What Causes Maritime Accidents in Houston, Texas?
Working in the maritime industry can be as exciting of a career as it is rewarding. However, it also involves a work environment that can put you at a high risk of accidents.
You may wonder just what it is that makes working in the industry so dangerous and what causes maritime accidents in Houston, Texas. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, our Houston personal injury lawyers are here to offer some guidance.
If you need help after suffering a maritime injury, contact our legal team for a free initial consultation at (713) 500-5000.
Table of Contents
How Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Maritime Accident in Houston, TX
If you work on a cargo ship, oil rig, or any other type of vessel, you know how easy it can be to get hurt. After suffering a maritime injury, you may be able to file a claim and recover compensation. To have the best chance of obtaining a fair outcome, you need a Houston maritime accident lawyer by your side.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of experienced attorneys can provide the assistance you need throughout this complex process.
We can help by doing the following:
- Assessing the claim
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence to prove your injuries
- Negotiating with opposing parties
- Advocating for you in court, if necessary
We have over 45 years of combined experience helping people who have suffered losses in maritime accidents. With a single call, you can get dedicated and tenacious lawyers to help you get compensation. Contact our team of Houston, TX, personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
The Main Causes of Maritime Accidents in Houston, TX
Offshore accidents typically occur because of human error. The main reasons people suffer injuries in this industry are as follows:
Falls
Working on a ship puts you at risk of slipping (or tripping) and falling. Surfaces can be slick, and you can experience battering winds while you’re out at sea. Vessels can also move unexpectedly along the waves, potentially causing you to fall off stairs or simply lose your footing.
Despite what you may think, falls can be serious, especially given the circumstances out at sea. They are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and back injuries, which could leave victims unable to work and facing significant medical expenses.
Toxic Material Exposure
If you work on an oil rig, you’re likely exposed to an abundance of chemicals on a daily basis. You may also work in very close quarters that don’t have proper ventilation. Toxic materials can damage your skin and eyes, while a buildup of fumes can increase the risk of fires and explosions.
Furthermore, without the right equipment and protection, you could suffer burns and respiratory issues and may even develop more serious conditions like cancer.
Improper Training
All workers need to be trained properly, and that often comes down to the company that hires them. If the business doesn’t take the time to provide adequate training or hires people without the necessary experience, the results could be catastrophic.
If you didn’t receive proper training, you could be performing physical tasks that put you at risk. For example, if you weren’t trained on the best way to lift heavy items, you could strain your muscles and even damage your spine.
In instances when there’s been a failure in hiring or training, you may be able to hold a number of different parties liable for the injuries you suffered.
Lack of Compliance With Safety Regulations
OSHA has safety regulations that are vessel-specific. It outlines, for example, what needs to be done in case of a fire and requires that all vessels have a fire safety plan in place. If the vessel doesn’t have the required safety plans or the appropriate equipment to handle an emergency, any accidents that occur can result in serious injuries.
Faulty Equipment or Vessel Parts
If any part of the vessel or piece of equipment therein is defective and malfunctions as a result, the vessel or equipment manufacturer could be liable for any injuries you suffer.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Houston Maritime Accident Attorneys
You have legal rights if you’ve been in a maritime accident and suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct.
The team at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand what parties you can hold liable, and we can guide you through the entire claims process. We have decades of experience with these case types, as well as negotiation and litigation skills we can use to help you receive the fairest compensation possible.
You shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath of a maritime accident alone. We can help your voice be heard. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with one of our Texas maritime accident attorneys.
