Maritime Lawyer in Houston

Who Maritime Law Protects

Maritime law covers a wide range of workers whose jobs take place on or near navigable waters.

This includes:

• Seamen and vessel crew members, protected under the Jones Act
• Longshoremen and harbor workers, covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA)
• Offshore oil and gas workers on platforms, rigs, and support vessels
• Tugboat and barge crews operating throughout the Houston Ship Channel
• Dockworkers and terminal employees loading and unloading cargo

Because maritime law operates differently from standard workplace injury law, it's critical to work with attorneys who understand which laws apply to your situation, as well as how to use them to your advantage.

Common Causes of Maritime Accidents

Maritime workers face hazards not found in most other industries, including:

• Slip-and-fall accidents on wet, uneven, or poorly maintained decks
• Equipment failures involving cranes, winches, or rigging
• Falls overboard or falls from heights on vessels and platforms
• Fires and explosions aboard vessels or offshore platforms
• Toxic exposure to chemicals, fuel, or hazardous cargo
• Collisions between vessels or with fixed structures
• Crush and entanglement injuries from heavy machinery and cargo-handling equipment

Many of these accidents result from inadequate crew training, poor vessel maintenance, unsafe working conditions, or violations of federal safety regulations.