A Houston-based maritime attorney is a legal professional who specializes in the laws and regulations governing maritime activities. They provide legal representation and advice to clients involved in maritime disputes, including vessel owners, operators, and crew members. These attorneys have extensive knowledge of maritime law, including the Jones Act, Long Shore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Admiralty Law. They also handle cases related to cargo disputes, marine insurance claims, and environmental issues. A Houston maritime attorney is well-equipped to handle complex legal matters and provide effective solutions to their clients, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected.
Houston Maritime Attorneys: What You Need to Know
If you have been injured in a maritime accident anywhere in Houston, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation as per law. However, filing a maritime claim can be quite complex and time-consuming. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Houston maritime attorney as soon as possible as per your choice after proper research.
A maritime attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options all the way, and they can represent you in court if feel necessary. They can also help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a claim for your compensation.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of maritime law and what you need to know if you have been injured in a maritime accident in Houston. We will also provide a website list of Houston maritime attorneys who can help you with your case.
What is Maritime Law?
Maritime law is a body of law that governs activities that take place on the water. It includes laws related to shipping, navigation, and fishing completely. Maritime law also applies to accidents that occur on the water, such as oil spills and collisions.
In the United States, maritime law is governed by the federal government authority. The primary federal law governing maritime law is the Jones Act, which was passed in year 1920. The Jones Act provides compensation to seamen who are injured in maritime accidents.
Types of Maritime Accidents
There are many different types of maritime accidents that can occur. Some of the most common types of maritime accidents include:
- Ship collisions
- Oil spills
- Fires
- Explosions
- Falls from ships
- Machinery accidents
- Injuries caused by cargo
What to Do If You Are injured in a Maritime Accident anyway
If you are injured in a maritime accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once you have been treated, you should contact a Houston maritime attorney as soon as possible without wasting your valuable time.
Your attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can represent you in court as and when necessary. They can also help you gather evidence skillfully, negotiate with insurance companies as per maritime insurance law, and file a claim for compensation if needed.
How to Choose a Houston Maritime Attorney of your choice
When choosing a Houston maritime attorney, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make sure the attorney is licensed to practice law in Texas.
- Ask about the attorney’s experience handling maritime cases.
- Get references from other clients.
- Be sure to understand the attorney’s fees.
There are many Houston maritime case law cases that have been decided over the years before. Here are a few examples of legal knowledge and awareness:-
- In the Matter of the Death of Michael W. Stewart (2019): This case involved a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a seaman who was killed in a fire on a ship docked at the Port of Houston. The court found that the ship’s owner was negligent in failing to provide adequate fire safety measures, and awarded the family $10 million in damages.
- Perez v. Seabulk Offshore, LLC (2018): This case involved a maritime personal injury lawsuit filed by a deckhand who was injured when he was struck by a falling object on a ship docked at the Port of Houston. The court found that the ship’s owner was negligent in failing to provide adequate safety measures, and awarded the deckhand $2 million in damages.
- Acosta v. Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. (2017): This case involved a maritime passenger injury lawsuit filed by a passenger who was injured when she was thrown from her bed during a rough storm on a cruise ship. The court found that the cruise line was negligent in failing to provide adequate safety measures, and awarded the passenger $1 million in damages.
- Santos v. Kirby Inland Marine, Inc. (2016): This case involved a maritime wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a seaman who was killed when he was struck by a falling object while working on a barge in the Houston Ship Channel. The court found that the barge’s owner was negligent in failing to provide adequate safety measures, and awarded the family $5 million in damages.
- Velazquez v. Crowley Maritime Corp. (2015): This case involved a maritime personal injury lawsuit filed by a deckhand who was injured when he was struck by a wave while working on a ship in the Gulf of Mexico. The court found that the ship’s owner was negligent in failing to provide adequate safety measures, and awarded the deckhand $3 million in damages.
These are just a few examples of Houston maritime case law cases. There are many other cases that have been decided over the years, and the law in this area is constantly evolving. If you have been injured in a maritime accident, it is important to speak with an experienced maritime attorney to discuss your legal rights and options as your discretion deemed fit.
List of Houston Maritime Attorneys:- (according to web search )
Here is a small list of Houston maritime attorneys (according to a web search) who may help you with your case *: –
https://www.offshoreinjuryfirm.com/
https://www.johnsongarcialaw.com/
https://www.patrickdaniellaw.com/
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a maritime accident in Houston, Texas, you need an experienced Houston maritime attorney on your side that can represent you before legal authorities and the court concerned. A good attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
