9900.