Houston Maritime Injury Attorney — Protecting Injured Offshore Workers

If you’ve been injured while working on or near the water in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Whether you’re a seaman, longshoreman, oil-rig worker, or harbor employee, our Houston maritime injury attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Maritime Law

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal disputes that occur on navigable waters. It differs significantly from land-based personal injury law and requires specialized legal knowledge. Maritime law involves complex legal doctrines, including the Jones Act, general maritime law, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and the doctrine of unseaworthiness. These legal pathways offer various forms of compensation, but determining which law applies to your case can be challenging without professional help.

Our firm is dedicated to navigating these complexities. We assist workers injured in offshore accidents, vessel collisions, cargo mishaps, and other maritime incidents. With deep knowledge of federal maritime statutes and years of trial experience in Texas courts, we are committed to achieving justice for every maritime worker.

Why You Need a Houston Maritime Injury Attorney

Unlike traditional workplace injury claims that fall under state workers’ compensation laws, maritime injury claims often require action under specific federal statutes. These claims are particularly complex, requiring knowledge of case law, navigational rights, vessel responsibilities, and employer duties under maritime doctrines. Insurance companies and employers will often attempt to deflect responsibility or offer settlements that are significantly below what an injured maritime worker deserves.

Our attorneys have successfully represented maritime workers in hundreds of cases throughout the Gulf Coast. We understand how to:

• Investigate offshore and vessel-related accidents
• Collect evidence of employer negligence
• Assess the seaworthiness of vessels
• Calculate total damages, including medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Negotiate and litigate claims under the Jones Act, LHWCA, and other applicable statutes

Who We Represent

We assist maritime workers from a wide variety of maritime industries, including:

• Seamen and crew members injured while working on ships, tankers, barges, and cargo vessels
• Oil and gas workers stationed on offshore drilling rigs, jack-up platforms, and floating production units
• Dockworkers and longshoremen performing dangerous labor along Houston ports and terminals
• Commercial fishermen and shrimp boat workers injured during commercial fishing operations
• Cruise ship employees and harbor-based personnel working in tourism, hospitality, and support services

Even if your job title isn’t listed here, you may still qualify for a maritime injury claim. If your duties are carried out on navigable waters or related marine facilities, we can evaluate your case and pursue compensation.

Common Maritime Injuries and Hazards

The maritime industry is one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. economy. Offshore environments expose workers to harsh weather, unstable surfaces, shifting cargo, and high-risk equipment. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions from slips or vessel collisions
• Spinal cord injuries from falls or being struck by moving equipment
• Burns caused by chemical exposure, electrical faults, or onboard fires
• Fractures and amputations from malfunctioning cranes, winches, or hoists
• Repetitive stress injuries due to demanding manual labor and insufficient recovery time
• Exposure-related conditions, including respiratory issues, dermatitis, and chemical poisoning

These injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation, and without legal action, injured maritime workers risk being undercompensated or ignored altogether.

Legal Remedies Available to Maritime Workers

1. The Jones Act

This federal statute allows qualifying seamen to file negligence claims against their employers. You may qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act if you spend at least 30% of your work time on a vessel in navigable waters. A successful Jones Act claim can include compensation for:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and loss of quality of life

2. Unseaworthiness Doctrine

Under general maritime law, vessel owners are obligated to provide a seaworthy ship. If a vessel has defective equipment, inadequate crew, or unsafe conditions and it leads to injury, a seaman may file an unseaworthiness claim, even if no direct employer negligence occurred.

3. Maintenance and Cure

If you’re a seaman injured in the course of duty, you are entitled to maintenance (daily living expenses) and cure (medical treatment) from your employer until you reach maximum medical improvement. Delays or denials can result in additional punitive damages.

4. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

This law covers maritime workers who are not seamen, such as dockworkers and shipbuilders. It offers compensation for:

• Temporary or permanent disability
• Medical treatment
• Rehabilitation services

We can help determine whether you qualify under the LHWCA and ensure your claim is filed correctly.

Affiliated Law Firm Suggestions

Kirib does not provide legal representation or endorse specific law firms. However, based on public listings, legal directories, and client reviews, here are some well-known Houston-based maritime law firms you may consider consulting:

• Patrick Daniel Law – Focuses on maritime and offshore injury claims with high-value case experience. (patrickdaniellaw.com)
• Johnson Garcia LLP – Experienced in complex maritime litigation including rig injuries and deckhand accidents. (johnsongarcialaw.com)
• The Krist Law Firm, P.C. – Recognized for multimillion-dollar verdicts in maritime injury cases. (houstoninjurylawyer.com)
• Sutliff & Stout – Known for aggressively pursuing Jones Act and vessel negligence claims. (sutliffstout.com)
• Kolodny Law Firm – Offers bilingual representation and focuses on maritime, offshore, and personal injury law. (kolodnylawfirm.com)
• Abraham Watkins – One of Houston’s oldest firms, handling maritime injuries and wrongful death cases. (abrahamwatkins.com)

Always perform your own research and consultations to determine which law firm is best suited for your needs.

Why Choose a Specialized Maritime Attorney

Working with a maritime-specific attorney ensures you are guided by someone familiar with:

• Federal vs. state jurisdiction
• Maritime liability doctrines
• Filing deadlines and statute limitations
• Vessel and employer safety obligations
• Proper calculation of future medical and vocational damages

General personal injury attorneys may not have the legal tools or experience to maximize a maritime worker’s recovery.

What to Do After a Maritime Injury in Houston

1. Report the injury to your captain or supervisor immediately
2. Seek medical care and ask for documentation
3. Photograph the scene if possible and gather witness contacts
4. Avoid signing statements or waivers without legal advice
5. Contact a qualified maritime injury attorney to protect your rights

Taking swift action can protect your claim and prevent your employer or their insurer from weakening your case.

Contact a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer Today

Under federal law, injured maritime workers often have limited time to act:

• Jones Act: File within 3 years of the injury
• LHWCA: Notify employer within 30 days and file claim within 1 year
• Unseaworthiness claims: Usually 3-year limit

Waiting too long can result in forfeiting your legal right to compensation. Even if you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies under maritime law, it’s worth speaking to a qualified attorney.

Get a free, confidential consultation today. Let us help you explore your legal options and guide you through every step of your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Jones Act and how do I know if it applies to me?
A: The Jones Act protects workers who spend a significant amount of time on vessels in navigable waters. If your injury occurred during your duties aboard a vessel, you may qualify.

Q: Can I sue my employer directly under maritime law?
A: Yes, under the Jones Act, if your employer was negligent. You can also file claims under the unseaworthiness doctrine.

Q: What if I work onshore or at a shipyard?
A: You may be covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

Q: How much compensation can I expect?
A: It depends on the nature and extent of your injuries, your lost wages, medical bills, and long-term impacts. Each case is unique.

Q: Is legal representation expensive?
A: Most maritime attorneys work on contingency—meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

Q: Can I file a claim if the injury happened outside U.S. waters?
A: Possibly. U.S. maritime law can apply depending on your citizenship, the flag of the vessel, and where the company is based. An attorney can determine jurisdiction.

Need guidance? Contact a maritime injury attorney in Houston today. Your road to recovery—and justice—starts now.