If you've suffered an injury in a maritime accident near Houston, Texas, the experienced team at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Call us today at (713) 500-5000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated Houston maritime injury attorney. We'll review your case, explain your legal rights under federal maritime laws, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term disabilities.
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a specialized and intricate area of practice. Injured offshore workers, seamen, longshoremen, and harbor workers often face unique challenges in recovering fair compensation. Insurance companies and employers may try to minimize your claim or deny liability altogether. That's why having a skilled Houston maritime injury lawyer on your side is crucial. Our firm has over 45 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury and maritime cases, and we've helped countless clients secure life-changing results.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a maritime injury can take on you and your family. We fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable—whether it's an unseaworthy vessel, faulty equipment, or employer negligence. Don't accept a lowball settlement. Contact our Houston office now to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice.
Why Choose Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Houston Maritime Injury Case
When facing the aftermath of a serious maritime accident, the lawyer you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Injured workers in Houston and along the Texas Gulf Coast trust Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers because of our proven track record, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to client success.
Here's what sets our firm apart:
- Extensive Experience: Our attorneys bring over 45 years of combined legal experience in personal injury law, with a strong focus on maritime and offshore cases. Founding attorney Brian White is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction held by only a small percentage of Texas lawyers.
- Proven Results: We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements, benefits, and verdicts for injured clients, including those suffering catastrophic maritime injuries.
- Industry Recognition: Our team has earned accolades from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Avvo's Client's Choice Award with thousands of 5-star reviews.
- Client-Focused Service: We treat every client like family, providing clear communication, compassionate support, and aggressive representation. Insurance companies and large corporations respect our reputation for taking cases to trial when necessary.
- No Upfront Costs: We handle maritime injury cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
The Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the nation, with its public terminals handling a record-breaking 53 million tons of cargo in 2024 and supporting millions of jobs across Texas. This vital industry comes with inherent risks, making experienced legal representation essential when accidents occur.
If you're dealing with a maritime injury, don't go it alone. Call (713) 500-5000 today for your free consultation with a Houston maritime injury lawyer who knows how to navigate these complex waters.
What Qualifies as a Maritime Injury?
A maritime injury is any harm sustained while working on or near navigable waters, including oceans, rivers, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico. Texas plays a leading role in the U.S. maritime sector, with the Port of Houston ranking as the nation's top port for foreign waterborne tonnage and contributing significantly to the economy.
Common maritime occupations and activities where injuries occur include:
- Offshore oil and gas drilling on rigs and platforms
- Commercial fishing and crabbing
- Cargo handling and longshoring at ports
- Shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance
- Towing, barging, and supply vessel operations
- Commercial diving, underwater welding, and marine construction
- Crew members on tankers, container ships, and cruise vessels
- Harbor workers loading/unloading vessels
These jobs involve heavy machinery, unpredictable weather, slippery decks, and high-risk environments, leading to some of the highest occupational fatality rates in the country—often several times higher than land-based professions.
Federal laws provide specific protections for maritime workers because traditional state workers' compensation often doesn't apply or offers limited benefits. Understanding whether your injury falls under maritime jurisdiction is key to accessing the full compensation you deserve.
Key Federal Maritime Laws Protecting Injured Workers
Federal maritime laws, rooted in centuries-old admiralty principles, offer robust protections for workers injured on navigable waters. Unlike standard workers' comp, these laws often allow recovery for negligence, unseaworthiness, and broader damages.
The Jones Act: Rights for Seamen
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is one of the most powerful tools for injured seamen. It applies if you qualify as a "seaman"—generally meaning you contribute to the function of a vessel in navigation and spend at least 30% of your time aboard.
Under the Jones Act, injured seamen can:
- Receive maintenance and cure: Daily living expenses and medical treatment until maximum medical improvement.
- Sue their employer for negligence or unseaworthiness (a vessel not reasonably fit for its intended purpose).
- Recover damages for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
The statute of limitations for Jones Act claims is three years from the date of injury. However, prompt reporting to your employer is critical.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The LHWCA provides no-fault benefits for most non-seaman maritime workers injured on or adjacent to navigable waters, such as longshoremen, harbor workers, and ship repairers.
Benefits include:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary or permanent disability payments
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for survivors
You must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury, and file a formal claim within one year (with some extensions possible if the employer fails to report the injury).
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA)
Offshore workers on fixed platforms or structures beyond state waters (e.g., oil rigs in the Gulf) are covered by the OCSLA, which extends LHWCA benefits. This law fills gaps for workers not qualifying as seamen or traditional longshoremen.
If negligence by a third party (e.g., a contractor) contributed to your injury, additional claims may be possible.
Can Texas State Laws Apply to Maritime Accidents?
In some cases, yes—particularly for injuries occurring on land or in state waters. Texas personal injury laws allow suits against negligent third parties (not your employer if they carry workers' comp).
Recoverable damages may include:
- Economic: Medical bills, lost earnings
- Non-economic: Pain, suffering, emotional distress
- Punitive: In cases of gross negligence
Texas follows modified comparative negligence—if you're more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing; otherwise, damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
The statute of limitations for Texas personal injury claims is two years.
Maritime cases often involve overlapping federal and state laws, requiring an attorney skilled in both.
Common Causes of Maritime Accidents in Houston and the Gulf Coast
Maritime accidents rarely happen by chance. Many stem from preventable issues like:
- Unseaworthy vessels or defective equipment
- Inadequate training or fatigue from long hours
- Slippery decks, poor maintenance, or cluttered workspaces
- Heavy lifting without proper assistance or tools
- Falls overboard due to missing guardrails or rough seas
- Collisions, groundings, or explosions/fires on rigs
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or extreme weather
Houston's proximity to the Gulf and the busy Houston Ship Channel amplifies these risks, with thousands of vessels transiting annually.
Frequent Injuries Sustained in Offshore and Maritime Accidents
Maritime work is physically demanding and hazardous. Common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
- Back and neck strains or herniated discs
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Amputations or degloving injuries
- Burns from fires, explosions, or chemicals
- Nerve damage and repetitive stress disorders
- Hearing loss or vision impairment
- Soft tissue injuries, drowning, or hypothermia
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
- Wrongful death
These injuries can result in permanent disability, requiring lifelong care. Immediate medical attention and injury reporting are essential for both health and preserving your claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer?
Nothing upfront. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. Our fees come only from a percentage of your recovery—if we don't win, you owe nothing.
This levels the playing field, allowing injured workers to access top-tier representation without financial risk.
Statutes of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Time limits vary by law:
- Jones Act: 3 years from injury date
- LHWCA: Notice to employer within 30 days; claim within 1 year (extensions possible)
- Texas state claims: 2 years
Missing deadlines can bar your recovery forever. Evidence fades, witnesses forget—act fast.
Why Act Quickly After a Maritime Injury?
Delaying can weaken your case and worsen your health. Early action allows:
- Thorough investigation and evidence preservation
- Proper medical documentation
- Negotiation from a position of strength
Focus on healing while we handle the legal fight.
Contact Our Award-Winning Houston Maritime Injury Attorneys Today
A maritime injury can upend your life, but you don't have to face it alone. The team at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience, resources, and determination to secure the compensation you need for recovery.
With over 45 years of combined experience and millions recovered for clients, we're ready to fight for you. Call (713) 500-5000 or contact us online for your free consultation. We're available 24/7—get the help you deserve today.
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