When a maritime accident occurs, the consequences can be devastating. From catastrophic injuries aboard offshore oil rigs to incidents involving cargo ships, barges, and cruise vessels, the laws governing these claims are uniquely complex and require the guidance of an experienced Houston maritime attorney. At Perkins Law Offices, we understand the intricacies of maritime law and represent individuals who have suffered serious injuries while working or traveling on the waters off the Texas Gulf Coast and beyond.
Understanding Maritime Law and Why It Matters
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal disputes and offenses that occur on navigable waters. It covers a wide range of claims, including injuries to seamen, longshoremen, offshore workers, passengers, and harbor workers. These cases often fall under specific federal statutes, including the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and general maritime law.
Unlike typical personal injury cases, maritime claims are not confined to state law and may be subject to federal jurisdiction. This makes hiring a Houston maritime lawyer who is experienced in admiralty litigation absolutely critical.
Common Maritime Accidents in Houston
The Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the nation. With constant vessel traffic, oil and gas operations, and cruise departures, maritime accidents are unfortunately frequent. The most common types of incidents we see include:
Offshore Oil Rig Accidents
Oil rig workers face one of the most hazardous work environments in the world. Fires, blowouts, equipment failures, and falls often result in life-altering injuries. As a Houston oil rig injury lawyer, our firm investigates whether negligent maintenance, training failures, or violations of safety protocols caused your harm.
Barge and Tugboat Accidents
Whether you were injured while working on a barge, tugboat, or other support vessel, our attorneys evaluate the conditions that led to the incident. From unsafe working conditions to inadequate staffing, these claims require detailed analysis under maritime law.
Cruise Ship and Passenger Injuries
While often associated with leisure, cruise ships are not immune to negligence. Slips and falls, onboard assaults, medical malpractice, and docking accidents can all warrant a personal injury claim. If you’ve suffered harm on a cruise departing from the Port of Houston, our team is equipped to pursue justice.
Commercial Shipping and Longshore Injuries
Stevedores, dock workers, and ship maintenance personnel often sustain injuries due to unsafe conditions or defective equipment. These workers may be covered under different laws than seamen, and a qualified maritime injury attorney in Houston can help you navigate the appropriate legal channel.
Why Hire a Houston Maritime Attorney?
If you are searching for answers to questions like:
- “How do I sue a maritime company for negligence?”
- “Can I get compensation for an offshore injury in Texas?”
- “Who is liable for a tugboat or barge accident?”
- “Is the cruise ship responsible for my injury on board?”
…you are already taking the right first step. Maritime law is not something general personal injury attorneys handle. At Perkins Law Offices, we specialize in holding maritime employers, vessel owners, and cruise lines accountable.
How We Help
- Determine Jurisdiction: Whether your case falls under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or a combination, we identify the appropriate legal framework.
- Investigate Thoroughly: Maritime accident investigations require deep familiarity with vessel operations, maintenance logs, training protocols, and Coast Guard regulations.
- Pursue Maximum Compensation: We fight for damages that include medical bills, lost wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, and more.
The Jones Act: A Lifeline for Injured Seamen
Seamen injured on the job have the right to sue their employer for negligence under the Jones Act, one of the most powerful protections in maritime law. Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, the Jones Act allows injured seafarers to recover full compensation if their employer failed to provide a safe working environment.
If you worked aboard a tanker, fishing vessel, cargo ship, or other qualifying vessel and suffered injury due to unsafe practices, a Houston Jones Act attorney from our team can guide your claim from start to finish.
Case Example: Offshore Fire Results in Seven-Figure Settlement
Our client, a rig worker from the Gulf of Mexico, was severely burned during an uncontrolled fire caused by improperly stored chemicals. The rig operator denied liability, claiming the worker assumed the risks of offshore labor. After exhaustive discovery and expert testimony, we secured a seven-figure settlement by proving gross negligence and safety violations. This case illustrates the value of having a seasoned offshore accident lawyer in Houston on your side.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Maritime Injury Case?
Depending on the nature of your claim, potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages (in certain egregious cases)
Our team will conduct a thorough damages assessment to ensure nothing is left on the table.
Choosing the Right Houston Maritime Law Firm
At Perkins Law Offices, we bring a national reputation for excellence in maritime litigation. Led by Attorney Alex Perkins, our firm combines decades of trial experience with a deep understanding of admiralty law. We have represented clients against major shipping companies, cruise lines, and offshore contractors—and we don’t back down.
What Sets Us Apart:
- We don’t hand your case off to junior associates
- We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
- We provide transparent, direct communication throughout
- We work on a contingency basis—no fees unless we win
When you need a Houston maritime injury law firm with the skill and resources to take on powerful corporate defendants, Perkins Law Offices is ready to stand beside you.
FAQs: Houston Maritime Attorney
What qualifies as a maritime injury?
Any injury that occurs on navigable waters or in connection with maritime employment—such as working on a ship, dock, oil rig, or during shipping operations—may qualify. This includes both workers and passengers.
Can I sue my employer if I’m hurt offshore?
Yes. Under the Jones Act, you may sue your maritime employer if negligence contributed to your injury. A Houston maritime lawyer can determine your eligibility and help build your case.
How long do I have to file a maritime injury lawsuit?
Most maritime injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, but certain claims (such as cruise injuries) may have shorter deadlines based on contract terms. Contacting a maritime attorney in Houston promptly is essential.
Do I need a maritime attorney or a regular personal injury lawyer?
Maritime law is highly specialized and different from typical personal injury law. You need a Houston maritime attorney who understands the legal nuances, jurisdictional rules, and federal protections involved.
What should I do if I’m injured on a cruise from Houston?
Report the injury to ship personnel, document the scene with photos, collect witness contact information, and seek medical attention. Then, consult a Houston cruise injury lawyer to protect your rights.
When your future, health, and livelihood are on the line, trust a law firm that has built its reputation on delivering justice in high-stakes maritime cases. Contact Perkins Law Offices today for a free, confidential consultation.
Your Recovery Begins With the Right Representation.