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Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer

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    Maritime law (admiralty law, or admiralty) refers to the body of laws, treaties, and conventions that regulate navigation and shipping matters. These laws help govern maritime disputes, questions, offenses, and any other private maritime business or nautical issues that may emerge. Because admiralty governs maritime and nautical disputes and injuries, these laws differ from those that apply to accidents occurring on land. This makes it essential to speak to a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer so they can help you understand admiralty-related legal concepts. In addition, if you’re seeking damages for a maritime injury, our experienced maritime injury attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard LLP can help you navigate the process, win the compensation you deserve, and receive relevant benefits from an employer. By going through this guide, you will better understand:

    • The history, origin, and coverage of maritime law
    • The different types of maritime injuries
    • Roles and responsibilities of maritime injury lawyers
    • What you will get from hiring a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer

    Overview of Maritime Law

    We can trace back Maritime law to Ancient Egypt when the need for standardized rules for governing fair trade and maritime safety arose. At the time, maritime trade was already in full swing, and ships could travel from port to port. However, there was no single court system that could manage maritime disputes. Hence, the mandate fell on local courts and tribunals, which often show bias. The solution was the introduction of a formal law that ensured the adequate compensation of shipowners, captains, and sailors if they became injured or lost at sea. Between 900 and 300 B.C., The Rhodian Sea Laws, some of the first written records of formal codes, were introduced. These codes enabled the overseeing of seafaring trade in the Mediterranean Sea and also influenced Roman Law. Over time, maritime laws would develop and eventually enter Europe and the United States in the 11th and 17th centuries, respectively.

    Definition of a Seaman

    Based on maritime law, a seaman refers to a ship’s captain or crew member. American maritime laws, such as the Jones Act, protect the rights of seamen and allow them to seek compensation for any injuries they sustain when traveling by sea between two ports within the country and onboard an American-owned vessel. You must meet the following criteria that will allow you to seek damages:

    • The majority of the crew aboard the ship must be U.S. citizens
    • The ship must be afloat, in operation, and capable of navigation
    • The vessel must be operating within navigable waters

    Coverage of Maritime Law

    As we have already stated, maritime laws differ from those governing land-based activities. Therefore, determining whether an injured maritime worker should receive compensation for injuries obtained at sea or in a lake requires an initial determination of the nature of the ship, the crew members, and whether the vessel had been operating within navigable waters. The following are some instances when maritime law can apply:

    • Recreational boating accidents
    • Commercial accidents that lead to vessel/cargo damage or injury to a seaman or seamen
    • Piracy and criminal activity
    • Fishing boat or jet ski accidents
    • Ship or cargo insurance claims

    Circumstances will also determine whether a case goes to federal or state court. For instance, the case will be heard in federal or state court if it’s an injury issue. In contrast, property disputes must be heard in federal court.

    Types of Maritime Injuries

    Here are some claims and remedies you can receive for injuries sustained at sea or in navigable waters.

    Jones Act Claims

    The Jones Act allows seamen to sue employers for injuries sustained in the course of their employment. This Act is a vital recourse since seamen cannot file for workers’ compensation benefits, as with land-based workers.

    Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

    The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) will help you get compensation, vocational rehabilitation services, and medical care if on-the-job injuries have rendered you disabled. However, you must have sustained these injuries in navigable U.S. waters or in an area customarily used for cargo loading/unloading and vessel building/repair.

    Maintenance and Cure Benefits

    These feature remedies for seamen injured while working in a ship/vessel. They have the following categories:

    • Maintenance benefits: These are weekly checks paid to injured or sick workers.
    • Cure benefits: These are reasonable medical expenses paid by an employer throughout a seaman’s recovery process.

    Roles and Responsibilities of a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer

    A Houston maritime injury lawyer has the following tasks:

    • Representing injured seamen. The attorney will typically gain insights into your case and help you gain legal compensation for any injuries you might have incurred.
    • Assisting with claims. The attorney will understand the intricacies of your case and explain to you any legal measures that you can take to claim damages.

    Ensuring fair compensation. The attorney will also help you claim what you deserve by ensuring that all the injuries/damages are accounted for and that the employer pays benefits as required.

    Request A Free Case Consultation Today!

    Complete the form below and we will reach out momentarily. We are available 24/7.

      Benefits of Hiring a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer

      A Houston maritime injury attorney can help you with your case because these professionals have experience with maritime law. Our seasoned maritime lawyers also have an expansive knowledge of the legal processes. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. By speaking to an experienced attorney, you also stand a better chance of navigating the case process and attaining vocational rehabilitation services and medical care. You can always consult a Houston maritime injury lawyer to ask about recreational boating accidents, commercial accidents that cause damage to cargo or injury, losses from piracy and criminal activity, fishing boat or jet ski accidents, and for ship or cargo insurance claim purposes. Contact Morrow & Sheppard LLP today for any maritime questions or disputes that you might have, or call us at 800-489-2216 to schedule a consultation.

      Practice Areas We Handle

      Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys want to understand your unique situation so we can provide legal guidance that will help you obtain a favorable result. We have experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today! You don’t pay us unless we win your case.

      We Get Results

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      Maritime Lawsuit
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      Traumatic Brain Injury – Oilfield Injury
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      Oil & Gas Burn Injury

      What Our Clients Are Saying

      John Sheppard and Chris West did an outstanding job in representing me following a rear-end collision. Highly recommended!
      Michael J.
      Michael J.
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      Nick and Laura are the best..They helped every step of the way.Can’t recommend them highly enough.Not only do they get results but they care and make you feel like family.
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      They were very professional and understanding. The have patience and do their job well. If I had to return I would with no hesitation
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      4 months agoI am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Nick Morrow end Laura on my case With the rest of his staff. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Laura end Nick would keep me up to date with the status of my case … More , They... fought for me to get the best settlement possible.. I am happy with the outcome Thank you Nick and the staff Of MORROW END SHEPPARD LLPread more
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      Chris West is an excellent addition to the Morrow & Sheppard team. His skill set, dedication, and overall reliability he brings to the firm and clients are uncanny. You will not be disappointed.
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      Candace M.
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      I highly recommend the Morrow & Sheppard to anyone. They are an incredible group that did an outstanding job to make sure I got the highest settlement for my case. Attorney Daniel and his staff are all outstanding professionals with some serious case law knowledge and skill. His group went the... extra mile for me and because of that, my life has forever changed. Thank you Attorney Daniel and everyone that’s a part of his firm that worked so hard. I really appreciate you!read more
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      Melis R.
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      I am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Daniel Sheppard and Chris on my case. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Daniel would keep me up to date with the status of my case and Chris would also ensure all my paper work was submitted... in a timely manner. I am Very Happy with the Outcome! Thank you Daniel and Chris. I highly recommend their services and would not hesitate to use them again.read more
      D P.
      D P.
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      Very strong and courageous law firm I recommend to anyone who has suffered a injury from companies who need to be held responsible for lack of safety and security, my family is set for life and with these lawyers never backing down and fighting for truth behind every case and seeking the best... future for our family has given our family a second chance at being able to make it in life and holding companies accountable lifting burdens off our lives, very proud and beyond blessed to have had them fight the fight and have a tremendous outcome for our future. Along with a great and kind staff we HIGHLY recommend this law firm.read more
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      I was a client for 2.5 years after a car accident in 2019 and represented by Patrick McGinnis. He was knowledgable, compassionate, and level headed.His assisting paralegal, Ramona Anaya, was reliable, knowledgable, and kind in all our interactions.They went above and beyond to help me navigate... everything that unfolded after my car accident. They were able to secure a favorable settlement before trial.I’m very happy to have had Morrow&Sheppard Firm represent me.read more
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      Professional and knowledgeable with years of experience.
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      After a car accident last year I went to Morrow & Sheppard for assistance. Jose and Chris were exceptionally accommodating and handled my case with professionalism. They're primary concern was my well being and they went above and beyond to ensure I would receive the best settlement possible. A... very efficient and dedicated team!read more
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