Houston is a key maritime hub in the U.S., with deepwater access, active ports, and offshore operations that drive the economy. This busy environment includes vessels, platforms, tugboats, and shipyards, creating high-risk conditions for workers.
Maritime workers often perform demanding tasks in tough conditions, such as shifting cargo, operating heavy machinery, and working in confined spaces. Even with safety protocols in place, accidents can occur due to training or maintenance failures.
The maritime industry employs over 1.3 million workers in Texas, with Port Houston being the top U.S. port for foreign waterborne tonnage.
While maritime jobs offer good pay and stability, they also come with significant risks. TheJones Act protects injured workers, but if you don’t qualify, our maritime accident lawyer in Houston can help you pursue other compensation options. We’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is Maritime Law and How Does It Protect Injured Workers?
Maritime law, often called admiralty law, governs injuries and disputes that occur on navigable waters. Unlike regular workplace injury laws on land, maritime law is governed by a mix of federal statutes and centuries-old legal principles.
This unique area of law covers incidents that occur:
On offshore oil rigs or drilling platforms.
On commercial ships, cargo vessels, or barges.
At ports, docks, and shipyards.
On tugboats, supply vessels, or fishing boats.
A maritime accident attorney in Houston must understand how these rules interact with modern offshore work environments. One of the challenges is determining which law applies to a particular case, for example, a claim under general maritime law, a negligence action, or a maintenance and cure claim. Each type of claim has different standards of proof and potential damages.
What is the Jones Act for Maritime Accidents in Houston, TX?
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a federal law protecting maritime workers injured at sea. If you work on a vessel or navigable waters and suffer an injury due to negligence, the Jones Act allows you to seek compensation from your employer.
In Houston, a hub for offshore drilling, cargo shipping, and maritime work, many workers are eligible for Jones Act protection for injuries like slips and falls, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe working conditions.
Key Points of the Jones Act
Eligibility: Workers must spend a significant portion of their time on a vessel or navigable waters (e.g., oil rigs, cargo ships).
Compensation for Negligence: Unlike workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows workers to pursue damages for injuries caused by employer or co-worker negligence.
Employer Liability: Employers must maintain a safe work environment. If they fail, injured workers can seek damages.
Seaman Status: To qualify, workers generally must spend at least 30% of their work time on a vessel, but other maritime workers may still qualify under different laws.
What If My Maritime Job Isn’t Covered by the Jones Act?
In Texas, many workers are in hazardous maritime roles but may not be covered by the Jones Act if they don’t work on “navigable waters.” Jobs on oil rigs, drilling platforms, boats, docks, and shipyards can fall outside its scope.
At Charles J. Argento & Associates, our maritime accident lawyers in Houston help injured workers, even if they aren’t covered by the Jones Act. We explore other legal options, like workers’ compensation or third-party claims, to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for any maritime injury.
What are the Leading Causes of Maritime Accidents in Houston and Texas?
Work in the maritime industry involves constant risk. From commercial docks and active ports to offshore vessels and shipyards, workers face dangerous conditions, especially when safety rules are ignored or equipment is not properly maintained. Negligence during maritime operations can lead to serious harm and long-term consequences.
Common Causes of Maritime Accidents Affecting Houston Workers
Maritime incidents across Houston and throughout Texas often stem from unsafe conditions, such as:
Lack of Proper Safety Training
Vessel and Boating Incidents
Cargo Handling and Crane Operations
Equipment Failures and Mechanical Issues
Struck-By Accidents From Falling or Swinging Objects
Dock, Pier, and Terminal Incidents
Man-Overboard Events
Mooring and Line-Handling Operations
Shipyard and Vessel Repair Accidents
Commercial Fishing Operations Hazards
Electrical and Power-Related Incidents
Exposure to Toxic or Hazardous Substances
Fires, Explosions, and Combustion Events
Vessel Collisions and Navigational Incidents
Accidents in Confined or Enclosed Spaces
Unsafe Operations During Severe Weather
Fatigue-Related Incidents From Extended Work Hours
Slip, Trip, and Fall Events on Wet Surfaces
Legal Options After a Maritime Workplace Accident
If you or a loved one was harmed while performing maritime work duties, you may have the right to pursue compensation under the Jones Act. A Houston Jones Act lawyer can explain your legal options, handle the claims process, and seek accountability for unsafe working conditions that led to the accident.
What Are The Most Common Types Maritime Injuries In Houston, Texas?
Maritime careers are already dangerous and require workers who have unique skills to succeed. When these hazardous jobs are met with negligence, people are going to get hurt.
Maritime injuries are often severe and leave our clients out of work for extended periods, facing long-term medical care that is costly and stressful.
The most common types of maritime injuries in Houston can include:
Broken bones
Crushed by or against injuries
Extremity injuries
Lost limbs and amputations
Back and neck injuries
Ligament and muscle injuries
Joint injuries
Burns and electrical injuries
Fire and chemical burns
Head injuries
Repetitive motion injuries
Near drowning injuries, including oxygen deprivation
Wrongful death
If you or someone you love has been injured in a maritime accident in Texas or on our waterways, you may be entitled to file a maritime accident lawsuit in Houston.
Facing the injured person’s employer is difficult, as the insurance company and corporate lawyers will immediately take the lead in denying your claim.
At Charles J. Argento & Associates, our maritime accident lawyer in Houston provides the experience and skill our maritime accident injury clients in Houston need to pursue results, so they can focus on getting their lives back on track.
What Are the Different Types of Compensation for Maritime Workers?
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, treatments, and rehab costs.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury, including future wages if disabled.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain, mental anguish, and scarring.
Disability Benefits: If you’re unable to return to work, you may qualify for benefits covering lost earning potential.
Death Benefits: If the accident results in death, surviving family members may receive funeral expenses and compensation for loss of companionship.
Why Choose Charles J. Argento & Associates for Your Maritime Accident Case?
At Charles J. Argento & Associates, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, dedicated legal representation for maritime workers in Houston. Our maritime accident lawyers in Houston have decades of experience handling a wide range of maritime cases, including Jones Act, workers’ compensation, and maritime negligence claims.
We understand how devastating a maritime accident can be, both physically and financially. That’s why we are committed to fighting for the compensation that you deserve, whether through negotiation or litigation.
A Houston maritime accident lawyer understands how to gather and protect crucial evidence, such as:
Vessel logs, maintenance records, and safety inspection reports.
Crew witness statements and job assignments.
Weather and sea condition data.
Medical treatment documentation.
We know how to work with Coast Guard investigators and independent maritime professionals to accurately reconstruct events. Fast action often makes the difference between a successful claim and one that fails because critical proof was lost.
At Charles J. Argento & Associates, Our Law Firm Also Focuses on the following practice areas:
Our experience in maritime injuries and workers’ compensation claims will allow you and your family to focus on your recovery while we build your unique case to pursue the financial results you deserve.
Charles J. Argento focuses his practice on serious personal injury, auto accidents, wrongful death, and product liability. With over 37+ years of experience, he is known for aggressive representation and securing high-value results for injured clients across Texas. He has earned numerous prestigious awards, including Super Lawyer, AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for 22 consecutive years, and a 10/10 rating by Avvo.
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