Texas Maritime Injury Lawyers
Our Texas Maritime Injury Attorneys will provide you with answers and help you and your family recover the proper compensation you deserve after a maritime injury or wrongful death at or near the sea.
At our Texas based law firm, we have built a national reputation as premier maritime lawyers, with a wealth of experience representing maritime clients in admiralty law cases across the United States and beyond. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of maritime and offshore workers and their families when they have suffered a personal injury due to negligence. With a deep understanding of general maritime law and a commitment to achieving fair and just outcomes, we have a distinguished track record of success in helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Maritime workers in the Gulf of Mexico and other navigable waterways in Texas play a vital role in the state’s economy, and their contributions to the oil and gas industry, fishing and seafood production, and other sectors are invaluable. However, the risks of injury are always present in this industry. If you or a loved one has been injured while working offshore, we are here to help you navigate the legal landscape and get the support you need. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights of offshore workers and their families, and we have a track record of success in achieving fair and just outcomes. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to advocating for your rights every step of the way.
What Are The Most Common Causes of Maritime Injuries In Texas waters?
There are several common causes and types of maritime injuries in Texas’ navigable waters, including:
- Slip and fall accidents due to slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and inadequate safety measures.
- Injuries from faulty machinery, defective equipment, or improper use of equipment.
- Collisions with other vessels, fixed objects, or debris.
- Exposure to hazardous materials or substances
- Accidents and injuries caused by storms, high winds, and rough seas.
- Fire and explosions due to faulty equipment, electrical issues, or other causes.
- Fatigue and sleep deprivation due to long hours, shift work, and demanding work environments.
- Accidents and injuries caused by lack of training or inadequate safety procedures and protocols.
Employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees by providing proper equipment, training, and supervision. If you have been injured in a maritime accident, a maritime lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Specialized attorneys with experience in maritime law are best equipped to navigate the complex legal system and laws that apply to these types of cases, particularly for injuries suffered on Texas waters. They can guide the victim through the legal process to ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to.
At Doyle Dennis LLP, we specialize in providing legal services to the maritime industry that are unparalleled in their expertise, pertaining to the nuances of maritime law within the state of Texas. Our team of legal professionals, boasting of an abundance of experience, are well-versed in tackling a wide spectrum of maritime-related legal matters, including but not limited to, injury claims, accident cases and others. Contact our team today for a free consultation to understand your rights!
Did You Suffer A Maritime Injury In Texas Waters?
Our abilities cover all Texas waterways:
- Texas Gulf Coast accidents in channels and ports, including Galveston, Port Isabel, Victoria, Texas City, Port of West Calhoun, Matagorda, Victoria, Port Arthur, Ingleside, Corpus Christi, Sabine Pass, and Lavaca among others.
- Commerce in the Houston Ship Channel and traffic on the Red River, Rio Grande River, Colorado River, Sabine River, San Antonio River, Pecos River and other rivers in Texas.
- Commercial fishing boat accidents and other vessels in Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay and other coastal locations.
- Business interruption and property damage from oil spills or other negligence by corporations in waterways and oil drilling.
- Cruise Ships sailing out of Galveston into the Gulf of Mexico are covered under federal maritime law. Injured passengers and workers may be able to pursue claims in federal courts if they are injured aboard the ship in the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Port of Houston serves as one of the largest ports from the Gulf of Mexico to all over the world. It is vital to the country’s economy and has played a key role in the growth of the local Texas economy. Tens of thousands of maritime jobs work at or sail through the Port of Houston. Longshoremen working at the Port of Houston are generally covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). All vessels traveling into the Port of Houston and those temporarily docked fall under federal maritime law such as the Jones Act.
- The bustling ports along the Texas Gulf Coast, such as the Port of Beaumont, Port of Brownsville, Calhoun Port Authority, Port Freeport, Port of Harlingen, Port of Orange, Port of Palacios, Port Isabel, Port Mansfield, Port of Texas City, and Port of Victoria, are hubs of commercial activity and can be prone to accidents involving vessels in channels and ports. These incidents, which may be governed by federal maritime law, can have serious consequences for those involved.
- Commercial fishing is an important industry in Texas, with many boats operating in the Gulf of Mexico and along the coast, including in Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay, and other locations. Accidents involving these vessels can be complex and may be governed by federal maritime law.
When does Maritime Law Apply?
Maritime law, a branch of jurisprudence often referred to as admiralty law, regulates maritime activities and the multifaceted commercial industries that operate within the realm of the sea. This legal system encompasses a broad range of maritime endeavors, including shipping, marine insurance, and the operation of offshore drilling rigs and vessels.
In the event of injuries sustained while on an offshore drilling rig or vessel, maritime law generally holds jurisdiction. This includes injuries sustained by crew members, as well as those sustained by contractors and other individuals working on the rig or vessel. Furthermore, maritime law may be applicable to other activities such as the loading and unloading of cargo on ships, the operation of ferries and other passenger vessels, and the transportation of goods by sea.
If you have suffered injuries while working on an offshore drilling rig or vessel, or if you are involved in a dispute related to maritime activities, it is imperative to consult with a lawyer who is well-versed in maritime law. A competent attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can provide representation in any necessary legal proceedings.
In the context of workers on vessels and offshore platforms, maritime law may apply when:
- The injury occurred on navigable waters: Maritime law applies to injuries that occur on navigable waters, which are defined as any body of water that can be used for commercial navigation. This includes oceans, seas, rivers, and other waterways.
- The injury occurred on a vessel or offshore platform: Maritime law also applies to injuries that occur on vessels or offshore platforms, which are defined as any floating or stationary structure used for commercial or residential purposes on navigable waters. This includes ships, barges, drilling platforms, and other structures.
- The injury occurred in the course of employment: Maritime law may apply to injuries that occur while an individual is working on a vessel or offshore platform as part of their job. This includes injuries sustained while performing work-related duties or activities, such as loading and unloading cargo, operating machinery, or conducting maintenance.
It’s important to remember that the application of maritime law can be complicated and reliant on a number of variables, including the precise circumstances surrounding the injury, the scene of the incident, and the type of work being done. If you were hurt while operating a ship or offshore platform, it is always best to seek the counsel of an experienced maritime law attorney. For a free consultation, get in touch with Doyle Dennis LLP’s knowledgeable maritime trial lawyers right away!
How to Protect Your Rights After a Texas Maritime Accident
It’s critical to act right away if you’ve been involved in a maritime accident in Texas waters in order to protect your rights and your ability to seek compensation for any losses or injuries you may have sustained. You can take the following crucial actions to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:
- Prioritize your health and document injuries: Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to establish a clear record of your injuries and when they occurred, and also to take care of yourself.
- Gather evidence: Collect as much information and evidence as possible: This may include documentation, witness statements, and any other relevant materials.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities: Depending on the situation, this may include law enforcement, government agencies, or other organizations.
- Keep your own detailed records: Document any communication or interactions related to the incident, including dates, times, and the names of any individuals involved. This documentation will be invaluable when it comes to pursuing a claim for compensation.
- Consult an expert: Reach out to an attorney who specializes in maritime law as soon as possible. This professional can guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complex regulations and laws that apply to maritime accidents.
You can be confident that by taking these actions, you have done what you can at the moment to defend your rights and hold those accountable. Don’t hesitate to take further action because time is of the essence. Contact our experienced Texas Maritime Attorneys at Doyle Dennis LLP for a free consultation today!
What Am I Entitled To After I Suffer A Maritime Injury?
The Jones Act provides many protections for injured maritime workers. In addition, an American maritime employer no matter the cause for the illness or injury is responsible for the payment of maintenance and cure, which is not a workers’ compensation program. Maintenance is paid in the form of a daily allowance intended to cover living expenses while you can’t work due to illness or injury. It covers things such as rent, transportation to and from medical providers, utility bills, food and certain others. Maintenance is intended to help you keep as much as your normal life and living conditions as usual in case of a maritime accident, injury, or illness. Cure is the medical expenses and bills you run into due to the illness or injury from your maritime accident. The responsibility of maintenance and cure remains regardless of whether any negligence led to the illness or injury. This responsibility remains active until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement for an injured seaman simply means as good as recovery as you’re going to get. Basically, the point in time when little to no medical improvement can be expected. These benefits after a maritime workplace injury can be collected regardless of a Jones Act claim.
Additional recovery for maritime workers can also fall under a Jones Act Claim. This type of maritime injury claim is possible if the injury or illness is caused by negligence. Negligence can cover many different types of offshore accidents. An experienced admiralty attorney can help you understand how negligence could have played a role in your maritime accident. One cause of negligence is unseaworthiness which stems from unsafe conditions on a vessel, and can include the equipment, machines and tools used for your work and the operation of the vessel. These damages from a Jones Act claim are similar to all personal injury claims and can include loss of past and future earnings, medical expenses, physical impairment, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
Our clients can confidently entrust us with their legal needs, knowing that we possess the acumen and proficiency to provide them with judicious and seasoned legal advice and representation in all matters related to maritime law in Texas. Whether you are a commercial fisherman, a maritime worker or a business that operates within the Texas maritime industry, our firm is dedicated to safeguarding your rights and interests every step of the way. Contact our experienced Texas Maritime Attorneys at Doyle Dennis LLP today to have our experienced team review your potential legal claim!
Why Do I Need A Specialized Texas Maritime Attorney?
You should seek out a qualified Texas Maritime Attorney in order to maximize your chances of fair compensation for maritime injuries or loss of life. Maritime injury attorneys are a specialized group of attorneys who have dedicated their careers to understanding the complex laws that govern the maritime industry, including the Jones Act. This act allows injured or ill seamen to pursue additional claims for negligence and unseaworthiness, which can often result in greater recoveries and damages, including lost wages, lost future earnings, medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical disability or impairment.
The maritime industry can be a treacherous field, with a high risk of injury due to the hazardous nature of the work. It is essential to retain the services of a seasoned Texas Maritime attorney who is well-versed in the various types of injury that can occur in this industry and has a successful history of representing injured workers. These legal professionals are typically situated in close proximity to the maritime industry and operate law firms that concentrate on such cases. They can provide you with valuable guidance and assistance as you navigate the complex legal landscape of the industry, ensuring that you fully understand your rights and options as you seek the damages you are entitled to.
It is important to note that negligence and unseaworthiness are key concepts in maritime injury cases. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation, while unseaworthiness refers to a vessel or its equipment being in a condition that is not safe for its intended use. An experienced maritime lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and determine if negligence or unseaworthiness played a role in your injury, and use this information to build a strong case on your behalf. Hiring an experienced maritime trial attorney can significantly increase your chances of recovering the damages you deserve. These attorneys have extensive knowledge of the maritime injury sector and understand how to effectively present your case to a jury or insurer. Additionally, their past cases and clients have provided them with valuable insights and expertise, allowing them to guide you through every step of the legal process. Don’t settle for less – choose Doyle Dennis LLP. a reputable and experienced maritime trial attorney firm to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Trust Doyle Dennis LLP’s extensive experience as Texas Maritime personal injury attorneys to guide you towards the favorable verdicts and settlements you rightfully deserve. Our attorneys understand that every case is unique and requires a dedicated effort, thus, we offer our clients personalized attention and solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
Doyle Dennis LLP’s Proven Track Record of Excellence in Texas Maritime Claims
The attorneys at the Doyle Dennis Law Firm have dozens of high value maritime verdicts and confidential settlements in Texas courts. Our past maritime claims against employers and insurers include injuries on vessels such as barges, tugboats, commercial fishing vessels, cargo vessels, tankers, drill ships, floating rigs, and others. We also work on claims for onshore maritime injuries suffered by dock workers, longshoremen, harbor workers covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) . Offshore injuries aboard drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and the Outer Continental shelf are generally covered under federal maritime law such as the Jones Act. Comprehensive knowledge of the Jones Act and other maritime laws allows our attorneys to put a concerted effort towards recovery after your maritime injury. Call us for a free consultation today!
Multiple Million-Dollar Texas Maritime Jury Verdicts!
$7.86 Million – Gillies V. Valaris PLC
On January 12, 2022, Doyle Dennis LLP secured a $7.86 million verdict on behalf of a drill ship operations adviser, who was injured while working on a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.
$4.5 Million – Norfleet V. Chemikalien Seetransport And Heidenreich Marine
A Houston jury, in May 2009, awarded more than $4.5 million to Doyle Dennis LLP Trial Lawyers client for injuries sustained while being transferred in a personnel basket from a crew boat to a lightering ship in the Gulf of Mexico.
$2.16 Million – Pace V. Houston Helicopters, Inc.
A roustabout, and Doyle Dennis Law Firm client, working on an offshore oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico was injured when the helicopter, a Sikorsky 76, transporting him and a crew back to shore caught fire and violently crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. This verdict was rendered in Brazoria County in February 2008.
$2.14 Million – Pike V. SeaRiver Maritime, Inc.
Jury Verdict: $2.56 million (Reduced on appeal to $2,141,716.75 )
When a major U.S. shipping company refused to honor its responsibilities to a long-time employee who suffered career-ending injuries as a result of a fall on a tanker in the Gulf of Alaska, Doyle Dennis LLP Trial Lawyers took the case to trial. A Texas jury returned a verdict for Doyle Dennis LLP Trial Lawyers’ client of over $2.56 million.
$1.75 Million – Roberts V. Rigdon Marine
Jury Verdict: $1.5 million (Increased to $1,752,767.44 with interest)
After a Supply Ship Captain was viciously attacked by an unruly and inadequate crew off the coast of Africa, a major U.S. shipping company refused to honor its responsibilities to its employee who was suffering back, neck, head, and psychological problems as a result of the attack. A Texas jury returned a verdict in August 2007 for Doyle Dennis LLP Trial Lawyers’ client of $1,505,000, which was more than ten times the highest settlement offer of the shipping company.
$1.6 Million – Darold Burch V. Westerngeco Resources (Schlumberger)
After striking an improperly placed beam, Doyle Dennis LLP’s client began to experience severe post-traumatic headaches after the incident, and ultimately was diagnosed with multiple cervical disc injuries that required surgical repair. Westerngeco blamed the client for the incident, but a Houston jury disagreed and returned a verdict in December 2007 against the Schlumberger subsidiary for $1.6 million in damages in the 270th District Court of Harris County, Houston, Texas.
$1.22 Million – Hamilton v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
In August 2009, a Houston (Harris County) jury awarded $1.22 million to Doyle LLP Trial Lawyers client for injuries sustained in a November 2005 incident onboard the dredging vessel Pontchartrain
Why Choose Doyle Dennis LLP for Your Texas Maritime Injury Claim?
At Doyle Dennis LLP, we are dedicated to building strong attorney-client relationships and earning your trust. Our maritime lawyers have decades of experience handling complex maritime injury claims and are well-versed in the unique federal laws that govern the industry. Our clients from around the globe can attest to our ability to navigate difficult legal matters and help them always understand what they are facing and what they deserve. At our law firm, we are committed to helping injured maritime workers in Houston and throughout Texas understand their rights and get the compensation they deserve.
Maritime legal claims require specialized knowledge of the maritime industry and the unique federal law that governs it. This takes decades of experience to master and hiring a law firm with little to no experience in the area could possibly sell your claim short of what you deserve. Don’t let a law firm with little to no experience in maritime law sell your claim short. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how our experienced maritime accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve as an injured Jones act worker. Our maritime team is ready to support you and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
The Doyle Dennis LLP team of experienced attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff work closely with clients every step of the way to ensure that their needs are met and that they receive the best possible representation. As leading Houston maritime attorneys, we have a proven track record of success in obtaining tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients in state and federal courts. We know what your legal case means to you and your loved ones, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf to get the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in the maritime industry, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation with one of our experienced Texas offshore injury lawyers
What Are The Costs For Hiring Our Texas Maritime Law Firm?
The simple answer is that hiring our firm as your Texas maritime injury attorneys entails no upfront fees or costs. Our company is committed to assisting offshore workers who have sustained injuries while working as seasoned nautical injury attorneys in Texas. We provide our services on a contingency fee basis because we recognize how expensive it can be to seek medical care and legal representation. As a result, you won’t be charged anything up front for our representation. Otherwise, we will only pay you if you are successful in getting paid for your injury.
The only way for us to get paid, is if you get paid. Since we only take on cases where we have faith in our clients and the validity of their claims, we actually assume the entire financial risk associated with pursuing your accident or wrongful death claim. Unless we are able to assist you in making a financial recovery, we won’t expend any of your money on the claim. You are welcome to get in touch with us at any time to schedule a free consultation for your potential maritime injury claim because our firm also supports the idea that people can seek legal representation at no cost. We want you to know that we firmly believe in our attorney-client relationship and will treat you with respect and guidance at every stage because we are aware of the challenges that many people encounter when pursuing a maritime injury claim.
In Texas and abroad, our company is known for effectively assisting clients with maritime injury claims. Our team of seasoned maritime lawyers has experience effectively resolving complex Jones act cases and is skilled in admiralty law. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation with one of our committed attorneys if you think your claim is legitimate. Each of our clients receives individualized, sympathetic legal assistance from us as a top priority, and we’ll work hard to get you the money you’re due. To find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. After a life-altering emergency or death, let the Doyle Dennis Law Firm lead you on your journey to recovery.
How Can a Houston Lawyer Assist You in Pursuing Financial Recovery for a Maritime Injury?
While many attorneys around Texas may be able to claim knowledge and experience in the Maritime field, few like the team of attorneys at Doyle Dennis LLP have a record in the courtrooms of multimillion dollar judgements and settlements. Our experienced Texas Maritime attorneys know how to maximize the pressure of your claim to effectively litigate against your employer or their insurers. Through a wealth of knowledge and experience the Doyle Dennis Law Firm offers offshore injury clients a formidable ally in their legal claims. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Here are a few ways a Houston Maritime Attorney can assist you during a lawsuit:
- Filing your Claim
Maritime law is incredibly complex and requires deep understanding to litigate successfully. Maritime and offshore cases may involve a variety of local, state or federal laws as well which can further muddy the waters on case issues. A seasoned and knowledgeable Texas maritime attorney will help you understand what law may govern your case and how it would apply. Texas admiralty attorneys can also help you file your case in the proper jurisdiction to give yourself legally the best chance for a successful lawsuit.
- Guiding through Discovery Process
An experienced Texas Maritime attorney can guide through the discovery process and help you get what you need to build your case. They will know what to request from the other parties and how to get it. Through decades of litigation experience our Houston Maritime Attorneys understand the many tactics used to hamper discovery and can give you the best chance at getting the information you need to build your case for success.
- Preparing and Taking Depositions
Having a lawyer by your side may be crucial when giving and taking depositions in a maritime case. They can make sure that any questions you are asked remain pertinent and appropriate in addition to guiding you through your legal obligations. A hardened maritime trial attorney will also be able to depose the defendants in a tough dedicated approach that gets to the truth. They can also give you information about the possible effects of the depositions on your case and assist you in preparing for them and understanding others’ testimony.
- Handling Negotiations
Often legal cases might be mediated, arbitrated or settled prior to trial. Our experience Texas maritime trial attorneys through their hundreds of litigated cases have experience in these processes and understand what the true value of your claim is. Our admiralty attorneys can help you through the negotiations of a legal claim and help you make the best decisions for you and your future.
- Presenting at Trial
Most maritime cases that are not resolved through negotiations will eventually end up in a courtroom in front of a jury. It not only takes a lot of experience, but also a special talent to successfully present a Maritime case to a jury. Our team of trial attorneys led by Michael Doyle, Patrick Dennis and Jeff Avery all have vast experience in the courtroom and know how to successfully present a case to a jury. To be able to continually present a case to a jury successfully requires extensive practice as well. Our attorneys work with some of the leading experts in trial research and preparation to continually develop their skills and to keep fighting successfully for their clients.
Ultimately the Texas maritime law firm you hire and its ability to guide you through the case will have a great impact on the ultimate resolution. Our attorneys are battle tested in maritime litigation and ready to help you get what you deserve. Call an experienced Texas Maritime Law Firm such as Doyle Dennis LLP today!
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