Maritime Attorney in Sugar Land, TX
Sugar Land Maritime Attorney
At the Reed & Terry Law Firm, we understand the significant risks that come with maritime work, particularly for those employed in Texas’s vast offshore industries. From oil rig workers to commercial fishermen, maritime workers face hazardous environments daily. When accidents occur, maritime law, also known as admiralty law, offers specific protections for those injured at sea. The Reed & Terry Law Firm’s maritime lawyers specialize in representing maritime workers in Texas who have been injured on the job, helping them secure the compensation they deserve under federal and state laws like the Jones Act, Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and other maritime laws.
With the help of our skilled admiralty lawyers, we help workers secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our board-certified maritime lawyers.
Zero Upfront Fees; Free Initial Consultation: (281) 491-5000
Maritime Law Vs. Admiralty Law
Maritime Law Unveiled: A Maritime Lawyer’s Insight into Legal Protections for Offshore Workers
Maritime law, or admiralty law, refers to the body of laws, conventions, and treaties that govern private maritime business and other nautical matters, such as shipping or offenses occurring on open water. The legal landscape for maritime workers differs from standard personal injury law, offering unique protections for those employed in dangerous offshore industries. In Texas, this area of law is particularly relevant due to the state’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, home to a large portion of the country’s oil drilling, shipping, and commercial fishing industries.
At the Reed & Terry Law firm, our experienced maritime attorneys are dedicated to providing representation for maritime workers who have been injured on vessels like:
- Offshore oil platforms
- Fishing vessels
- Tugboats and barges
- Cargo ships
We ensure our clients fully understand their rights under federal maritime laws and help them navigate the complex legal processes that follow an accident.
Who Does Admiralty Law Protect? Our Admiralty Lawyer’s Guide to Workers Covered Under Maritime Law
Maritime law covers a wide range of workers who perform their duties on or near water. Some of the workers we help include:
- Offshore Oil Workers: Oil rigs are high-risk environments due to volatile materials, heavy machinery, and dangerous weather conditions. Explosions and equipment failures are common causes of accidents.
- Commercial Fishermen: Working long hours in unpredictable conditions, fishermen face some of the highest injury and fatality rates of any profession.
- Longshoremen and Harbor Workers: Those loading and unloading ships or working in shipyards are covered by the LHWCA, which provides compensation for injuries sustained on the job.
- Tugboat and Barge Crews: These workers frequently encounter navigation hazards and equipment failures, which can lead to severe injuries.
Regardless of your specific role, if you’ve been injured while working on navigable waters, the Reed & Terry Law Firm is ready to assist in filing your claim.
Over $500 million Recovered for our Personal Injury Clients
Top Maritime Accidents in Texas: Our Admiralty Attorney’s Breakdown of Common Offshore Dangers
Texas, with its extensive coastline and busy ports, sees a wide variety of maritime accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Oil Rig Explosions and Fires: The volatile nature of oil and gas drilling means that even a small error can lead to catastrophic explosions and fires, causing serious injuries or fatalities.
- Deck Accidents: Slippery surfaces, heavy machinery, and loose cargo on decks can cause falls and other accidents, leading to broken bones, head injuries, or worse.
- Ship Collisions: With so many vessels traversing Texas waterways, the risk of collisions is significant, especially in busy ports like Houston and Galveston.
- Falls Overboard: Falling overboard remains one of the deadliest risks for maritime workers, particularly in rough seas or if proper safety equipment is not provided.
- Equipment Failures: Malfunctions in cranes, winches, and other shipboard equipment can cause serious accidents, particularly when vessels are poorly maintained.
At the Reed & Terry Law Firm our admiralty lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of maritime workers injured in these and other accidents.
The Jones Act: A Lifeline for Injured Seamen
The Jones Act is a vital piece of legislation for maritime workers, particularly seamen. This federal law allows injured seamen to seek damages from their employers if negligence played a role in their injury. The Jones Act requires that employers maintain a seaworthy vessel and provide a safe working environment. If they fail to do so and a seaman is injured as a result, the employer can be held financially responsible.
To qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, a worker must spend at least 30% of their time working on a vessel that is in navigation. The Reed & Terry Law Firm’s experienced Jones Act attorneys in Texas will assess your case and help you file a claim, ensuring that you receive compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident on a ship or offshore platform, contact the Reed & Terry Law Firm to explore your legal options under the Jones Act.
Navigate the Longshore Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) with Our Admiralty Lawyer
For workers who are not classified as seamen, the LHWCA provides a separate set of protections. This act covers dockworkers, shipbuilders, and other harbor workers who may not qualify for Jones Act protections but still work in maritime environments. The LHWCA offers compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
Unlike the Jones Act, LHWCA claims do not require proof of employer negligence, making it easier to secure benefits. However, navigating this legal process can be complex. Our experienced maritime lawyers at the Reed & Terry Law Firm are familiar with LHWCA claims and can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Maintenance and Cure: A Critical Right for Injured Seamen
In addition to the Jones Act and the LHWCA, injured maritime workers are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits. These benefits ensure that an injured seaman receives essential living expenses (maintenance) and medical care (cure) until they have fully recovered and are able to return to work. Maintenance and cure benefits are available regardless of who is at fault for the injury.
If your employer refuses to provide these benefits, or if the amount offered is insufficient, the Reed & Terry Law Firm can help. We will ensure you receive the support you need while recovering from your injury.
Proving Employer Negligence in Maritime Injury Claims
Proving negligence in a maritime accident requires establishing that the employer or vessel owner failed to meet their legal duty to ensure a safe working environment. To do this, the injured party must demonstrate four key elements: duty of car, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In maritime cases, the employer’s duty includes maintaining a seaworthy vessel, providing proper safety equipment, and ensuring that employees are adequately trained. A breach occurs when these safety standards are not met, such as poorly maintained equipment or failure to address hazardous conditions. The injured worker must then show that this breach directly caused the injury, leading to measurable damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Jones Act, which governs maritime worker injury claims, allows workers to pursue compensation by proving even slight negligence, which makes it easier to hold employers accountable compared to traditional personal injury cases.
Shared Liability
In certain maritime cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties. For instance, if a ship collision occurs and both vessels were at fault, liability may be apportioned between the two operators based on their percentage of fault. This concept is known as comparative negligence, where each party’s liability corresponds to their level of responsibility for the accident.
Determining liability in a maritime accident requires an in-depth understanding of maritime laws, the specific circumstances of the accident, and the roles of those involved. Whether through negligence, unseaworthiness, or comparative liability, maritime law provides a framework for assigning responsibility and ensuring injured parties are compensated for their losses.
Limitations of Liability for Maritime Employers
Under the Limitation of Liability Act, vessel owners can attempt to limit their liability to the value of the vessel and its pending freight. However, injured workers and their families could challenge this, especially if negligence played a role in the accident. Our experienced lawyers at the Reed & Terry Law Firm will fight to ensure that your compensation reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.
Statute of Limitations for Maritime Injury Claims
Why Choose Reed & Terry Law Firm as Your Maritime Lawyer?
With decades of experience in maritime law, the Reed & Terry Law Firm is a trusted advocate for injured maritime workers across Texas. We have successfully represented workers injured in offshore oil rig accidents, ship collisions, and other maritime-related incidents. Our in-depth knowledge of the Jones Act, LHWCA, and other maritime laws allows us to provide comprehensive and effective legal representation.
Our board-certified maritime lawyers are committed to securing maximum compensation for our clients and will be with you every step of the way, from filing your claim to negotiating a settlement or going to trial.
Zero Upfront Fees; Free Initial Consultation: (281) 491-5000
Contact Reed & Terry Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation with a Board-Certified Maritime Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The Reed & Terry Law Firm offers free consultations with their maritime lawyers to help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation. Our experienced maritime lawyers are ready to assist you.
The Reed & Terry Law Firm—protecting the rights of Texas maritime workers, one case at a time. Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your maritime injury claim.
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About Sugar Land, TX
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Texas, Sugar Land stands as a beacon of opportunity and growth. Amongst its many thriving industries, the Texas Personal Injury Lawyer sector flourishes, exemplified by Reed & Terry Law Firm. Driven by zealous commitment to local clients, this firm anchors itself within the coordinates of Sugar Land's city center - 29.6197° N, 95.6349° W - serving as a trusted legal resource in the population hub of nearly 118,600 individuals.
Known for its rich history and tourist-attracting local landmarks such as Sugar Land Town Square, Constellation Field, Cullinan Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and local hotels like Sugar Land Marriott, Sugar Land is a city that thrives on its local culture. Reed & Terry Law Firm mirrors this energy in harnessing opportunities within this vibrant city.
Catering to various neighborhoods, from New Territory and Telfair to Riverstone, Sugar Creek, and Greatwood, Reed & Terry Law Firm offers specialized legal services right at the heart of where locals live and work. They understand the nuances of local regulations, ensuring legal compliance alongside their dedicated service to the community.
Paying attention to the semi-tropical climate of Sugar Land, Reed & Terry Law Firm offers comfortable, weather-conscious office spaces. The firm also showcases its commitment to the eco-conscious community of Sugar Land by employing sustainable practices such as using recycled materials and pursuing energy-efficient office solutions.
Affirming our promise to the Sugar Land community, Reed & Terry offer tailored Personal Injury Lawyer solutions. We are devoted to serving our clients with dignity, speed, and utmost professionalism, imbued with a thorough understanding of the vibrant spirit of Sugar Land, TX. We welcome you to engage with us and experience the Reed & Terry difference in Texas Personal Injury Lawyer services.
Neighborhoods in Sugar Land, TX
Telfair, Plantation Colony, New Territory, Sugar Lakes, Sweetwater, Englewood Place, Sugar Land Town Square, Greenbriar Addition, Colony Cove, Greatwood Crossing, Sugar Creek, Glen Laurel, The Lakes, Sugar Land Central, The Highlands, Meadow Lakes, Colony Bend, First Colony, Austin Park, Riverbend North,
Things To Do in Sugar Land, TX
Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center
Cullinan Park
Oyster Creek Park
Brazos River Park
Lost Creek Park
Sugar Land Heritage Foundation
Eldridge Park
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Monument of Sugar Land City
Sugar Land Memorial Park
Sugar Land Park
Escape Again Rooms - Sugar Land & Houston
Altitude Trampoline Park - Sugar Land
MajestKids Playland Kids Birthday Party-Indoor Playground
Visit Sugar Land
Brazos Bend State Park
Town center
Houston Funplex
Bus Stops in Sugar Land, TX
Deer Chase Court
AMC
University of Houston
Bus Stop
Bissonnet St @ Old Richmond Rd
Beechnut St @ Howell Sugar Land Rd
Nekiz Plaza
Howell Sugarland Rd @ Bellaire Blvd
Bissonnet St @ Leawood Blvd
Bissonnet St @ Leawood Blvd
Bissonnet St @ Cook Rd
Pavilion Point @ Howell Sugar Land Rd
Bissonnet St @ S Kirkwood Rd
Bissonnet St @ Leawood Blvd
Howell Sugarland Rd @ Rio Bonito Rd
Bissonnet St @ Kirkwood Dr MB
Fondren Rd @ S Main St
Bissonnet St @ Court Glen Dr
Beechnut St @ Rustling Leaves Dr
Bissonnet St @ Mellow Brook Dr
Map of Sugar Land, TX
