Texas Maritime Accident Injury Lawyer in Beaumont, TX

Talk to us before hiring the union attorney.

Helping Seamen, Fishermen, Longshoremen, and Boaters

At our south Texas firm, maritime lawyer Beaumont, TX David Starnes uses federal maritime laws to help our clients get maximum compensation for injuries suffered at sea and on shore. If someone you are close to was injured or killed in a maritime accident, be sure to consult with a maritime injury lawyer who is familiar with all sources of compensation available to longshoremen, harbor workers, fishermen, sailors, merchant seamen, passengers, and pleasure boaters.

Your union may try to steer you to a law firm they work with. If you have a suit, you may be better off working with a lawyer who is not influenced by the union. If you would like to talk with Attorney Starnes about your situation before making a decision, contact us to arrange for a free consultation at our Beaumont, TX office.

Jones Act • Maritime Law • Death on the High Seas Act

Maritime law includes federal laws that treat injury cases involving maritime accidents suffered in connection with ocean-going vessels, whether in the harbor or at sea, differently from land-based accidents.

The Jones Act provides an injured seaman a remedy against employers for injuries arising from the negligence of the employer or co-workers while the seaman was on the job. Claims under the Jones Act include claims against a vessel's owner that the vessel was not seaworthy.

If a seaman dies, a wrongful death claim may be made based on the Jones Act, on general maritime law, or on the Death on the High Seas Act.

What Is the Death on the High Seas Act?

The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) governs wrongful death claims arising from incidents occurring more than three nautical miles from the U.S. coastline. It provides a legal remedy for family members of individuals who die due to wrongful acts, negligence, or unseaworthiness in international waters.

Unlike the Jones Act or general maritime law, DOHSA limits recovery to pecuniary damages—actual financial losses such as loss of support, loss of services, and funeral expenses. Emotional suffering or punitive damages are not recoverable under this statute.

The authority to file claims rests solely with the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, acting on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or dependent relatives. The Act pre-empts other wrongful death remedies when its geographic scope applies, meaning plaintiffs must carefully evaluate whether the fatal incident occurred within territorial or high-seas jurisdiction before pursuing a claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Seaman?

Pursuant to U.S. maritime law, the authority to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased seaman lies with the personal representative of the estate. This representative acts on behalf of specific statutory beneficiaries, which typically include the spouse, children, and dependent parents.

Claims may be pursued under the Jones Act when the death results from employer negligence or unsafe vessel conditions. In addition, if unseaworthiness contributed to the fatality, claims can also be brought under general maritime law through the doctrine of unseaworthiness.

Courts require a clear employer-employee relationship, and the deceased must meet the legal standard of “seaman”—a worker who spends at least 30% of their time in the service of a vessel in navigable waters. Claims must be supported by documentation of dependency, employment history, and vessel operations. These cases are often emotionally complex, as they involve not only legal questions but the deep personal loss experienced by surviving family members.

What Is the Maritime Law Statute of Limitations?

The applicable statute of limitations for maritime law claims varies based on the circumstances, the nature of the claim, and the relevant statute.

• Jones Act Claims: Claims must be filed no later than three years after the date of injury or death. This timeline is strictly enforced and applies to both injury and wrongful death actions brought by seamen or their representatives.
• General Maritime Law Claims (Unseaworthiness or Maintenance and Cure): Also subject to a three-year limitation period. However, the clock may begin to run upon discovery of the injury, not necessarily the date of the incident, if the harm was latent.
• Death on the High Seas Act: Similarly enforces a three-year filing deadline from the date of death.

Failure to comply with these time limits may result in the forfeiture of legal entitlements, including claims for negligence, unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure, and wrongful death damages under applicable maritime statutes. Courts rarely allow tolling of these limitations, so timely legal intervention is critical. David W. Starnes Attorney At Law rigorously evaluates incident timelines, jurisdictional triggers, evidentiary thresholds, and statutory deadlines to preserve and protect maritime claims before they expire.

Maritime Cases Require Highly Qualified Experts

David Starnes, Personal Injury Lawyer in Beaumont, TX and staff work in association with highly qualified marine safety investigators, naval experts, injury experts, Board-certified medical experts, physical capacities experts, rehabilitation experts, and economists to prepare and present a strong case for maximum benefits.

We are committed to protecting the rights of marine workers, their families, and others who have been injured or have lost loved ones in marine accidents. Contact our Personal Injury Lawyer in Beaumont, TX if you would like assistance with a maritime injury claim.

Looking for a maritime accident injury lawyer? Contact us at (409) 835-9900.