Houston Maritime Injury Lawsuits: How Attorneys Secure Big Settlements
Working in the maritime industry—whether on oil rigs, shipping vessels, or in port facilities—comes with high risks. When injuries occur offshore or in maritime environments, the legal path to compensation can be complex and challenging. That’s where experienced Houston maritime attorneys play a crucial role. They specialize in handling maritime injury lawsuits and are skilled at securing significant settlements for injured workers and their families.
In this article, we’ll break down how maritime injury lawsuits work, what legal strategies Houston attorneys use, and why these cases often result in large settlements.
Understanding Maritime Injury Lawsuits
Maritime injury lawsuits are different from typical personal injury claims because they fall under specific federal laws, including:
- The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920): Covers seamen injured while working on navigable waters.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Applies to longshoremen, harbor workers, and others working on or near the water but not covered by the Jones Act.
- General Maritime Law: Offers remedies like maintenance and cure and unseaworthiness claims.
To succeed in a maritime injury lawsuit, a lawyer must determine which law applies, prove fault or negligence, and calculate the full scope of damages.
Why Houston Is a Hub for Maritime Injury Claims
Houston is one of the most important maritime and offshore energy hubs in the United States. With the Gulf of Mexico nearby, the Port of Houston handling millions of tons of cargo annually, and many oil and gas operations based offshore, the area sees thousands of maritime workers.
Because of this, Houston maritime attorneys have deep experience dealing with employers, insurance companies, and industry regulations. They understand the unique risks that maritime workers face and are well-equipped to represent their interests in court or settlement negotiations.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Houston maritime attorneys typically handle cases involving:
- Oil rig explosions or fires
- Falls from heights
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Slip and falls on wet decks
- Defective equipment
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Crew negligence or lack of proper training
These accidents can result in serious injuries, including spinal cord damage, brain trauma, burns, amputations, and even wrongful death.
Steps Attorneys Take to Build a Strong Case
To secure a large settlement, maritime attorneys follow a detailed and aggressive legal process:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The attorney meets with the injured worker to understand the circumstances of the injury, medical status, employment details, and the nature of the work. They determine if the case falls under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or general maritime law.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Maritime cases often require investigation of:
- Vessel maintenance logs
- Safety training records
- Witness testimony
- Company policies
- Coast Guard reports
- Surveillance footage or accident scene photos
Attorneys may also hire maritime safety experts to analyze how and why the accident occurred.
- Medical Documentation and Expert Testimony
They compile comprehensive medical records and often work with doctors or vocational experts to assess the extent of injuries, future treatment needs, and how the injury affects the worker’s ability to earn a living.
- Proving Negligence or Unseaworthiness
Under the Jones Act, an injured worker must prove that the employer was negligent—even slightly. Under general maritime law, they may need to show that the vessel was “unseaworthy,” meaning it had unsafe conditions or poorly trained crew.
Houston maritime attorneys are skilled at identifying safety violations and pushing liability onto the employer or shipowner.
- Calculating Damages
Attorneys calculate both economic damages (lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). In some cases, punitive damages may be pursued for egregious negligence.
- Negotiating Settlements or Going to Trial
Often, maritime employers and their insurers want to avoid a public trial. Houston attorneys negotiate aggressively for top-dollar settlements, using all evidence to pressure companies into offering fair compensation. If the settlement is unfair, they proceed to trial in federal or state court.
Real Settlement Examples
Though exact figures are confidential, many Houston maritime attorneys have won multi-million dollar settlements for clients:
- A $3.5 million settlement for an offshore worker injured in a rig fire
- $2 million for a longshoreman with a permanent back injury due to faulty equipment
- $5 million in a wrongful death case involving a ship collision
These outcomes are possible because of strategic legal planning, strong evidence, and deep knowledge of maritime laws.
Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
Insurance companies and offshore employers often try to downplay injuries or force quick settlements. They may even pressure you to sign waivers. That’s why having an experienced Houston maritime attorney is essential. They know how to handle:
- Insurance tactics
- Employer cover-ups
- Complex jurisdictional issues
- Federal court filings and deadlines
They work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case—making it accessible even if you’re out of work and financially strained.
Conclusion
Houston maritime injury attorneys play a vital role in helping injured offshore workers and seamen get the compensation they rightfully deserve. By understanding maritime laws, conducting deep investigations, and building strong cases, these lawyers routinely secure large settlements—even against powerful corporations.
If you or a loved one has suffered a maritime injury, don’t wait. Contact a Houston maritime injury attorney to protect your rights, secure your future, and hold negligent parties accountable.
