About Me
Hello. My name is Kenneth H. Hooks, III, and I am a maritime lawyer based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the United States of America. I am a partner at the respected maritime law firm Dodson & Hooks, APLC. For over 20 years, I have dedicated my legal career to helping injured seafarers and families of deceased crew members—especially those from India and other countries working on international vessels.
I represent Indian nationals who have been hurt while working at sea, who have not been paid their rightful wages, or who have lost loved ones in tragic maritime accidents. I understand the unique challenges faced by Indian seafarers and their families, and I know how difficult it is to get fair compensation when the accident happens far from home. I have helped many Indian families collect money from large foreign shipowners and employers—and I may be able to help you too.
You have a right to be paid. You have a right to proper medical care. You have a right to fight for justice when something goes wrong.
Let me help you use the law to protect your future.
Why Indian Seafarers Choose Us
Many Indian seamen work for foreign companies based in countries like Panama, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, or other “flag of convenience” states. These companies often do not care about your well-being. When something goes wrong—an injury, a death, or unpaid wages—these companies and their insurance providers offer very small settlements, or none at all.
We Do Things Differently
If I am hired, I will try to bring your case to the United States courts, where the legal system allows for much larger awards and settlements. U.S. law gives more rights and better protections to injured workers and their families than many other legal systems. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to file a case in the U.S. if the case involves a ship that is connected to U.S. companies, ports, cargo, or business practices.