Causes and Common Injuries in Maritime Injuries
Failure to provide adequate safety gear, an insufficient workforce, and improper training are some of the leading causes of maritime accidents. Other causes may include lack of proper supervision, rushing the work, and failure to follow industry procedures and regulations.
Regardless of what causes a maritime accident or where it occurs, offshore or inland, the chances of suffering serious injuries – or even death – are often high. This is because maritime workers are always surrounded by water and heavy machinery – both of which pose serious risks. Some common maritime injuries include broken bones, burns from fires and explosions, and slip and fall injuries.
Understanding the Texas Maritime Law
Typical Texas workers’ compensation laws do not apply to individuals who work in the oceans, lakes, rivers, and canals. Instead, the rights of these workers are determined by the maritime law which is typically made up of common law principles, federal and state statutes, and international treaties. Some of the common maritime and admiralty laws that apply to injuries and fatal accidents in Texas include the following:
- Jones Act or The Merchant Marine Act of 1920
- LHWCA or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
- DOHSA or the Death on the High Seas Act
- OCSLA or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
- Maintenance and Cure
- Unseaworthiness
At The Burkett Law Firm of Corpus Christi, our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of all maritime laws and can help you get full compensation for your damages. Get in touch with our Corpus Christi office today to discuss your rights and legal options if you got injured in the scope of your maritime or offshore job.
Damages Available in a Maritime Injury Case
After a maritime accident, you may have a right to file a personal injury claim in order to recover compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney can enlighten you on your rights and even help you decide on a course of action. Whether you have been injured in the dockside, port of Corpus Christi, or the Gulf of Mexico, our maritime attorneys can help you recover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical limitations
- Physical pain
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
Liability in Maritime Accidents
Marine companies are often covered with huge insurance policies. That means you may able to obtain a considerable settlement if you get injured in a maritime accident. Unfortunately, the vessel owner (your employer) or their insurance provider will not always be willing to pay what you rightfully deserve. They will do everything possible, including using the Limitation Liability Act, to avoid responsibility for accidents and deaths on their vessels. We have also seen cases where the insurance company tried to pin the blame on the injured maritime workers in a bid to lower or deny the victim’s claim. But you don’t have to worry about that if you retain an experienced personal injury lawyer from The Burkett Law Firm of Corpus Christi. Our attorneys are experienced in maritime law and will ensure that the insurance company does not shortchange you by denying liability or offering you a lowball settlement right away.
Need Help? Talk to The Burkett Law Firm of Corpus Christi
If you or a loved has been injured in a maritime accident, The Burkett Law Firm of Corpus Christi can help you get a settlement you rightfully deserve. Our personal injury attorneys have won some of the largest settlements for maritime accident victims in Corpus Christi metro and can help you recover fair compensation. Give us a call to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our maritime injury attorneys today.