Houston Offshore Injury Lawyers: Fighting for Maritime Workers on the Gulf of Mexico

Jones Act | Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation | Death on the High Seas Act
Federal Court Experience | Serving Houston, Beaumont, and Statewide | 1-888-ATTY-911

Houston: The Maritime and Offshore Capital of North America

If you work on the water—on tankers, tugboats, barges, supply vessels, offshore platforms, or cargo ships—you’re part
of an industry that powers the American economy. And if you work in Houston or along the
Texas Gulf Coast, you’re at the center of it all.

The Port of Houston isn’t just another port. It’s the #1 port in the United States for
foreign waterborne tonnage, handling 220.1 million short tons in 2024. The maritime industry supports:

• 1.54 million jobs in Texas directly tied to Port Houston activity
• 3.37 million jobs nationwide connected to Houston’s maritime operations
• $171 billion contribution to Texas GDP in 2024
• $906 billion in economic activity across the nation
• Record 53 million tons of cargo handled at Port Houston terminals in 2024—a 6% increase
• Over 4.1 million TEUs (container units) processed in 2024—a record high

The Houston Ship Channel extends 52 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the turning basin near downtown
Houston. Along its banks sit refineries, petrochemical plants, and maritime terminals that employ tens of thousands
of workers. Supply boats, workboats, tankers, and cargo vessels traverse the channel constantly, supporting the
offshore oil and gas industry that operates across the Gulf of Mexico.

This massive maritime economy creates enormous opportunity—and enormous risk. When maritime workers are injured due
to employer negligence, unseaworthy vessels, or unsafe conditions, they need attorneys who understand the
specialized federal laws that govern offshore injuries.

That’s where Attorney911 comes in.

The Gulf of Mexico: Offshore Energy and Offshore Danger

The Gulf of Mexico contains approximately 48% of U.S. oil refining capacity and nearly 51%
of natural gas processing capacity. Thousands of platforms, rigs, and subsea installations dot the Gulf
from Texas to Florida. Every day, workers travel by helicopter and crew boat to these offshore installations, facing
hazards that workers on land never encounter.

Houston’s Role in Offshore Operations

Houston serves as the command center for Gulf of Mexico offshore operations. Major oil
companies—ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, ConocoPhillips—maintain their Gulf of Mexico operations headquarters in
Houston. Service companies supplying everything from personnel to equipment to drilling services are headquartered
here. Offshore workers based in Houston crew the supply boats, work on the platforms, and maintain the
infrastructure that keeps the offshore industry running.

When offshore workers are injured in the Gulf of Mexico, they often return to Houston for medical treatment. Their
employers are typically headquartered here. The legal claims that result from their injuries are often litigated in
Houston courts—particularly the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, where
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice.

Beaumont and the Golden Triangle: Gateway to the Gulf

Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange—the Golden Triangle—sit at the intersection of the offshore and
refinery industries. The Port of Beaumont serves as a staging area for offshore operations. Workers
commute to Gulf of Mexico platforms from Southeast Texas. The refineries in the Golden Triangle process much of the
crude oil that offshore platforms produce.

Attorney911’s Beaumont office serves offshore workers throughout Southeast Texas and the Louisiana
border—a region with deep connections to the offshore oil and gas industry.

August 2024: Liftboat Brazos Explosion

The dangers of offshore work are constant. On August 11, 2024, an explosion and fire occurred on the
liftboat Brazos at Vermilion Block 170 A in the Gulf of Mexico. Two workers from Production Technology & Services
Inc. (PTS) sustained second-degree burns and required medical evacuation and hospital treatment.

This incident—investigated by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)—is just one of many offshore
accidents that occur every year. Workers on platforms, supply vessels, and support craft face daily hazards that can
cause catastrophic injuries or death.

The Deepwater Horizon Disaster: A Lesson in Offshore Tragedy

No discussion of offshore injury law is complete without acknowledging the Deepwater Horizon
disaster—the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history and a catastrophic failure that killed 11 workers
and injured 17 others.

April 20, 2010: Explosion on the Horizon

On April 20, 2010, a blowout on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, operating approximately 40 miles off the
Louisiana coast, triggered an explosion and fire. Eleven workers died in the initial blast.
Seventeen others were seriously injured. The rig burned for two days before sinking, releasing
nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.

The human and environmental toll was staggering. But so was the legal and financial reckoning that followed.

$61.6 Billion: The Cost of Corporate Negligence

BP’s total costs from the Deepwater Horizon disaster reached approximately $61.6 billion—the most
expensive industrial accident in history. This included:

• $20.8 billion settlement with the U.S. government and five Gulf states—the largest civil
  settlement with a single entity in Justice Department history
• $5.5 billion in Clean Water Act penalties
• $8.1 billion for natural resource damages
• $4 billion in criminal fines, penalties, and restitution
• Billions more in private settlements, cleanup costs, and business interruption claims

Transocean, which owned and operated the Deepwater Horizon rig, paid $400 million in criminal fines
and $1 billion in civil settlements.

The Workers’ Experience

While corporate settlements grabbed headlines, the experience of injured workers and grieving families tells the
human story. Hundreds of workers and cleanup participants filed lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries, health
problems from chemical exposure, and economic losses. Many faced years of litigation before achieving resolution.

The Deepwater Horizon disaster reinforced a critical lesson: offshore workers need experienced maritime
attorneys who can take on billion-dollar corporations and their armies of lawyers.

Attorney911’s BP Experience

Attorney911 was one of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation—specifically the
March 23, 2005 BP Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured over 180. While that incident
occurred at a refinery rather than offshore, the experience demonstrates our capability to take on one of the
world’s largest oil companies and fight for injured workers.

Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and experience in BP litigation directly translates to offshore injury
cases—complex federal maritime claims against major corporations.

Understanding Federal Maritime Law: Your Rights as an Offshore Worker

Offshore injury claims are fundamentally different from typical Texas personal injury cases. They’re governed by
federal maritime law—a specialized body of law that provides unique protections for maritime
workers but also unique challenges.

The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920)

The Jones Act is the cornerstone of maritime injury law. It provides that any seaman injured due to
negligence can sue their employer for damages. Unlike workers’ compensation—which limits recovery to specific
benefits—the Jones Act allows full recovery for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past lost wages
• Future lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement

The Jones Act also has a lower burden of proof than ordinary negligence cases. You don’t need to
prove the employer’s negligence was the sole cause of your injury—just that it contributed to causing your injury,
even slightly.

Who Qualifies as a “Seaman” Under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act applies to workers who qualify as “seamen.” General requirements include:

• Contribution to vessel function: You must contribute to the function of a vessel or fleet of
  vessels in navigation
• Subject to vessel perils: You must face the perils of the sea as part of your work
• 30% Rule: Courts typically require that at least 30% of your working time be spent in service
  of a vessel in navigation

Workers who may qualify as seamen include:

• Deckhands and able-bodied seamen
• Captains, mates, and vessel officers
• Marine engineers and engine room personnel
• Offshore platform workers who spend significant time on supply vessels
• Barge workers and towboat crew
• Commercial fishing vessel crew
• Tugboat operators
• Crew of supply vessels, standby boats, and crew boats

Unseaworthiness: A Second Path to Recovery

In addition to Jones Act negligence claims, maritime workers can pursue claims for unseaworthiness—a
strict liability doctrine that doesn’t require proving employer negligence.

A vessel is “unseaworthy” if any aspect of it—the vessel itself, its equipment, or its crew—is not reasonably fit for
its intended purpose. Examples include:

• Defective equipment or machinery
• Inadequate safety equipment
• Slippery or damaged deck surfaces
• Inadequate crew—either too few workers or unqualified workers
• Failure to provide proper tools
• Structural defects in the vessel

Unseaworthiness claims provide absolute liability—the vessel owner is responsible regardless of whether they knew
about the defect.

Maintenance and Cure: Your Right to Care During Recovery

All maritime workers—regardless of who was at fault for the injury—are entitled to “maintenance and
cure” from their employers:

• Maintenance: Daily living expenses (food, lodging) while recovering and unable to work at sea
• Cure: All reasonable medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

Maintenance and cure is owed regardless of fault. Even if your injury was entirely your own fault,
your employer must pay maintenance and cure. If your employer wrongfully denies or terminates maintenance and cure,
they may face additional damages—including compensatory damages and, in egregious cases, punitive damages.

As Lupe Peña explains from his defense experience: “Insurance companies and maritime employers often try to cut
off maintenance and cure prematurely—claiming the worker has reached maximum medical improvement when they
haven’t, or disputing whether medical treatment is necessary. These tactics can devastate injured workers who
depend on this support. We fight to ensure our clients receive every dollar of maintenance and cure they’re
entitled to.”

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

Not all maritime workers qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. Workers who perform traditional maritime employment
on navigable waters (or in adjoining areas like docks and shipyards) but don’t qualify as seamen are covered by the
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

LHWCA applies to workers such as:

• Longshoremen and stevedores loading/unloading vessels
• Shipyard workers building and repairing ships
• Harbor workers and terminal operators
• Certain dock workers and maritime construction workers

LHWCA provides a workers’ compensation-type system with scheduled benefits for injuries. While it doesn’t allow the
full negligence lawsuits available under the Jones Act, workers can still sue negligent third parties (such as
vessel owners who aren’t their employer).

Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

When maritime workers are killed on the high seas (generally more than 3 miles from shore), the Death on the
High Seas Act governs wrongful death claims. DOHSA provides for:

• Pecuniary damages (financial losses) for surviving family members
• Loss of support, services, and financial contributions
• Funeral expenses

Historically, DOHSA limited recovery to these economic damages. However, the Deepwater Horizon litigation and
subsequent legislation have expanded remedies in some contexts.

For more on wrongful death claims: Wrongful Death Claims

Why Federal Court Experience Matters in Offshore Cases

Offshore injury claims are federal cases. They’re governed by federal maritime law and typically litigated in U.S.
District Courts—not state courts. This requires attorneys with specific qualifications and experience:

Ralph Manginello: Federal Court Admission and BP Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—the
federal court that handles most Gulf of Mexico maritime cases involving Texas-based employers and workers.

His experience includes:

• 25+ years of personal injury experience
• BP explosion litigation involvement—one of the few Texas firms involved
• Federal court admission and experience—essential for maritime cases
• Texas Bar admission since 1998

When your case involves federal maritime law, you need an attorney who has actually practiced in federal court—not
someone learning on your case.

Lupe Peña: Insider Knowledge of Maritime Defense Tactics

Attorney Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies—including companies that defend maritime injury claims.
He knows the tactics maritime employers and their insurers use:

• Challenging seaman status: Arguing workers don’t qualify for Jones Act protection
• Disputing unseaworthiness: Claiming vessels were fit for service when they weren’t
• Cutting off maintenance and cure: Prematurely terminating benefits
• Blaming the worker: Alleging the worker’s own negligence caused the injury
• Lowball settlements: Offering quick cash before workers understand their rights

“Maritime employers know most injured workers don’t understand their rights under the Jones Act. They offer
settlements far below what the case is worth—hoping the worker takes the money before consulting an attorney. I
saw these tactics from the defense side. Now I protect workers from them.” — Lupe Peña

Common Offshore Injuries We Handle

Offshore work is inherently dangerous. The combination of heavy equipment, moving vessels, hazardous chemicals, and
the maritime environment creates countless ways for workers to be injured:

Deck and Vessel Accidents

Working on vessel decks presents constant hazards:

• Slips, trips, and falls: Wet, oily, or icy deck surfaces cause falls that can result in
  fractures, head injuries, and back injuries
• Falling objects: Crane loads, rigging, and equipment can strike workers
• Caught-in/between: Workers caught in mooring lines, rigging, or between vessel and dock
• Equipment failures: Winches, cranes, and deck machinery that malfunction
• Cargo handling injuries: Loading and unloading operations create crush and struck-by hazards

In a recent case, Attorney911’s client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed he
should have been assisted in this duty, and we reached a significant cash settlement.

Platform and Rig Accidents

Offshore platforms and drilling rigs present unique hazards:

• Explosions and fires: Hydrocarbon processing creates explosion risks (as demonstrated by
  Deepwater Horizon and the August 2024 Brazos incident)
• Falls from height: Multi-level platforms with ladders, catwalks, and open areas
• Crane and lifting accidents: Constant crane operations moving equipment and supplies
• Confined space incidents: Tanks, vessels, and enclosed spaces with oxygen depletion or toxic
  atmospheres
• Struck-by incidents: Tools, equipment, and materials dropped from above

Transportation Injuries

Getting to and from offshore locations creates additional hazards:

• Crew boat accidents: Collisions, groundings, and capsizing
• Helicopter crashes: Offshore helicopter transport involves significant risk
• Personnel basket transfers: Swinging between vessels and platforms
• Gangway and boarding injuries: Injuries during transfer between vessel and platform

Burns and Chemical Exposure

Offshore facilities handle flammable and toxic materials:

• Thermal burns: From fires, explosions, steam, and hot surfaces
• Chemical burns: From acids, caustics, and hydrocarbon products
• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exposure: Deadly toxic gas common in oil and gas operations
• Benzene and hydrocarbon exposure: Long-term cancer risks

Diving Accidents

Offshore diving—saturation diving, commercial diving, and inspection diving—is extraordinarily dangerous:

• Decompression sickness (the bends)
• Drowning and near-drowning
• Hyperbaric injuries
• Equipment failures
• Trauma from underwater construction and maintenance

Don’t Face Maritime Employers Alone

Offshore employers are sophisticated defendants. They know maritime law. They have insurance companies with
specialized maritime defense teams. They’ll try to minimize your claim, challenge your seaman status, cut off your
maintenance and cure, and pressure you to settle cheap.

You need attorneys who understand federal maritime law and have experience against major marine industry defendants.

Attorney911 offers:

• Federal court experience—Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in U.S. District Court
• BP litigation experience—proven capability against major oil companies
• Insider defense knowledge—Lupe Peña knows how maritime insurers operate
• Jones Act expertise—we’ve resolved many offshore injury cases under federal maritime law
• Statewide coverage—offices in Houston, Beaumont, and Austin serving maritime workers across
  Texas

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Contact us today | Meet
our attorneys

Hablamos Español. Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish.

The Offshore Injury Legal Process: What to Expect

When you hire Attorney911 for your offshore injury claim, here’s how we fight for you:

Phase 1: Immediate Response and Protection

Securing Maintenance and Cure: If your employer isn’t already paying maintenance and cure, we demand
it immediately. You’re entitled to these benefits regardless of fault—and employers who wrongfully deny them face
additional liability.

Initial Case Evaluation: We analyze your situation to determine:

• Do you qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act?
• Are you covered by the LHWCA?
• Were there vessel unseaworthiness issues?
• Who are the potentially liable parties?
• What damages have you suffered?

Evidence Preservation: We send spoliation letters demanding that employers and vessel owners
preserve all evidence—vessel logs, maintenance records, safety reports, incident reports, and witness statements.
Destroying or altering evidence after our letter creates serious legal problems for defendants.

Phase 2: Investigation and Case Building

Incident Investigation: We investigate the circumstances of your injury:

• Obtaining incident reports and Coast Guard reports
• Interviewing witnesses (coworkers, supervisors, other vessel personnel)
• Reviewing vessel maintenance and inspection records
• Examining safety procedures and training records
• Consulting maritime safety experts when needed

Establishing Seaman Status: If your employer contests your status as a seaman, we gather evidence
proving you meet the requirements—employment records showing time on vessels, job descriptions, and testimony about
your duties.

Medical Evidence: We work with your treating physicians to document your injuries, treatment, and
prognosis. For serious injuries, we may engage life care planners to project future medical needs.

Economic Analysis: For lost earning capacity claims, we may engage economists to calculate the
present value of future wages you’ll lose due to your injury.

Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation

Demand Letter: We send a comprehensive demand outlining:

• The facts of your injury
• Legal basis for your claims (Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure)
• Responsible parties and their liability
• Your damages—past and future medical, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering
• Our demand for full compensation

Negotiation: Many maritime cases settle during negotiation. Maritime employers and their insurers
know what Jones Act cases are worth—and they know Lupe Peña understands their tactics from his defense background.

As Lupe explains: “When I send a demand on behalf of an offshore worker, the defense knows they’re dealing with
someone who’s been on their side. They can’t use the usual lowball tactics. They know I’ll see through them.
That often leads to earlier, fairer settlements.”

Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

If employers or insurers won’t offer fair compensation, we file suit in federal court.

Filing: Most Houston-area maritime cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of Texas. Beaumont-area cases may be filed in the Eastern District of Texas. Ralph Manginello’s federal
court admission ensures you’re represented by an attorney experienced in these courts.

Discovery: Through formal discovery, we obtain:

• Complete vessel logs and records
• Maintenance and inspection histories
• Safety policies and training records
• Prior incident reports and near-miss reports
• Corporate safety policies and communications
• Depositions of vessel officers, crew, and corporate safety personnel

Discovery often reveals information employers hoped would never come to light—deferred maintenance, ignored safety
concerns, inadequate training, or prior similar incidents.

Expert Witnesses: We engage maritime safety experts, marine surveyors, medical experts, economists,
and vocational experts to support your claims.

Phase 5: Trial or Settlement

Mediation: Most federal courts require mediation before trial. After discovery reveals the strength
of your case, many defendants prefer to settle rather than face a jury.

Trial: If your case goes to trial, Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of trial experience and federal
court admission ensure you’re represented by an attorney who knows how to present maritime cases to federal juries.

Juries understand that maritime workers face real dangers—and that employers who cut corners on safety should pay for
the injuries they cause. The Deepwater Horizon litigation, with its billions in recoveries, demonstrated what
happens when maritime negligence faces legal accountability.

Understanding Your Maritime Injury Damages

Maritime law provides comprehensive compensation for injured seamen. Here’s what you may be entitled to:

Maintenance and Cure (Immediate Benefits)

Regardless of who was at fault, you’re entitled to maintenance and cure:

Maintenance: Daily payments for food and lodging while unable to work at sea. Typical rates range
from $30-$70 per day or more, depending on your actual living expenses.

Cure: All reasonable and necessary medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement
(MMI). This includes:

• Doctor visits and hospitalization
• Surgery and medical procedures
• Medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Medical equipment
• Travel expenses for medical treatment

Warning: Employers often try to cut off maintenance and cure early—claiming you’ve reached MMI when
you haven’t, or disputing whether treatment is reasonable. We fight to ensure you receive full maintenance and cure.

Past Lost Wages

You can recover wages lost from the date of injury through the present—replacement of the income you would have
earned if not injured. This includes:

• Base wages
• Overtime
• Bonuses and incentive pay
• Benefits value

Maritime workers often earn substantial incomes—platform workers, tugboat captains, supply vessel crew, and offshore
specialists can earn $60,000 to $150,000+ annually. Lost wages add up fast.

Future Lost Earning Capacity

If your injury prevents you from returning to maritime work—or limits the type of work you can do—you can recover the
present value of future wages you’ll lose. For a 35-year-old worker who can no longer perform offshore work, this
can represent 30 years of lost income.

We work with economists to calculate the present value of your lost earning capacity, accounting for:

• Your pre-injury earning trajectory
• Expected wage growth
• Work life expectancy
• Any residual earning capacity you retain

For catastrophic injuries, lost earning capacity claims can reach into the millions of dollars.

Past Medical Expenses

All medical expenses incurred to date—beyond what maintenance and cure covers—can be recovered as damages. This is
particularly relevant after you reach maximum medical improvement and maintenance and cure ends.

Future Medical Expenses

For serious injuries requiring ongoing care, you can recover the projected cost of future medical treatment. We work
with life care planners to document:

• Future surgeries and procedures
• Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
• Medications
• Medical equipment and assistive devices
• Home modifications (if needed)
• Attendant care (for severe injuries)

Pain and Suffering

Unlike workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows recovery for non-economic damages—the pain, suffering, and
diminished quality of life caused by your injury. This includes:

• Physical pain—acute and chronic
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and limitations on activities
• Impact on relationships

Pain and suffering damages are difficult to quantify but often substantial—particularly for catastrophic injuries
like amputations, spinal cord injuries, and severe burns.

Disfigurement

If your injury caused scarring, disfigurement, or loss of limbs, you can recover additional damages for the impact on
your appearance and self-image.

Punitive Damages (In Certain Cases)

If an employer’s conduct was particularly egregious—willful disregard of safety, intentional violation of safety
rules, or fraudulent denial of maintenance and cure—punitive damages may be available to punish the employer and
deter similar conduct.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a maritime worker is killed, surviving family members can bring wrongful death claims under the Jones Act or the
Death on the High Seas Act. Recoverable damages include:

• Loss of financial support
• Loss of services the deceased would have provided
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship (in some cases)

For more on wrongful death claims: Wrongful Death Lawyers

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Offshore Injury Claim

When you’re injured offshore, you face sophisticated employers with maritime defense teams and insurance companies
with decades of experience minimizing claims. You need attorneys who can match their expertise—and exceed it.

Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello

Maritime cases belong in federal court. Ralph Manginello delivers:

• U.S. District Court admission—Southern District of Texas
• 25+ years of personal injury experience—Texas Bar since 1998
• BP explosion litigation—proven capability against major oil companies
• Trial experience—not afraid to take cases to verdict

When your case involves federal maritime law and major corporate defendants, you need an attorney who has actually
practiced in federal court—someone who understands the different procedures, standards, and expectations of federal
litigation.

Insider Defense Knowledge: Lupe Peña

Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies—including companies that defend maritime injury claims. He knows:

• How maritime employers and insurers evaluate claims
• What tactics they use to minimize payouts
• How they calculate what to offer
• When they’re bluffing and when they’re serious
• What makes them settle versus fight

“I’ve been in the room when defense teams discussed offshore injury claims. I know how they value cases, what
tactics they use, and what they fear. Now I use that knowledge to get my clients maximum compensation. When the
defense sees my name on a case, they know they can’t use their usual tricks.” — Lupe Peña

Long History of Results

Attorney911 has resolved many offshore injury cases under the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Our documented results include:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for workers with catastrophic injuries
• Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back lifting cargo on a ship
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases including trucking-related deaths
• BP explosion litigation experience—one of the few Texas firms involved

Statewide Coverage from Strategic Locations

With offices in Houston, Beaumont, and Austin, Attorney911 serves
maritime workers throughout Texas:

Houston: Our Houston office is ideally located to serve maritime workers throughout the Houston Ship
Channel, Port of Houston, and Galveston Bay—the heart of Texas maritime commerce.

Houston Office:
Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027

Beaumont: Our Beaumont office serves maritime workers in the Golden Triangle—Port of Beaumont, Port
Arthur, and the Sabine-Neches Waterway.

Austin: Our Austin office serves Central Texas offshore workers who commute to the coast for their
tours.

We travel to meet with injured workers throughout Texas—wherever you need us.

4.9-Star Client Reviews (251+ Reviews)

Our clients consistently describe the Attorney911 experience:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris

“Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and
determined.” — Jamin Marroquin

“One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up
this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox

Bilingual Services

Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Many maritime workers come from Spanish-speaking backgrounds—and they
deserve legal representation without language barriers. Hablamos español.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency. You pay:

• No upfront attorney fees
• No hourly billing
• Nothing unless we recover compensation for you

We front all case costs—investigation, experts, court filing fees, everything. If we don’t win your case, you owe us
nothing.

Our contingency fee structure:

• 33.33% if the case settles before trial
• 40% if the case goes to trial

This structure means we’re motivated to win—and to maximize your recovery.

What to Do After an Offshore Injury

If you’ve been injured offshore, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Report the Injury Immediately

Report your injury to your supervisor and the vessel’s master or captain. Ensure an incident report is created.
Request a copy if possible.

2. Get Medical Attention

Accept medical evacuation if offered. Get proper medical treatment—don’t minimize your injuries. Tell doctors exactly
what happened and describe all symptoms.

3. Document Everything

• Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your memory
• Note the names of witnesses
• Take photos if possible (of the location, any defective equipment, your injuries)
• Keep all medical records and bills

4. Demand Maintenance and Cure

Contact your employer in writing and formally request maintenance and cure payments. Your employer owes these
benefits regardless of who was at fault.

5. Be Careful What You Sign

Don’t sign any releases, settlements, or statements without legal advice. Employers may pressure you to accept quick
settlements far below what you’re entitled to.

6. Don’t Give Recorded Statements Without an Attorney

Your employer or their insurance company may want a recorded statement. You’re generally required to cooperate, but
you can—and should—have an attorney present to protect your interests.

7. Contact an Offshore Injury Attorney

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. The sooner we’re involved, the better we can protect your
rights and preserve evidence.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Contact us today | Meet our attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions About Offshore and Maritime Injury Claims

What is the Jones Act and how does it protect me?

The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a federal law that allows seamen injured due to
employer negligence to sue their employers for damages—something regular workers’ compensation doesn’t allow. It
provides a lower burden of proof than ordinary negligence cases and allows recovery for pain and suffering, lost
wages, and future lost earning capacity. To qualify, you must be a “seaman”—generally meaning you spend at least 30%
of your work time on vessels in navigation.

How do I know if I qualify as a “seaman”?

Courts generally look at two factors: (1) whether you contribute to the function or mission of a vessel in
navigation, and (2) whether you have a connection to a vessel or fleet that is substantial in both duration and
nature. Workers who typically qualify include:

• Crew aboard supply vessels, tugboats, barges, and tankers
• Platform workers who spend substantial time on supply boats
• Commercial fishing vessel crew
• Captain, mates, and engineers

Employers often challenge seaman status to limit liability. We can evaluate whether you qualify.

What if I don’t qualify as a seaman?

If you work in maritime employment on or near navigable waters but don’t qualify as a seaman, you may be covered by
the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). LHWCA provides workers’
compensation-type benefits and may allow third-party lawsuits against parties other than your employer (such as
vessel owners).

What is maintenance and cure?

Maintenance is a daily payment for food and lodging while you’re recovering and unable to work at
sea. Cure covers all reasonable medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement.
You’re entitled to maintenance and cure regardless of who was at fault—even if the injury was entirely your own
fault.

My employer cut off my maintenance and cure. Can they do that?

Employers must provide maintenance and cure until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point where your
condition is stable and unlikely to improve with further treatment. If your employer cuts off benefits before MMI,
they may be liable for additional damages. If the cutoff was unreasonable or in bad faith, punitive damages may be
available. Contact us immediately if your maintenance and cure is terminated.

What is vessel unseaworthiness?

A vessel is “unseaworthy” if any part of it—the vessel itself, its equipment, or its crew—is not reasonably fit for
its intended purpose. Unseaworthiness is strict liability—the vessel owner is responsible even if
they didn’t know about the defect. This is separate from Jones Act negligence and provides an additional path to
recovery.

How long do I have to file an offshore injury lawsuit?

The Jones Act has a three-year statute of limitations. You must file suit within three years of your
injury. However, don’t wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and employers may destroy records. Contact an
attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under the Jones Act and general maritime law, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your
recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you don’t lose your claim entirely. This “comparative
negligence” approach is more favorable than some state laws.

What compensation can I receive for an offshore injury?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to:

• Maintenance and cure (regardless of fault)
• Past and future lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Past and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Punitive damages (in egregious cases)

My employer is offering to settle. Should I accept?

Almost certainly not—at least not without legal advice. Employers offer quick settlements because they know they’re
paying less than your claim is worth. Before accepting any settlement, have an attorney evaluate your case. We offer
free consultations—there’s no cost to find out what your case is worth.

What if my loved one was killed in an offshore accident?

Surviving family members (spouse, children, parents) can bring wrongful death claims under the Jones Act or the Death
on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). These claims can recover pecuniary damages (financial losses), funeral expenses, and
in some cases, loss of companionship. For more information: Wrongful Death Claims

Does it matter where my offshore injury occurred?

Maritime law applies to injuries on navigable waters—the Gulf of Mexico, the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, the
Intracoastal Waterway, and other navigable waterways. If your injury occurred on a vessel in navigation or on a
fixed platform over the Outer Continental Shelf, maritime law likely applies. The specific location affects which
court hears your case and some procedural matters, but the basic Jones Act rights apply throughout.

Why do I need a maritime injury attorney rather than a regular personal injury lawyer?

Maritime injury cases are fundamentally different from regular personal injury cases:

• They’re governed by federal law, not Texas state law
• They’re litigated in federal court, not state court
• Seaman status, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure are maritime-specific concepts
• Damages calculations follow maritime law principles

An attorney unfamiliar with maritime law may miss claims you’re entitled to or mishandle the specialized procedures.
Attorney911 has resolved many offshore injury cases under the Jones Act and other maritime laws.

What if I worked for a contractor, not the platform or vessel owner?

Many offshore workers are employed by contractors rather than the platform operator or vessel owner. This creates
multiple potential defendants:

• Your direct employer (contractor)
• The vessel or platform owner
• Other contractors on site
• Equipment manufacturers

We identify all parties whose negligence contributed to your injury to maximize your recovery.

How much does it cost to hire an offshore injury attorney?

Attorney911 works on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. We also front all case
costs—investigation expenses, expert fees, court costs. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.

Offshore Injury Resources and Regulatory Information

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

BSEE regulates offshore oil and gas operations on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. BSEE investigates offshore
accidents and enforces safety regulations. Their investigation reports can provide valuable evidence for offshore
injury claims.

BSEE investigates incidents involving:

• Fatalities
• Serious injuries
• Fires and explosions
• Loss of well control
• Collisions

The August 2024 Brazos liftboat explosion was investigated by BSEE.

U.S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard investigates marine casualties including vessel collisions, groundings, and other navigation
incidents. Coast Guard investigation reports document causes of marine accidents and can support maritime injury
claims.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

NTSB investigates major marine casualties, particularly those involving fatalities or significant environmental
damage. NTSB investigated the Deepwater Horizon disaster and issued comprehensive reports on the causes.

OSHA Maritime Standards

OSHA’s maritime safety standards apply to certain shore-side maritime activities including shipyard employment,
marine terminals, and longshoring. Violations of OSHA standards can support negligence claims.

Your Union (If Applicable)

If you’re a union member, your collective bargaining agreement may provide additional protections beyond basic
maritime law. However, union agreements cannot waive your Jones Act rights—you retain the right to sue for
negligence regardless of union provisions.

Contact Attorney911: Fighting for Gulf Coast Maritime Workers

The maritime industry powers the Texas economy. The Port of Houston supports 1.54 million Texas jobs and contributes
$171 billion to the state’s GDP. The Houston Ship Channel handles more foreign waterborne tonnage than any port in
America. The offshore industry operating from Texas extracts the oil and gas that fuels the nation.

These industries depend on maritime workers—workers who face daily hazards that most people never experience. When
these workers are injured due to employer negligence or unseaworthy vessels, they deserve attorneys who understand
their rights and can fight the sophisticated corporate defendants they face.

Attorney911 is that firm.

Our Offshore Injury Team

Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

• Texas Bar since 1998 (25+ years experience)
• U.S. District Court admission—Southern District of Texas
• BP explosion litigation experience—one of the few Texas firms involved
• Federal court trial experience
• Host of Attorney 911 The Podcast

Learn more about Ralph Manginello

Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney

• Texas Bar since 2012
• Former insurance defense attorney at national defense firm
• Insider knowledge of maritime defense tactics and insurance company strategies
• Fluent in Spanish—hablamos español
• 3rd generation Texan with King Ranch family heritage

Office Locations

Houston Office (Headquarters)
Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 528-9070

Serving maritime workers throughout:

• Houston Ship Channel (Turning Basin to Galveston Bay)
• Port of Houston terminals
• Galveston Bay and Texas City
• Harris County, Galveston County, Chambers County, Brazoria County

Beaumont Office
Serving the Golden Triangle and Southeast Texas including:

• Port of Beaumont
• Port Arthur and Sabine-Neches Waterway
• Sabine Pass offshore staging
• Jefferson County, Orange County, Hardin County

Austin Office
Serving offshore workers from Central Texas including:

• Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County
• Workers who commute to coastal maritime positions

Practice Areas

Attorney911 represents injured workers and accident victims across Texas in these practice areas:

• Refinery and Plant Accidents
• Car Accidents
• 18-Wheeler/Truck Accidents
• Wrongful Death Claims
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Insurance Claim Disputes

Contact Us Today

You face storms, heavy seas, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials every time you go to work. You shouldn’t also
have to face a legal system stacked against you when you get hurt.

Attorney911 fights for maritime workers. We understand the Jones Act. We have federal court experience. We’ve taken
on BP and other major corporations. And we bring insider knowledge of how maritime defense works.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

• Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Phone: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Online: Contact Form

Hablamos Español. Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish.

Your employer failed you. We won’t.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Jones Act | Federal Court | BP Litigation Experience

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.