When it comes to maritime law, few cities are as deeply connected to the industry as Houston, Texas. Known for being a vital hub for international shipping, oil rigs, and offshore operations, Houston is home to a wide variety of workers who spend their lives at sea or around the water. But when something goes wrong—an accident, injury, or dispute—maritime law takes over, and that’s when you need a Houston maritime attorney.
This detailed article will walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a maritime lawyer in Houston, how maritime law works, the types of cases they handle, and why it’s so critical to work with a specialist in maritime and admiralty law—especially in a city like Houston.
What Is Maritime Law (Admiralty Law)
Maritime law, also called admiralty law, governs legal issues related to navigable waters—including oceans, seas, and large rivers. It covers everything from shipping and navigation to injuries and accidents at sea.
In the United States, maritime law is a mix of federal statutes, court decisions, and international treaties. It operates separately from state laws and applies to incidents that happen on or near the water.
The most important thing to understand is that maritime law is highly specialized. You can’t just hire any personal injury lawyer. If your issue happened at sea or on a ship, you need someone trained in the complex legal frameworks of maritime work.
Why Houston Needs Maritime Attorneys
Houston is one of the busiest port cities in the United States. The Port of Houston ranks among the top for international trade and cargo volume. In addition to that, Houston is a major center for:
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Offshore oil drilling
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Shipping and logistics
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Shipbuilding and repair
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Marine construction
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Fishing and seafood processing
Thousands of people work in these industries, many of them spending long days or even months offshore. With that volume of activity, accidents are bound to happen—and when they do, maritime attorneys are essential for getting workers the justice they deserve.
What Does a Houston Maritime Attorney Do
A Houston maritime lawyer specializes in legal cases that involve incidents on the water. This can include:
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Injuries on offshore oil rigs
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Cargo ship accidents
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Commercial fishing injuries
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Diving accidents
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Boating collisions
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Wrongful death at sea
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Jones Act claims
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Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) cases
Their job is to protect your rights, guide you through complex legal procedures, and help you get compensation for injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The Jones Act: A Lifeline for Injured Maritime Workers
One of the most powerful tools in maritime law is the Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. This federal law gives seamen (maritime workers who spend significant time working on a vessel) the right to sue their employers for negligence if they are injured on the job.
Unlike regular workers’ comp laws, the Jones Act allows for:
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Lawsuits against your employer
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Full damages, including pain, suffering, and future lost earnings
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Jury trials
However, proving negligence under the Jones Act is tricky, which is why an experienced Houston maritime attorney is crucial.
Maintenance and Cure: Your Basic Maritime Rights
Even if you can’t prove negligence, injured maritime workers are usually entitled to “maintenance and cure.”
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Maintenance refers to daily living expenses while you recover.
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Cure refers to the medical treatment costs related to your injury.
These benefits must be paid regardless of who is at fault. If your employer is denying these basic rights, a maritime attorney can step in and hold them accountable.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
If you work in shipyards, ports, or docks and are not a seaman (meaning you don’t work onboard a vessel), you may be protected under the LHWCA.
This law covers injuries that happen while working on:
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Loading/unloading ships
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Shipbuilding or repair
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Dock work
LHWCA benefits include medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services—and your lawyer can ensure your claim isn’t wrongfully denied or underpaid.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Maritime work is dangerous by nature, and the causes of injuries can vary widely. Some of the most common include:
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Slips and falls on wet decks
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Explosions or fires on oil rigs
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Faulty or broken equipment
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Lack of proper safety training
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Rough weather or rogue waves
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Negligent or inexperienced crew members
No matter how it happened, if you were injured on the job, a Houston maritime lawyer can help you determine whether you have a claim and what it’s worth.
What to Expect When Hiring a Maritime Lawyer in Houston
Here’s what the process usually looks like when you contact a maritime attorney in Houston:
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Free Consultation – Most maritime lawyers offer free initial consultations where they review your case.
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Case Evaluation – They will assess whether you’re covered under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or another maritime statute.
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Evidence Gathering – Your attorney will collect medical records, witness statements, employer safety logs, and more.
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Negotiation – Many cases are resolved without going to court through a settlement.
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Litigation – If necessary, your lawyer can take your case to federal court, where maritime cases are typically heard.
Most maritime attorneys work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win.
How to Choose the Right Houston Maritime Attorney
When choosing a maritime lawyer, don’t just pick someone based on a billboard. Look for:
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Specialization in maritime/admiralty law
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Successful case history
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Experience with Jones Act and LHWCA
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Knowledge of Houston’s maritime industry
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Clear communication and transparency
Your case may involve millions in damages—so don’t gamble with a general personal injury lawyer.
Real-Life Examples of Maritime Claims
Let’s break down two quick examples to show how maritime cases play out in real life:
Case 1: Offshore Rig Explosion
A roughneck on a Gulf of Mexico oil platform suffers burns and lung damage due to an explosion caused by poorly maintained equipment. A maritime lawyer files a Jones Act negligence claim, resulting in a $2.5 million settlement.
Case 2: Dock Worker Injury
A Houston dockworker loading containers is struck by a faulty crane arm. The employer tries to deny responsibility. The maritime attorney files under the LHWCA, and the worker is awarded lifetime medical benefits and ongoing wage support.
These cases highlight how critical legal expertise can make or break a worker’s financial future.
Why Maritime Law Is Different from Other Injury Law
Unlike a car crash or slip-and-fall, maritime law operates under its own rules. Federal statutes, shipowner liability, international waters—these things are foreign to most injury lawyers.
That’s why a dedicated maritime lawyer with experience in Houston’s port and offshore ecosystem is not just helpful—it’s necessary.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on the water, don’t delay. Maritime cases have strict filing deadlines, and employers are often quick to cover their tracks.
Whether you’re dealing with a Jones Act claim, maintenance and cure dispute, or LHWCA filing, having a Houston maritime attorney by your side can mean the difference between getting what you’re owed—or getting nothing at all.
In a city where maritime work is a way of life, legal protection for those workers should be just as strong. Speak with an experienced lawyer today and take control of your case—because on the water, justice is earned, not given.