Houston Maritime Accident Lawyers – Get Maximum Compensation

Houston plays a significant role in the shipping and offshore energy industries. The Port of Houston handles massive amounts of cargo every day, and nearby offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico support thousands of jobs. These work sites are critical for keeping goods and energy moving, but they also come with serious risks for the workers who run them. Maritime workers on oil rigs, fishing vessels, and shipping docks face extreme dangers daily that can lead to devastating injuries.

If you get hurt on the water or near the docks in Houston, you need legal help from someone who understands maritime law. The rules for these cases differ significantly from land-based claims, and small mistakes could cost you money or hurt your recovery. The Houston maritime injury lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can guide you through the legal process and demand the compensation you deserve. We’ve handled tough maritime injury cases for decades and know how to fight for injured workers.

Our team offers free consultations in person or by video. Contact us today to learn how we can help you after a maritime accident in Houston. We’ll answer your questions and help you explore your options.

What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury happens when someone gets hurt while working on or near navigable waters. This includes injuries that occur offshore or during jobs tied to maritime work. If the job takes place on a vessel or near a port, and the work supports maritime activity, the injury likely falls under this category.

Common places where maritime injuries happen include offshore oil rigs, cargo ships, tugboats, barges, and busy docks or ports. Workers in these settings deal with heavy equipment, moving vessels, and unpredictable weather every day, so maritime accidents can easily lead to severe harm.

Maritime injury cases differ from land-based work injury cases in important ways. Most land-based work injury claims follow state workers’ compensation rules, while maritime work injury cases usually fall under federal laws like the Jones Act. Unlike workers’ compensation laws, the Jones Act gives certain workers the right to sue their employers for negligence. That means injured maritime employees could be entitled to more than just basic coverage for medical bills or lost wages. The specific laws that apply to a maritime injury case can make a big difference in how it moves forward.

Common Causes of Maritime Accidents in Houston

Houston sees a lot of maritime activity, from shipping and cargo handling to offshore drilling. With so much movement on the water and along the docks, accidents are regrettably common. Here are some examples of frequent causes of maritime accidents in Houston:

• Slippery or Uneven Surfaces – Onshore and offshore Workers can slip or trip on wet decks, oil-covered platforms, or loose gear. These falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or worse.
• Faulty or Poorly Maintained Equipment – Cranes, winches, and other heavy machines can malfunction if employers skip regular checks or repairs.
• Lack of Proper Training – Some crew members don’t get the complete training they need before handling certain tasks, which can lead to preventable mistakes that put everyone at risk.
• Unsafe Working Conditions During Bad Weather – Storms, high winds, and rough seas can make it harder to move safely on a vessel or rig and increase the risk of injury.
• Fires and Explosions – Fuel leaks, electrical problems, or improper storage of flammable materials can cause sudden fires or blasts, especially on oil rigs and tankers.
• Overworked or Fatigued Crew Members – Long shifts with little rest can affect focus and slow reaction times. Tired workers are more likely to make errors that cause accidents.

Types of Maritime Injuries

Maritime jobs typically involve strenuous physical work, heavy equipment, and dangerous surroundings. When accidents happen on vessels, docks, or offshore platforms, workers can sustain injuries like:

• Back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Neck injuries
• Heat stroke
• Hypothermia
• Drowning or near-drowning injuries
• Hearing loss
• Eye injuries
• Chemical exposure injuries

Who Is Covered Under Maritime Law?

Maritime law covers different types of workers, depending on where they work and what they do. The Jones Act specifically protects “seamen” – people who spend a large part of their time working on a vessel in navigation. This can include crew members on tugboats, cargo ships, and other vessels. If these workers get hurt on the job, they could have grounds to sue their employers for negligence.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) helps workers who don’t qualify as seamen. This law covers longshore workers, dockworkers, and others who load and unload ships, build vessels, or conduct ship repairs near the water. Unlike the Jones Act, the LHWCA works like regular workers’ compensation. This means it entitles qualifying injured workers to benefits without making them prove fault, but it also blocks them from suing their employers for negligence.

Oil and gas rig workers can fall under different rules depending on the location and type of rig they work on. Some qualify as seamen under the Jones Act, while others get coverage through the LHWCA or other parts of maritime law.

General maritime law also protects some workers who don’t fall under the Jones Act or LHWCA. For example, it can provide “maintenance and cure” benefits that cover a maritime worker’s medical bills and living costs after an injury. Each case depends on the worker’s job and where the injury happened.

Federal Maritime Laws That Protect Injured Workers

Several federal maritime laws protect workers who get hurt on or near the water. Each law applies to different kinds of workers and offers different rights:

• The Jones Act covers seamen – workers who spend a significant portion of their jobs working on vessels. If a seaman gets hurt because their employer failed to keep the vessel safe, the worker can sue for compensation for things like lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
• General maritime law gives seamen the right to receive maintenance and cure. This means the employer must pay for basic living expenses and medical care while the worker heals, no matter who caused the accident. For non-seamen maritime workers, general maritime law can still apply in certain situations, such as third-party injury claims or vessel-related accident claims not covered by the LHWCA.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects people who work on docks, shipyards, and other areas near the water but not on vessels. These workers can get benefits for lost income and medical costs without proving their maritime employers did anything wrong.
• The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) applies when someone dies more than three nautical miles from shore. This law lets the deceased’s family members seek compensation for the financial support the deceased person would have provided.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

The type of compensation you can recover after a maritime accident depends on your job and which maritime laws apply to your case.

If you qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, you can sue your employer for negligence. If the court finds your employer liable for negligence, it may award you compensation for lost wages, pain, suffering, medical bills, and loss of future earning ability. The Jones Act lets you bring a maritime injury claim in either state or federal court.

Seamen can also receive “maintenance and cure” under general maritime law. This kind of compensation covers basic living costs and medical expenses during your recovery.

If you qualify for coverage under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, you could be entitled to wage replacement and medical care benefits. You don’t have to prove fault under the LHWCA, but your benefits could be more limited than the compensation you might recover under the Jones Act.

If your family member died in an offshore accident more than three nautical miles from shore, you could be entitled to compensation for loss of financial support under DOHSA.

Time Limits to File a Maritime Injury Lawsuit

Maritime injury cases follow federal deadlines, not Texas state rules. If you qualify under the Jones Act, you must file your lawsuit within three years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long to sue, the court could throw out your case.

If you qualify under the LHWCA, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days and file your benefits claim within one year of the date of the accident.

For Death on the High Seas Act claims, families also have three years to file a lawsuit.

Even though you have up to three years to take action in some cases, waiting could hurt your claim. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade with time. This is why it’s always best to consult a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible after a maritime accident to protect your rights.

What to Do After a Maritime Injury in Houston

If you get hurt in a maritime accident in Houston, you need to act quickly. Your health should always come first, but the steps you take after seeking medical attention can also affect your ability to recover money for lost wages, medical bills, and more. Here’s what you should do to protect your rights:

• Get medical care as soon as possible. Even if your injury seems minor, let a doctor check it out and document it in your medical records.
• Report the accident to your supervisor in writing. Tell them what happened, when, and who else was there. Save a copy of the report for your records.
• Write down everything you remember about the accident. Include the date, time, location, ambient conditions, and names of witnesses who saw what happened.
• Take photos of your injuries and the scene, if possible. Photos can help you demonstrate what happened and how severe your injury is.
• Avoid signing anything without legal advice. Your employer or other parties might ask you to sign forms that limit your rights or affect your case.
• Talk to a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced maritime law attorney can explain which laws apply to your case and help you maximize your financial recovery.

How to Choose the Right Maritime Injury Attorney in Houston

If you need a maritime injury lawyer in Houston, look for someone with the right experience, legal credentials, and a deep understanding of maritime law and the maritime industry. You need someone who has handled cases like yours and knows how to deal with large companies and insurance carriers. Look for board certification, trial experience, and a proven track record—not just flashy ads. A strong attorney should give you honest answers, not make promises they can’t back up.

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we have decades of legal experience to devote to your maritime injury case. Attorney Tommy Fibich has practiced law for over 50 years and holds board certification in civil trial law. Attorney Russell Briggs also holds board certification. These qualifications demonstrate that our firm has the ability and resources to handle even the most complex injury cases.

We’ve secured numerous multimillion-dollar case results for clients across Texas. Our team works collaboratively on every case, and we treat our clients with respect and attention. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you were hurt in a maritime accident, you likely have questions about your rights and how the legal process works. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about maritime injury cases.

Is a maritime injury lawyer different from a personal injury lawyer?

Yes. A maritime injury lawyer handles cases that fall under federal maritime law, such as the Jones Act or general maritime law. Not all personal injury lawyers have the experience or knowledge to handle these specific claims.

What is the difference between the Jones Act and LHWCA?

The Jones Act protects seamen who work on vessels and lets them sue their employers for negligence. The LHWCA covers workers near the water who don’t qualify as seamen, like dockworkers and shipbuilders. The LHWCA provides benefits without requiring proof of fault.

How much does it cost to hire a maritime attorney?

Most maritime attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means they will begin working on your case without you paying anything upfront. Then, they take a portion of any money they win for you.

Can I still sue if I was partially at fault?

Yes, you can still recover money even if you share some blame in many maritime injury cases. However, the court could reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault.

Will my case be handled in federal or state court?

It depends on the law that applies. You can file Jones Act claims in either state or federal court. Other maritime claims could go to federal court, especially if they involve offshore or navigation incidents.

Contact Our Houston Maritime Lawyers for Help

If you suffered an injury in a maritime accident, the team at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you pursue the financial recovery you are owed. Contact our Houston maritime attorneys now to get started with your free initial consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and discuss how we can help you.