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We won a verdict for a single plaintiff in an action against a multi-national pharmaceutical company.
We won a jury verdict for a client who suffered head trauma and permanent scarring in an ATV rollover case in South Texas.
Won a settlement against a Fortune 500 pipeline company for burn victims of a plant explosion in South Texas.
Won settlement for family who lost loved one in trucking crash.
Life on the water supports Galveston’s economy, yet maritime work carries real risk. When an offshore job turns into a life-changing injury, confusion and pressure often follow. At Kherkher Garcia, our team understands how quickly routine shifts can become overwhelming after an accident. For maritime workers, a Galveston Jones Act injury lawyer becomes essential when injuries disrupt income, health, and family stability.
Galveston’s ports, ship channels, and offshore operations demand long hours and physical labor, often performed far from immediate medical care. That reality adds stress when injuries occur. It can become overwhelming when questions arise about rights, pay, and long-term recovery. We approach these cases with care, experience, and a deep respect for the challenges faced on Galveston waters. Kherkher Garcia LLP is a trusted presence where it matters most.
Seaman status is the foundation of a Jones Act claim, yet it often causes confusion. Federal law focuses on whether a worker spends a significant portion of their time contributing to a vessel’s operation. In Galveston, this often includes crew members from offshore rigs, tugboats, fishing vessels, and service ships operating in the Gulf. Courts often apply a guideline that at least thirty percent of a worker’s duties must occur aboard a vessel in navigation in order to be a seaman. In practice, this means reviewing work schedules, job logs, and vessel assignments to determine whether maritime duties are substantial rather than occasional.
Galveston employers sometimes misclassify workers to avoid Jones Act obligations, particularly when employees split their time between land-based tasks and offshore assignments. Accurate classification is critical because seaman status directly affects access to compensation and legal remedies under maritime law. According to maritime workforce data, thousands of Texas workers fall within this category , with coastal counties like Galveston reporting some of the highest concentrations of qualifying maritime employment.
The Jones Act provides protections that differ greatly from standard workplace injury rules. Under 46 U.S. Code § 30104, the Jones Act, injured seamen may seek compensation directly from their employer when negligence plays any role in an accident. According to federal maritime injury studies, employer fault is identified in a significant portion of offshore injury claims, often tied to unsafe equipment or poor training. These protections enable injured workers to pursue damages beyond basic medical care, reflecting the greater risks associated with maritime labor. In Galveston, where offshore energy and commercial shipping intersect, employer responsibilities extend to proper vessel maintenance, crew training, and safe operational procedures.
Even small lapses, such as inadequate safety briefings or delayed equipment repairs, may satisfy the negligence standard under the Jones Act. This structure recognizes the unpredictable and hazardous nature of maritime employment. Safety standards enforced through federal maritime regulations, including navigation and operational rules outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard, reinforce the duty employers owe to their crews.
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Waterways near Galveston see heavy commercial traffic, offshore operations, and changing weather conditions, all of which contribute to maritime injuries. Slip-and-fall incidents remain among the most frequently reported claims, often associated with wet decks or unstable surfaces. Equipment failures, vessel collisions, and lifting injuries also account for a large share of accidents.
Industry statistics indicate that maritime workers experience injury rates several times higher than those in land-based occupations, particularly in Gulf Coast regions. Heavy vessel traffic near Galveston Bay, combined with offshore drilling activity and variable weather, increases exposure to hazards.
Storm-related conditions, shifting cargo, and mechanical breakdowns often escalate routine tasks into dangerous situations. These factors contribute to both acute injuries and cumulative trauma that develops over time. Inadequate training and fatigue frequently appear as contributing factors, especially during long offshore rotations common to Galveston-based operations.
A successful Jones Act claim may include compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation systems, these claims also allow recovery for pain and suffering, a legal concept that addresses both physical harm and the emotional strain injuries place on daily life.
Maintenance and cure benefits may also be applicable, covering basic living expenses and medical care until the individual has reached maximum recovery. Each case depends on detailed evidence, medical records, and a thorough review of the individual’s employment history. Economic losses may also include future wage reductions when injuries limit a worker’s ability to return offshore.
In maritime careers, physical readiness has a direct impact on earning potential, making its long-term effects especially significant. Proper documentation helps ensure compensation reflects not only immediate costs but also lasting professional consequences.
Jones Act cases follow maritime law rather than state workers’ compensation rules. Injured seamen must prove employer negligence, yet the burden of proof is lower than in many personal injury claims. Even a minimal fault can support liability. These cases often involve federal jurisdiction, maritime regulations, and complex employment classifications. Claims may be filed in state or federal court, depending on the strategy, venue, and specific case details.
Employers frequently rely on maritime defenses unfamiliar to injured workers, adding procedural challenges. Navigating these issues requires a detailed understanding of both maritime operations and federal law. Employers and insurers frequently dispute seaman status or attempt to limit their liability, making experienced legal representation critical for protecting a worker’s rights.
Maritime injuries can change a career, and a family’s future, in an instant. At Kherkher Garcia, our firm believes injured seamen deserve clear guidance and steady support during uncertain times, especially when financial pressure and medical concerns begin to overlap. Many workers face unanswered questions about their employer’s responsibility, ongoing treatment, and how to support loved ones during recovery.
Consulting with Kherkher Garcia LLP enables you to understand your options under maritime law, assess the strength of your claim, and take informed steps to protect your rights and livelihood. Call 713-333-1030 to discuss your situation with a Galveston Jones Act injury lawyer who understands the toll these injuries can take.
Jesus Garcia Jr. is a founding partner of Kherkher Garcia LLP and a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience representing victims of catastrophic injury and wrongful death caused by corporate negligence.
Raised in Rio Grande City, Texas, Jesus brings a deep understanding of hard work, perseverance, and accountability to every case he handles. His commitment to justice has led to record-setting verdicts and settlements, including some of the largest recoveries in Texas history.
Known for his trial-ready approach and relentless advocacy, Jesus has dedicated his career to holding powerful corporations accountable and fighting for families when they need it most.
Terry Yates is a seasoned trial lawyer with decades of experience handling complex civil and criminal matters across Texas and nationwide. A lifelong Texan, he brings deep courtroom knowledge shaped by years of public service and private practice.
Board Certified in Criminal Law by both the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Terry has tried numerous high-profile cases and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County. He is also a graduate and former faculty member of the Trial Lawyers College under renowned trial attorney Gerry Spence.
In addition to his legal practice, Terry serves as an Associate Judge for the City of West University Place and as a legal analyst for ESPN radio.
Client Reviews
Outstanding law firm—the staff graciously took care of me from start to finish. I was intimidated by the legal process in general, but after meeting with Kherkher Garcia, that fear went right out the window. My attorneys explained each step of the process and remained helpful through it all. I never doubted that my case was in the best hands!! Thank you Kherkher Garcia!
Steve Kherkher was a pleasure to work with. He took care of every little detail of our case from start to finish. His staff were wonderful also. This law firm goes above and beyond to help their clients. I would 100% recommend them to anyone I know. Thank you Steve for caring about our family and making sure our grandson was taken care of after his dad’s wrongful death. I cannot say thank you enough!
My experience with Kherkher & Garcia has been great. The attorneys are highly skilled and professional. The communication has been excellent. They are results oriented and they take care of their clients.
Couldn’t have chosen a better law firm ! Steve will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get what you deserve . They kept me informed throughout the whole process, and made sure to explain everything in detail. Nice , caring , and honest people ! 10 / 10 would recommend !!
Jesus Garcia is one of the best trial lawyers I have seen in action. He commands the attention of the jury when he speaks. He is a down to earth person and that is probably why he gets amazing results. He is professional and will treat you with respect. If you ever need a personal injury lawyer, I highly recommend that you call Jesus Garcia.
It is difficult to share some of the most tragic details you will ever experience with someone you don’t know. The Kherkher Garcia law firm will make you feel like family. They are there for you every step of the way when you don’t know which direction to go. Honest and fair. You will be happy you chose them.
The attorney and staff was very polite, responsive, and hard working during this difficult process. They took the time to keep me up to date with any and all proceedings. Very knowledgeable and ethical practice and would highly recommend.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
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