Types of Maritime Accident Cases We Handle
- Boating and vessel collisions
- Jones Act injury claims
- Longshore and harbor worker injuries
- Seaman and crew injuries
- Offshore rig and platform accidents
- Dock and terminal worker claims
Maritime Accidents
Injured offshore or in a maritime accident? Leatherwood Law is here to protect your rights.
Maritime workers face some of the most dangerous conditions in the country. Whether you were injured offshore on a rig, aboard a commercial vessel, or at port, Leatherwood Law stands ready to help. We represent injured maritime workers under federal maritime law, the Jones Act, and other relevant protections.
Maritime accidents often involve unique legal challenges—including jurisdictional issues, employer negligence, and third-party liability. We understand how to navigate these complexities and fight to secure the compensation you’re owed.
Houston is a global shipping hub, and maritime injuries are unfortunately common along the Gulf Coast. You don’t have to take on the company or insurance carrier alone—our team will fight for you every step of the way.
From injuries on tugboats and tankers to oil platform accidents and harbor worksite hazards, we’re here to protect the rights of those who work on or near the water.
Maritime Injury Compensation
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law or federal protections like the Jones Act. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses (including transport and offshore care)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Maintenance and cure benefits
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving families
Why Hire Leatherwood Law for a Maritime Injury?
- Jones Act and Maritime Law Knowledge: We understand the unique legal protections that apply to offshore workers and seamen.
- Texas Gulf Coast Representation: Based in Houston, we serve injured workers from the ports of Galveston, Freeport, Corpus Christi, and beyond.
- No Upfront Fees: We only get paid if we win your case.
- Personalized Attention: We treat you with respect and communicate clearly—because your future matters.
What to Do After a Maritime or Offshore Injury
- Report the injury – Notify your employer or supervisor immediately, even if you're offshore or in transit.
- Get medical treatment – Ask for medical attention onboard or request evacuation if needed.
- Document everything – Record names of witnesses, take photos, and keep all incident reports or logs.
- Contact Leatherwood Law – Before signing any employer paperwork or settling your claim.
Maritime Accident FAQs
What is maritime law, and how does it apply in Houston, Texas?
Maritime law—also known as admiralty law—covers legal issues involving offshore work, vessels, shipping, and navigable waters. In a major port city like Houston, maritime law applies to thousands of workers along the Gulf Coast. If you've been injured while working on an offshore platform, oil rig, vessel, or port, you may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime statutes. Leatherwood Law specializes in protecting Houston’s offshore workforce with tailored legal strategies.
Who is covered under maritime law in Texas?
Maritime law protects workers such as seamen, longshoremen, harbor workers, shipbuilders, oil rig workers, and tugboat crew. If your job involves a significant amount of time on or near navigable waters—like the Port of Houston or offshore in the Gulf of Mexico—you may be covered under laws like the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Leatherwood Law helps Texas maritime workers understand their rights and take action.
What is the Jones Act, and how does it protect Houston seamen?
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence that led to a work-related injury. To qualify as a “seaman,” you must spend at least 30% of your work time on a vessel in navigable waters. Houston maritime workers injured aboard ships or tugboats can often pursue Jones Act claims. At Leatherwood Law, we aggressively represent injured seamen across the Gulf Coast and fight to maximize their compensation.
How does the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) differ from the Jones Act?
The Jones Act protects seamen; the LHWCA covers other maritime workers such as dockworkers, stevedores, and shipyard laborers who aren’t permanently assigned to a vessel. If you were injured while working at the Port of Houston or in a Texas shipyard, the LHWCA may entitle you to medical and wage replacement benefits. Leatherwood Law helps clients navigate these complex classifications to get the right legal protection.
What should I do after an offshore injury in the Gulf of Mexico?
Report the incident immediately, seek prompt medical attention, and avoid signing anything until you speak with a maritime attorney. Offshore injury claims involve strict deadlines and complex liability laws. Leatherwood Law offers free consultations to injured maritime workers in Houston, ensuring your claim is preserved and pursued strategically.
Can I sue my employer after a maritime injury in Houston?
Yes—if you’re considered a seaman under the Jones Act, you can file a lawsuit against your employer for negligence. If not, you may be eligible for compensation under the LHWCA or general maritime law. Leatherwood Law has deep expertise in Houston maritime claims and will guide you through the appropriate legal channels.
What compensation is available for maritime injuries?
Depending on the type of claim, you may recover: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduce earning potential, pain and suffering, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, maintenance and cure (living and medical expenses during recovery). Leatherwood Law aggressively pursues the full range of benefits and damages Houston maritime workers are entitled to under federal law.
What is the deadline to file a maritime injury claim in Texas?
Jones Act: 3 years from the date of injury, LHWCA: 1 year to file, and 30 days to notify your employer. Don’t delay—speak with a Houston maritime attorney at Leatherwood Law to ensure your case meets all legal deadlines.
Why choose Leatherwood Law for your maritime injury case in Houston?
Leatherwood Law is a Houston-based firm with extensive experience in maritime injury claims. We understand the legal, medical, and logistical challenges offshore workers face. Whether your injury happened on a vessel, at port, or offshore, we bring the legal firepower and local knowledge to secure the maximum compensation available under maritime law.
Speak with a Houston Maritime Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured while working on the water, don’t trust your case to just anyone. Maritime law is complex—and your livelihood is on the line. Call Leatherwood Law for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Free maritime injury consultation