Have you been injured in a maritime accident near Houston, Texas? Are you a commercial fisherman, offshore oil rig worker, longshoreman, harbor employee, or recreational passenger? You may be entitled to significant compensation under state and federal maritime laws.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating maritime accidents can be. Our legal team has decades of experience handling maritime injury claims across Houston and the Gulf Coast region.
We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for hardworking individuals and families affected by serious offshore and maritime incidents. Contact us today at (713) 500-5000 for a free consultation with a Houston maritime accident attorney.
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Why Hire Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers After a Maritime Accident in Houston, TX?
Maritime injury claims require extensive knowledge of specialized laws, including the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and various international maritime regulations. You need a Houston personal injury attorney with the experience and resources to navigate these complex legal waters.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers brings decades of proven results to the table. Led by a Board Certified personal injury attorney, our team has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims in Texas and along the Gulf Coast.
Our Houston maritime accident lawyers have been recognized for their skill and dedication by prestigious legal organizations, including:
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Super Lawyers
- The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Avvo
- Expertise
Contact our Houston, TX office today to learn how we can help protect your future after a serious maritime accident.
Key Maritime Rights for Houston Workers and Passengers
Several federal laws protect individuals harmed in maritime accidents.
Your rights after an accident and the type of claim you can bring depend largely on your employment status at the time of the incident:
1. The Jones Act
If you are classified as a “seaman,” meaning you spend a significant portion of your work duties aboard a vessel in navigable waters, you are protected by the Jones Act. This federal law gives injured seamen the right to sue their employer for negligence.
Unlike typical workers’ compensation cases, Jones Act claims allow injured maritime workers to recover full damages for an accident related to employer negligence. Examples of negligence include unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, malfunctioning equipment, or lack of safety protocols.
Under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to money for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other things.
2. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
If you work in the maritime industry but aren’t classified as a seaman (e.g., dockworkers, longshoremen, or shipbuilders), the LHWCA provides benefits for job-related injuries. LHWCA claims cover medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits, similar to workers’ compensation.
Unlike the Jones Act, LHWCA benefits are typically no-fault, meaning you can receive compensation even if negligence isn’t proven. However, in some cases, you may also have grounds to pursue additional damages through a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
3. Maintenance and Cure
All injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits after an accident, regardless of fault. “Maintenance” covers your daily living expenses while injured, such as housing and food. “Cure” pays for medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement. Employers are required to provide these benefits after a maritime injury.
Your Right to Compensation After a Maritime Accident
After a maritime accident, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages, depending on the applicable laws.
These can include:
- Medical expenses, hospitalization, and rehabilitation
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Maintenance and cure benefits
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Maritime injury claims often result in higher compensation than typical land-based work accidents due to the dangerous nature of offshore and maritime jobs.
What is the Deadline for Maritime Accident Claims?
It’s critical to act quickly after a maritime injury. Most federal maritime claims, including those under the Jones Act and general maritime law, must be filed within three years of the accident. Claims governed by the LHWCA may have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as one year.
If you fail to take legal action before the deadline, you could lose your right to recover damages in court. Consult a Houston maritime accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and comply with filing deadlines.
Contact Our Houston Maritime Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Navigating maritime law is complex. With overlapping federal statutes, state laws, and international treaties, it can be difficult to know your rights.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured maritime workers and offshore employees across Houston and the Gulf Coast. We’re ready to put our experience and track record of success behind your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Houston maritime accident attorney.
