When you’re injured offshore or involved in a maritime accident, your rights and livelihood are on the line. Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a specialized area of law that governs incidents and injuries occurring on navigable waters. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working offshore, hiring an experienced Houston maritime attorney is essential to securing the compensation you deserve.
Houston is home to one of the busiest ports in the United States, and the Gulf of Mexico is a hub for oil rigs, cargo ships, and offshore platforms. With such high levels of maritime activity, accidents are not uncommon. Whether you’re a seaman, longshoreman, or offshore oil worker, knowing your legal rights and having skilled representation can make all the difference in your recovery.
Why You Need a Maritime Attorney in Houston
Maritime law is complex and significantly different from standard personal injury law. While a general personal injury lawyer may be able to handle car accidents or slip and falls, maritime cases require a deep understanding of:
- The Jones Act
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
- Maintenance and cure
- Unseaworthiness claims
- Wrongful death under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
A seasoned Houston maritime lawyer is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate these laws and maximize your compensation.
Common Types of Maritime Accidents
Maritime workers face some of the most dangerous conditions of any occupation. The offshore environment, heavy machinery, volatile substances, and unpredictable weather contribute to frequent accidents. A Houston maritime attorney often handles cases involving:
- Offshore oil rig explosions
- Ship collisions
- Slip and fall injuries on deck
- Crane and equipment malfunctions
- Fires and toxic chemical exposure
- Drowning or man-overboard incidents
- Injuries caused by unseaworthy vessels
Regardless of how the accident occurred, if you were injured while working on or near navigable waters, you may have a valid maritime injury claim.
Understanding the Jones Act
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that protects seamen injured in the course of employment. It allows injured maritime workers to sue their employer for negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation, which doesn’t require proof of fault, a Jones Act claim requires you to show that your employer or another party acted negligently and that this negligence caused your injury.
Examples of negligence under the Jones Act include:
- Failure to maintain safe working conditions
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Faulty equipment or machinery
- Neglecting safety protocols
A Houston maritime attorney can help gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence and fight for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Maintenance and Cure
Under general maritime law, seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure when injured in the service of a vessel. “Maintenance” refers to daily living expenses such as housing and food, while “cure” covers medical bills related to the injury.
Your employer is required to provide these benefits regardless of fault. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to additional compensation, including punitive damages. A maritime injury lawyer in Houston will ensure that your employer honors their obligations under maritime law.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Not all maritime workers qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. The LHWCA provides benefits to those who work in ports, shipyards, or offshore construction but do not operate aboard vessels. This includes:
- Longshoremen
- Harbor workers
- Dockworkers
- Shipbuilders and repairmen
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What to Do After a Maritime Injury
If you’ve been hurt while working offshore or on navigable waters, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Report the Injury Immediately: Notify your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Failing to report an accident promptly can hurt your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get treated by a qualified medical professional. Don’t downplay your injury or delay care.
- Document Everything: Collect names of witnesses, take photos of the scene, and keep records of all medical visits.
- Avoid Signing Anything: Do not sign any statements, waivers, or settlement offers without legal counsel.
- Contact a Houston Maritime Attorney: Your employer and their insurance company will likely have legal representation. You should too.
Choosing the Right Houston Maritime Lawyer
Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle maritime law cases. When searching for a Houston maritime attorney, look for:
- Proven experience in maritime and admiralty law
- Successful track record with Jones Act and offshore injury cases
- Availability for free consultations and case evaluations
- Strong negotiation and trial skills
- Compassion and dedication to client recovery
Many reputable maritime lawyers in Houston work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Damages You May Recover in a Maritime Injury Claim
Depending on the circumstances of your case and which law applies, you may be entitled to:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Vocational retraining
- Punitive damages (in cases of employer misconduct)
A qualified maritime attorney will assess the full extent of your damages and fight to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Contact a Trusted Houston Maritime Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured at sea, on an oil rig, or while working in a harbor, don’t face the legal system alone. Maritime law is complex, and time is critical. Statutes of limitation can vary, and evidence can quickly disappear. By working with an experienced Houston maritime attorney, you give yourself the best chance to receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Whether your injury happened aboard a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico or while loading cargo in the Port of Houston, legal help is just a call away. Protect your rights, your health, and your future by speaking with a knowledgeable maritime lawyer today
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