Houston Maritime Accident Attorneys

maritime accidents

Were You Injured in a Houston Maritime Accident?

Maritime law, sometimes referred to as admiralty law, refers to the specific rules, regulations, and codes governing navigation and water commerce. The Port of Houston is one of the busiest seaports in the country, leading the United States in exports.

According to the Port, “More than 200 million short tons of international cargo were handled in 2018 alone.” Accidents and injuries that occur on the waters near Houston or in the shipping channel are generally governed under maritime law.

Whether you are a maritime worker or a passenger injured on a cruise ship, you need to consult with an experienced Houston maritime accident lawyer. Maritime law is nuanced with several state, federal and international laws governing the types of damages that a person can recover.

Our knowledgeable legal team can help you understand your rights and provide you with the legal counsel you need to get the maximum recovery on your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, contact our Houston personal injury lawyer today at (713) 751-0025 for a free consultation.

Causes of Maritime Accidents

While there are numerous causes of maritime accidents, some of the most common include:

  • Negligence (i.e., fires caused inadvertently by crew members)
  • Inexperienced crew or inadequate training
  • Cargo tanker explosions
  • Marine Crane incidents such as injuries caused by falling objects
  • Slips and falls on the deck or falls overboard
  • Equipment failure
  • Collisions

No matter what the cause of a maritime accident, the results can be catastrophic. Maritime accidents are rarely minor and can be fatal. For maritime workers, one of the most serious causes of accidents and injuries is inadequate crew training. Minor issues on a boat can escalate quickly due to inexperience. It is essential that all crewmembers receive thorough training through their employer.

The Jones Act – Marine Merchant Act of 1920

The Jones Act. The Jones Act was passed as part of the Marine Merchant Act of 1920 to provide rules and regulations regarding shipping in the United States.

Under 46 U.S.C. §30104 a seaman may bring a civil action at law against their employer for personal injury or wrongful death.

The Jones Act provides that a seaman may seek damages related to medical expenses, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

Why Hire a Houston Maritime Accident Attorney

Maritime Law can be complicated and requires an intricate understanding of both state and federal laws, including the Jones Act. If you are injured on a vessel as the result of someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation.

In order to receive the largest recovery available in your case, you need experience you can trust. You need board-certified personal injury attorneys that have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for their clients. At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we understand that an unexpected accident or injury can be devastating.

In many cases, a person injured in a maritime accident may be unable to work or may have lifelong injuries. Our leading Houston Maritime Accident Lawyers will fight hard to help you get the money you deserve. You should never have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence.

Contact our office today at (713) 751-0025 for a free consultation.