Were you injured in a maritime accident in Houston, Texas? Are you a seaman, dockworker, oil rig employee, or another offshore worker? When a maritime accident occurs, your next steps can affect your health, physical recovery, and your right to compensation. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (713) 500-5000.
It’s important to act quickly, while understanding that the legal landscape for maritime workers differs from standard personal injury law. Our team can handle all legal aspects of your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Read on to learn what you should do after a maritime accident.
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1. Speak with a Houston Maritime Accident Lawyer at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
Maritime law is a highly specialized field. You deserve a legal team that focuses its practice on maritime accident claims. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, our Houston, Texas, maritime accident lawyers have decades of experience handling maritime injury claims; we’ve recovered tens of millions for injured clients throughout Texas.
Our team knows how to investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. We will help you evaluate all maritime laws that apply to your case and handle all proceedings and injury claims that apply.
We know how to win. We know how to get you justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. After any accident (e.g., a slip on a vessel, a machinery failure, or a fall overboard, etc.), get medical help right away. Onboard vessels typically have designated medical officers or basic first aid supplies.
Take advantage of these resources, but once you’re ashore, you should follow up with an independent doctor who is not employed by your company. This ensures you receive unbiased medical care and proper documentation of your injuries.
If your employer insists that you see a company-approved doctor, you still have the right to get a second opinion. In serious injury cases, that outside evaluation can play a crucial role in the success of your legal claim.
3. Report the Incident
Maritime accident claims require the timely reporting of injuries. You should notify your supervisor or captain as soon as possible after the accident. Be detailed and honest when reporting the incident, but avoid speculation or admitting fault.
Only disclose the facts, such as where it happened, what you were doing, and what went wrong. Ask for a written copy of the report and keep a copy for your own records.
4. Document Everything
Strong documentation will go a long way in your maritime injury claim. Begin gathering evidence immediately:
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Record your own version of events while the details are still fresh in your mind.
- Keep track of all medical visits, treatments, and expenses.
Even minor details can become important later. If possible, preserve any equipment, clothing, or safety gear that may be relevant to your claim.
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurance or Company Investigators
After an accident, you may be contacted by representatives from your employer or their insurance company. They might ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to sign documents. Do not speak to them or agree to anything without first seeking legal advice.
These parties are looking out for the company’s interests, not yours. Anything you say could be used against you to reduce or deny your claim.
6. Understand Your Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
Maritime workers are not protected by standard workers’ compensation laws. Instead, your rights are governed by federal maritime statutes like:
- The Jones Act, which allows seamen to sue their employers for negligence.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides benefits to injured dockworkers and others who work near navigable waters.
- General maritime law, which includes claims for unseaworthiness and maintenance and cure.
Each law has different eligibility requirements, deadlines, and benefits. Depending on the circumstances, maritime accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Maintenance and cure (daily living expenses and medical care during recovery)
For help understanding these complex laws, you should speak with a lawyer who focuses their practice on maritime law.
7. Take Action Before Deadlines Pass
Every type of maritime claim has a deadline. For example, Jones Act claims generally must be filed within three years of the injury. If your claim involves a vessel owned or operated by the U.S. government or a public entity, different notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply.
If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Call a Houston Maritime Accident Lawyer Today for Help With a Maritime Accident Claim
Maritime injuries in Houston, TX, can have lifelong consequences. You don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Houston maritime accident lawyers are here to win and get you the compensation you need.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with one of our top-rated attorneys. Your recovery starts with one call.
