Houston Maritime Accident Attorney
OFFSHORE WORKERS HAVE SPECIFIC LAWS THAT GUARANTEES THEIR RIGHTS, THE MOLINA LAW FIRM CAN HELP YOU.
The Houston Ship Channel is one of the largest ports in the United States. In addition, the petrochemical industry is a huge part of the Houston landscape as well as off-shore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Maritime injuries are more prevalent in Houston than most parts of the U.S. Admiralty law governs accidents that occur on navigable rivers, oceans and other waterways including harbors and docks. If you have been injured in any of these areas due to negligence, you could have a case through the Jones Act, Longshoreman & Harbor Workers Compensation Act and others. Before you settle your injury claim with your company, please consider contacting an experienced maritime personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
The Molina Law Firm has been representing car accident victims for over 30 years helping them navigate the sometimes complex legal fight against the insurance carriers. Remember that when you retain Attorney Rick Molina, you pay nothing up front and we only collect a percentage of the compensation you receive only when we have won your case. Don’t go against the insurance carriers alone. Attorney Rick Molina will aggressively represent you and fight on your behalf. We have the knowledge, resources and experience to get you all the compensation for your loss, pain and suffering.
Schedule your free consultation
We are here are ready to help. If you have been involved in an accident with serious injuries, contact us for a free case evaluation.
What to do after a maritime accident
Accidents at sea or in docks or harbors almost always results in serious injuries so your health is the number one priority. There are steps to be taken if you have been involved in a maritime accident. We have detailed some of the steps here but accident scenes are usually chaotic and busy. These steps are some of the more broad, important things that should be taken care of.
Your health should be your number one priority. If you have been hurt seek medical attention. If first responders suggest that you go to the emergency room, follow their advice. An emergency room doctor can help detect initial injuries and possible issues that may come later. Additionally, they may detect any disabilities that can be long term or permanent. They will document these injuries and help your personal injury attorney when you decide to pursue an injury claim.
If you or someone at the accident called 911, the local police will show up to perform the initial investigation. They will ask a lot of questions, cooperate and answer honestly but make sure you do not make comments that indicate that you were at fault. Answer the questions directly and do not elaborate. Even the smallest statements can be used against you by the insurance companies to deflect fault from their clients.
If you or someone you know is able, take photos of the accident scene. Include photos of the vehicles involved as well as the accident scene such as the intersection, road conditions and any possible contributing factors like construction or obstructions.
Once you leave the accident scene or have been treated at the hospital, contact the Molina Law Firm so that we can get the details of your case and let you know what to expect. We offer free consultations and you never pay a fee unless we win your case. Attorney Rick Molina knows Texas Maritime Laws and he knows Houston.
Maritime Accident Statistics
According to the CDC, in 2006 there were over 67,000 workers in the U.S. water transportation industry.
- From 2011-2017, there were 87 fatal injuries which is six times the rate of all U.S. workers.
- Fatalities are mostly due to cardiovascular conditions, work accidents, drownings, suicides and workplace violence
- There were approximately 11,000 non-fatal occupational injuries.
- According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, there were 6 fatalities and 222 injuries in 2019 on offshore incidents.
Free Consultation. No fees unless we win your case
We are here are ready to help. If you have been involved in an accident with serious injuries, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Frequently asked questions about maritime accidents
Sometimes it is not obvious if your occupation can be considered a seaman protected under the Jones Act. Here are the three main items:
- Have a substantial connection to a fleet or vessel considerable in duration or nature
- Be employed on a vessel “in navigation” and
- Contribute to the vessel’s function or mission
If you are not sure if you fall under these parameters, call or contact us.
Employees that meet the Jones Act seaman criteria can recover damages for current and future medical care, current and future lost wages, maintenance and cure, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. It may be complicated and time consuming to navigate cases such as these. An experienced maritime personal injury lawyer like Rick Molina can help you get the most compensation for your injuries.
Consultation with an attorney are confidential. We will not contact your employer until such a time we both determine that there is a viable case and we need to pursue it. Additionally, if you are told not to contact an attorney or encouraged not to, that should be a red flag to seek consultation. We will protect your privacy and let you know if you have a case. In the event that you do get dismissed from your job because you sought legal counsel, you would have claim with your employer and recover damages.
Talk to Attorney Rick Molina Today!
When you have been involved in a maritime accident, the damages may be significant and your injuries can be serious. It is important that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you so that they can determine how much you have lost and get you compensated properly. Attorney Rick Molina and the Molina Law Firm is here to help. We will aggressively represent you by thoroughly investigating the case, gathering all pertinent information, determining present and future pain, suffering and loss then maximizing your compensation.
We work on a contingency basis so you pay us nothing up front and a percentage when we win your case. We have helped hundreds of people over the past 20 years to get back on their feet after serious injuries and we can help you!
