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Houston Maritime Accident Lawyer

Offshore workers have specific laws that guarantee their rights, the Molina Law Firm can help you.

The Houston Ship Channel is one of the largest ports in the United States.  In addition, the petrochemical industry is a huge part of the Houston landscape as well as off-shore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.  Maritime injuries occur more often in Houston compared to other parts of the U.S.  Admiralty law governs accidents that occur on navigable rivers, oceans, and other waterways including harbors and docks.  If you have been injured in any of these areas due to negligence, then you could have a case under the Jones Act. Before you settle your injury claim with your company, please consider contacting an experienced maritime personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.

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According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate is 6x higher in maritime workers over other workers in the U.S.  This report also shows a very high rate of injuries and illnesses in maritime workers with many being injuries to legs, arms and back which can result in long-term or permanent disabilities.

The most important detail here is that maritime workers are NOT covered by Texas Workers’ Compensation laws.  Workers who work in land-based businesses that support the maritime industry such as docks and shipyards are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.  Seaman and other workers aboard ships and oil rigs are covered by the Jones Act.

What makes us different

The Molina Law Firm has been representing accident victims for over 20 years helping them navigate the sometimes complex legal fight against the insurance carriers.  Remember that when you retain Attorney Rick Molina, you pay nothing upfront and we only collect a percentage of the compensation you receive only when we have won your case.  Don’t go against the insurance carriers alone.  Attorney Rick Molina will aggressively represent you and fight on your behalf.  We have the knowledge, resources, and experience to get you all the compensation for your loss, pain, and suffering.

No Win, No Fee

Maritime Accident Statistics

According to the CDC, in 2006 there were over 67,000 workers in the U.S. water transportation industry.

  • From 2011-2017, there were 87 fatal injuries, which is six times the rate of all U.S. workers.
  • Fatalities are mostly due to cardiovascular conditions, work accidents, drownings, suicides, and workplace violence
  • There were approximately 11,000 non-fatal occupational injuries.
  • According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, there were 6 fatalities and 222 injuries in 2019 on offshore incidents.

What To Do After A Maritime Accident

Accidents on shipyards, docks, sea-faring ships and oil rigs can be severe resulting in injuries that may have lasting or permanent effects.  It is important to report your injury, get medical attention and document everything.  Additionally, it is important to schedule a free, completely confidential appointment with Attorney Rick Molina.  He can let you know the best course of action to get the most from your benefits.

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Report your injury immediately

Do not downplay how injured you may be. If you have been hurt or got sick due to a work-related incident, report it immediately. The responsibility then shifts on your employer to get the worker's benefits ball rolling.

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Get medical attention

Go see a doctor. Laws to protect maritime workers will pay your medical care resulting form the accident. See the workers' compensation doctor who will document the extent of your injuries. You may be hurt worse than you think.

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Gather information

Don't just depend on your employer to get everything right. Get a copy of your accident report. Write down everything you remember about the accident as well as a list of witnesses. If you are able, take some photos with your phone.

If you have been seriously injured at work, it is important that you get an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. Time is important. Contact us.

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If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident, fill out the form below to start your free case review.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Accidents

Sometimes it is not obvious if your occupation can be considered a Seaman under the Jones Act.  Here are the three main items:

  • Have a substantial connection to a fleet or vessel
  • Be employed on a vessel “in navigation” and
  • Contribute to the vessel’s function or mission

If you are not sure if you fall under these parameters, call or contact us.

Employees that meet the Jones Act seaman criteria can recover damages for current and future medical care, current and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.  It may be complicated and time consuming to navigate cases such as these.  An experienced maritime personal injury lawyer like Rick Molina can help you get the most compensation for your injuries.

Consultation with an attorney is confidential. We will not contact your employer until we both determine that there is a viable case and we need to pursue it. Additionally, if you are told not to contact an attorney or encouraged not to, that should be a red flag to seek consultation.

We will protect your privacy and let you know if you have a case. In the event that you do get dismissed from your job because you sought legal counsel, you would have a claim with your employer and recover damages.