Houston Maritime Lawyer
Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the US, is an ideal location for the maritime industry. Not only is the city located on the Gulf Coast, but it is also surrounded by several lakes and estuaries. The Port of Houston is a leading public and private facility port spanning more than 25 miles.
As one of the busiest ports in the country, maritime workers have many responsibilities. Including maintenance, commercial fishing, cargo handling, and more. Houston has the highest number of marine casualties in the country, many of them due to unseaworthy ships and negligence by employers.,
Houston Maritime Accidents and Injuries
Crane accidents are common in Houston, and sadly, some of them end in tragic fashion. In December 2011, port worker Allen Chase was killed when a 250,000-ton crane hit him. Another worker was operating the crane when it hit Chase.
Colleagues and crew members must be aware of others at all times. However, if the accident is caused by defective equipment and/or inadequate safety protocol training, the employer may be liable for damages.
In another tragic marine accident in Houston in 2012, Manuel Frenz was killed after a steel beam fell on him. Franz was next to his truck, waiting for the truck to load in the Port of Houston when the beam fell, crushing him to death. Improper loading was the likely cause of the accident, investigators said.
In May 2010, a dockworker won a $1.2 million settlement after it was determined that negligence had left workers injured for life. The dock worker, whose name was not released, was unloading cargo at the Port of Houston when a mule cart in the yard hit him. As such, he underwent neck surgery soon after.
Employer Negligence and Maritime Accidents
Houston’s large number of accidents and injuries could have been eliminated. If workers had been given the legal right to work on seaworthy vessels and in safe conditions. Every year, seafarers are injured due to the negligence and carelessness of employers.
Others are ship owners, manufacturing companies, and other crew members. If a seafarer is injured on the job due to the negligence of the other party, the Jones Act makes the employer liable for damages.
Remember, if you are a seafarer and you are injured on the job. You also have the right to protect yourself and hold the responsible party responsible for the damage. For more information, it is advisable to hire a legal representative from an experienced Houston maritime attorney who understands state and federal maritime law.
Meanwhile, for additional resources on your rights and indemnity benefits, see our article on Maritime Rights and Compensation. For specific information on the Jones Act, see our article on Jones Act Lawyers.
Houston Maritime Attorneys
We serve injured marine workers nationwide. Offices in Texas and Louisiana.
Just like any other industry, seafarers are at risk of work-related injuries any time they are on duty. The courts have recognized this and have continued to work to protect injured seafarers through general maritime law. Maritime law gives opportunities to injured workers at sea or in the maritime industry. To claim necessary compensation for the suffering of any medical complications.
The following acts are foundational to maritime law:
Longshoreman & Harbor Workers Compensation Act
Insurance, common types of insurance, insurance reduce your financial risk
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