Houston
Maritime Attorney

Seeking Justice for Injured Maritime Workers and Cruise Passengers

Under maritime law, employers and cruise lines operating at sea are required to protect the safety of passengers and crew onboard commercial vessels. When a maritime accident occurs and passengers or crew are injured as a result, the law may allow victims to seek compensation for medical expenses and other losses.

If you’ve suffered a maritime injury onboard a commercial vessel, getting help from a Houston maritime lawyer like Cliff Cardone might be essential for getting the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to get justice and relief for personal and financial losses. Maritime injury claims can be complex, but a knowledgeable Houston maritime lawyer can find the right path forward. You can count on Cardone Law Firm to fight for your rights.

Were you injured at sea?
Our Houston maritime lawyers can help.

Maritime Accident

Claims Process

Find a Law Firm

If you were injured in an offshore accident, it’s generally a good idea to at least consult with a maritime law firm. A capable legal team can help you determine what you may be owed and how to get it, whether or not that means taking legal action. Maritime claims can be difficult to navigate, and trying to go it on your own can put your rights to financial recovery at risk. Protect your claim by contacting an attorney about your legal options.

01

STEP

Make a Claim

After an injury on a commercial vessel, you may be able to file an insurance claim or workers’ compensation claim, depending on your case. Make sure to provide medical records and documentation of any lost wages. You may also need to provide evidence from the scene of the accident, as well as your initial accident report. Injured workers and passengers will generally have a limited time in which to file a claim, so be ready to act fast.

02

STEP

Take Legal Action

If your insurance claim is unsuccessful or the negligent party is underinsured, you may need to make a personal injury claim under general maritime law. Generally, a demand letter is sent first, informing the negligent party of your intent to sue. If that warning is ignored, a lawsuit may be filed. Your lawyer will enter into negotiations for a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to court, but this is fairly rare.

03

STEP

02

STEP
FREE Consultation

Maritime Law

basics

Laws

Compensation

Causes

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a network of different laws that dictate liability for injuries and harm sustained while at sea, either as a passenger or maritime worker. These laws include:

  • The Jones Act – This federal law helps hold maritime employers accountable for unsafe working conditions and negligence, providing essential protections for maritime industry workers.

  • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) – In addition to offshore workers, maritime law also protects dock workers and others not covered under the Jones Act.

  • Death on the High Seas Act – For maritime cases involving a fatality, this law helps families seek financial relief for their losses.

  • Maintenance and Cure – This protection helps ensure seamen have access to coverage for daily living expenses and medical treatment costs during their recovery.

  • Passenger Injury Protection – Cruise ship passengers are also eligible to seek compensation for injuries sustained on cruises or excursions through maritime law.

As you can see, it may not always be clear which laws apply to which cases. Admiralty lawyers like Cliff Cardone know how to make the right argument for your claim, ensuring you have access to the compensation you need.

From minor scrapes to catastrophic injuries, all accidents have the potential to lead to serious medical bills and truly horrible pain. Maritime law allows victims to seek two types of compensatory damages for their losses: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

  • Medical costs
  • Future medical care
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning power

Non-Economic Damages

  • Mental anguish
  • Physical pain
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other conditions
  • Reduced quality of life

Punitive Damages

In addition to compensatory damages meant to make up for specific losses, punitive damages may also be granted in rare cases. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for severe wrongdoing.

Maritime accidents can be caused by countless factors, many rooted in the negligence of maritime businesses. Some common causes and types of maritime accidents include:

  • Slip and falls
  • Injury due to falling objects
  • Exposure to toxic fumes
  • Crane accidents
  • Injuries caused by a vessel’s unseaworthiness
  • Equipment failure injuries
  • Natural disasters and bad weather-related injuries
  • Severe burns caused by fires and electrical malfunctions

Keep in mind that there are countless other factors that can contribute to the danger that caused your accident. For help determining the at-fault party in your case, you should get help from a Texas attorney.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

In addition to workers at sea, maritime law also protects workers who are employed near those waters, most commonly longshoremen and harbor workers. If you were injured by a crane accident while working near navigable waters, you can reach out to our team for a FREE consultation to learn about your options.

After a maritime accident, there are a few steps that you should take as soon as possible. The first is to seek any emergency medical attention. Seeking medical care quickly might be key to proving liability in your case. Next, you should gather evidence from the scene of the accident or ask someone for help getting what you need. You should also report your accident to your employer or the cruise line as soon as possible. To ensure your legal rights to compensation are protected, consider reaching out to a capable Houston maritime attorney for guidance on the full extent of your options.

If you’ve suffered a maritime injury in the Houston area or along the Gulf Coast, you might not be able to get the financial compensation you need for your losses without help from a lawyer. Maritime lawyers have extensive experience navigating the complex network of laws governing liability for these accidents, and they can help you determine the right venue for your case. Cruise lines and maritime businesses are often large companies with the resources needed to hire high-powered legal teams to fight your claim, but a capable maritime lawyer can stand up to those intimidating groups with ease. Cruise lines and employers are required to take reasonable care to protect their passengers and crew, but it can be difficult to prove when they fail. A maritime attorney can help you prove liability in your case, safeguarding your rights.

MARITIME INJURY

 GUIDES

Coming Soon

We will update this section with more helpful information for you.

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