Houston is a busy area for our waterways. From Galveston Bay, the Houston Ship Channel, and even the Port of Houston, our dredging crews keep everything save and navigable. The jobs you do are essential, but they are also very dangerous. You work long hours, on unstable surfaces, and there are often unpredictable weather conditions. All of this can lead to injury. Luckily, the Jones Act helps protect injured dredging workers in Houston.
At Griffin Law Group, LLC, our dedicated Texas dredging worker accident attorneys are here to help. We understand the complicated interplay between state and federal law, including how the Jones Act can help you win the compensation you deserve.
Why Dredging Workers Qualify as “Seamen” Under the Jones Act
Most dredging workers meet the Jones Act definition of a seaman, which requires:
- Employment on a vessel in navigation, and
- A substantial connection to that vessel in terms of time and nature of work.
Dredges are legally considered vessels. They move from location to location, operate on navigable waters, and perform maritime functions. Because dredging crews typically spend well over 30% of their work time aboard these vessels, they qualify for Jones Act protections rather than state workers’ compensation.
This distinction matters. The Jones Act allows injured dredging workers to sue their employer for negligence, something land-based workers cannot do.
Common Causes of Dredging Accidents in Houston
Dredging work involves a lot of heavy equipment, moving parts, and unpredictable weather. Accidents may happen due to:
- Equipment failures
- Slip and fall hazards
- Improper training
- Understaffing
- Collisions with barges, tugboats, or passing vessels
- Falling objects from cranes or dredge booms
- Electrical hazards
- Fatigue from long shifts
- Poor communication between crews and support vessels
Under the Jones Act, even a small amount of employer negligence can make the employer liable.
What Benefits the Jones Act Provides to Injured Dredging Workers
The Jones Act offers several categories of compensation that are far broader than traditional workers’ comp.
1. Maintenance and Cure
All injured dredging workers are entitled to:
- Maintenance: Daily living expenses (food, rent, utilities) while recovering
- Cure: All reasonable medical treatment until maximum recovery
These benefits are owed regardless of fault.
2. Jones Act Negligence Claims
If the employer, vessel owner, or crew was negligent, the injured worker may recover:
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The burden of proof is lower than in most injury cases.
3. Unseaworthiness Claims
The vessel itself has to be reasonably safe, as well as being equipped properly. A dredge may be considered unseaworthy if:
- Equipment is defective
- Crew members are improperly trained
- The vessel is understaffed
- Work areas are unsafe
4. Wrongful Death and Survival Claims
If a dredging worker is killed on the job, the Jones Act and general maritime law allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for:
- Lost financial support
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering before death
Why Houston Dredging Workers Face Unique Risks
Houston’s waterways are among the busiest in the United States. Dredging crews often work:
- Near heavy commercial traffic
- In narrow channels with limited maneuvering room
- Around petrochemical facilities
- In fast-changing weather and tidal conditions
How Injured Dredging Workers Can Protect Their Rights
Because maritime employers and insurers often try to limit payouts, taking the right steps early can make a major difference.
1. Report the Injury Immediately
Delays can give the company an excuse to deny the claim.
2. Get Medical Treatment From a Doctor You Choose
You are not required to see a company-approved doctor.
3. Avoid Signing Company Statements or Forms
These documents often limit your rights or shift blame onto you.
4. Document Everything
Take photos, keep medical records, and write down names of witnesses.
5. Speak With a Maritime Injury Attorney
Jones Act cases are complex, and employers often have legal teams ready to respond within hours of an accident. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation the law allows.
Seek Help From a Houston Dredging Worker Accident Lawyer
Dredging workers like yourself do important work, and you deserve comprehensive legal protection after an injury.
Consult a Texas attorney at Griffin Law Group, LLC for help. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.