Houston Maritime Accident & Offshore Injury Lawyers
Working offshore is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. When something goes wrong at sea, whether on an oil rig, cargo vessel, or dredging barge, lives can change forever. Seamen, offshore workers, and longshoremen face unique hazards, and their legal rights differ from those injured on land.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, our Houston maritime accident lawyers fight for offshore workers under the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), and other maritime laws. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for clients nationwide and are known for taking on some of the most powerful corporations in the maritime and oil industries and winning.
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Real Results for Injured Maritime Workers
We’ve secured life-changing verdicts and settlements for seamen, rig workers, and maritime professionals injured offshore:
- $16 Million – Settlement for worker injured on offshore drilling vessel
- $3.5 Million – Louisiana settlement for two seamen injured in vessel sinking
- $3.3 Million – Mid-trial settlement for longshore worker’s family after fatal port accident
- $2.7 Million – Settlement for dredge worker who fell overboard in severe weather
- $950,000 – Jones Act recovery for seaman injured after fall down dark vessel stairs
Our attorneys understand both sides of maritime litigation. We’ve represented vessel owners and injured seamen. That dual perspective allows us to anticipate the defense playbook and stay one step ahead.
Understanding Maritime Law and Your Rights
Maritime law is complex and highly specialized. It provides federal protections for offshore and maritime workers that go far beyond ordinary workers’ compensation systems.
The Jones Act & Unseaworthiness
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to bring negligence claims against their employers. To qualify, a worker must spend a substantial portion of their time aboard a vessel in navigation.
Under the Jones Act, you may recover for:
- Lost wages and medical expenses
- Pain, suffering, and loss of earning capacity
- Maintenance and cure while you recover
- Protection from retaliation after reporting unsafe conditions
Vessel owners are also responsible for maintaining a seaworthy vessel: one that is properly staffed, equipped, and maintained. When a ship’s unsafe condition causes injury, the owner can be held liable.
We’ve represented deckhands, engineers, mates, and captains injured aboard ships, barges, dredges, and offshore support vessels.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Not all maritime workers qualify as “seamen.” The LHWCA covers longshoremen, harbor workers, shipbuilders, and dockworkers injured on docks, terminals, or shipyards. It provides benefits for:
- Medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and disability benefits
- Survivor benefits in fatal accidents
If you were injured near navigable waters, but not aboard a vessel, our attorneys can determine whether you qualify for LHWCA protection.
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
When a death occurs beyond three nautical miles from shore, DOHSA allows surviving spouses, children, or dependents to recover for lost financial support and services.
These claims are emotionally and legally complex. We work closely with maritime economists and accident experts to ensure every aspect of your family’s loss is fully documented.
Common Maritime & Offshore Accidents We Handle
Our Houston offshore injury lawyers have handled virtually every type of maritime and offshore case, including:
- Offshore oil rig explosions and platform fires
- Vessel collisions and groundings
- Dredging, tugboat, and barge accidents
- Crane and heavy equipment failures
- Slip-and-fall injuries on wet or unsafe decks
- Exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals
- Inadequate safety procedures or untrained crews
These cases often require federal filings, expert testimony, and deep knowledge of maritime law — and we have the resources and experience to handle them from start to finish.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries
Working at sea or offshore demands skill, discipline, and trust in your equipment and crew. Unfortunately, many maritime injuries aren’t “accidents,” they’re the result of preventable negligence, unsafe conditions, or violations of federal safety standards.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, our Houston maritime accident lawyers have investigated and litigated cases involving nearly every cause of offshore and vessel-related injury. Some of the most common include:
1. Unsafe or Unseaworthy Vessels
A vessel must be “seaworthy,” meaning its structure, equipment, and crew are reasonably fit for their intended use.
Common unseaworthiness issues include:
- Faulty or outdated machinery
- Inadequate safety equipment (life vests, harnesses, lifeboats)
- Poorly maintained decks or ladders
- Understaffed or improperly trained crew
When an employer fails to maintain a safe working vessel, they can be held liable under maritime law.
2. Inadequate Training or Crew Supervision
Offshore operations are complex and often dangerous. Employers are required to properly train and supervise every member of the crew. Injuries frequently occur when:
- New crew members are sent into hazardous conditions without training
- Supervisors ignore safety protocols
- Language barriers or miscommunication lead to dangerous mistakes
3. Equipment Failures and Mechanical Defects
Maritime work depends on heavy, specialized equipment — cranes, winches, rigging, and engines.
Common mechanical hazards include:
- Hydraulic or cable failure
- Exploding pressure lines
- Malfunctioning cranes or lifts
- Electrical failures in wet environments
Defective parts or poor maintenance can turn standard tasks into catastrophic events.
4. Slips, Trips, and Falls on Deck
Wet, oily, or uneven decks create a serious slip-and-fall risk. These are among the most frequent causes of offshore injuries, leading to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Employers must ensure decks are kept clean, well-lit, and equipped with non-skid surfaces.
5. Explosions and Fires
Oil platforms, tankers, and refineries are highly combustible environments.
Negligent maintenance, faulty valves, or ignored safety warnings can lead to:
- Burn injuries
- Smoke inhalation and respiratory damage
- Life-threatening explosions affecting entire crews
We have successfully represented workers injured in offshore explosions caused by preventable safety lapses.
6. Fatigue and Overwork
Long shifts, extended voyages, and limited rest periods are common causes of serious incidents. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time — a deadly combination in maritime settings.
Under federal law, vessel owners and employers must follow hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
7. Exposure to Toxic Substances
Maritime and offshore workers are frequently exposed to dangerous chemicals, fuel vapors, or cleaning solvents. Prolonged exposure can result in:
- Chemical burns
- Neurological damage
- Chronic respiratory or skin conditions
Employers have a duty to provide proper protective gear and enforce safe handling procedures.
8. Improper Emergency Procedures
When emergencies occur — from man-overboard situations to fires — crews must act fast. Inadequate drills or missing safety equipment can turn a survivable situation into a tragedy.
Our firm investigates whether safety protocols were followed and whether the vessel was properly equipped for emergencies.
9. Negligent Hiring or Crew Misconduct
Employers are responsible for ensuring their crews are qualified, drug-free, and capable of performing their duties safely. We’ve seen cases where:
- Drunk or impaired crew members caused accidents
- Unqualified captains ignored maritime navigation rules
- Background checks were skipped or falsified
These forms of negligence can expose employers and vessel owners to substantial liability.
Common Maritime Injuries & Long-Term Effects
Maritime and offshore jobs are physically demanding and often dangerous. When accidents happen, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic — sometimes ending a worker’s career or permanently altering their quality of life.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A blow to the head from falling equipment, slips on deck, or explosions can cause concussions or severe brain trauma.
Common consequences include:
- Memory loss, dizziness, or confusion
- Impaired coordination or vision
- Long-term cognitive and emotional changes
Even mild TBIs can have lasting effects. Our firm works with neurologists and life-care planners to prove the full impact of these injuries on your future.
2. Spinal Cord & Back Injuries
Back and spine injuries are among the most frequent in maritime work. Heavy lifting, rough seas, and sudden impact can cause:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Nerve compression and chronic pain
- Partial or total paralysis
These injuries often require extensive surgery and long-term rehabilitation. We pursue compensation for both immediate and future medical needs.
3. Burn Injuries
Explosions, fires, and chemical exposure can cause devastating burns that require months or years of recovery. Victims may face:
- Disfiguring scarring
- Severe pain and nerve damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
We’ve handled cases involving refinery fires, oil platform explosions, and hot-fluid system failures that left workers permanently injured.
4. Crush Injuries & Amputations
Working around heavy machinery, cranes, and cables can lead to catastrophic crush injuries. Crew members caught between moving equipment or pinned by shifting cargo may suffer:
- Crushed limbs or digits
- Traumatic amputations
- Permanent disability and loss of earning capacity
We partner with prosthetic and vocational experts to calculate the true lifetime cost of these injuries.
5. Fractures & Orthopedic Trauma
Falls on slick decks, swinging cables, or shifting equipment can cause serious bone fractures and ligament tears.
While some fractures heal with treatment, others lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Early-onset arthritis
We document the full scope of these complications to ensure insurers and employers can’t minimize your claim.
6. Respiratory & Toxic Exposure Injuries
Offshore workers are often exposed to hazardous substances like crude oil, solvents, paint fumes, and chemical vapors.
Common conditions include:
- Lung damage and chronic breathing problems
- Chemical burns to airways or eyes
- Long-term neurological damage
Our maritime attorneys work with toxicologists and occupational medicine specialists to trace your injuries back to unsafe working environments or inadequate protective equipment.
7. Drowning & Near-Drowning Accidents
Falls overboard and vessel sinkings remain among the most tragic maritime incidents. Survivors may suffer:
- Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
- Hypothermia or cardiac arrest
- Severe emotional trauma
We represent both survivors and families pursuing wrongful death claims under the Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA).
8. Repetitive Stress & Overexertion Injuries
Years of demanding physical work can lead to gradual injuries that are just as debilitating as sudden accidents.
Common examples include:
- Tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, and joint deterioration
- Carpal tunnel or nerve compression injuries
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
We ensure these progressive injuries are recognized and compensated under applicable maritime laws, including the Jones Act and LHWCA.
9. Psychological Trauma & PTSD
The emotional toll of maritime accidents can be overwhelming. Workers who survive explosions, fatalities, or life-threatening incidents often develop:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders
- Fear of returning to sea or similar work
Our firm works with mental health professionals to ensure emotional injuries are treated with the same seriousness as physical ones.
The Long-Term Impact of Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries don’t just cause pain — they affect your livelihood, your relationships, and your future. Many offshore workers face:
- Permanent loss of income or career-ending disability
- Lifelong medical care and physical therapy needs
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we don’t settle for short-term payouts. We calculate the true lifetime cost of your injuries and fight to secure the compensation you’ll need to rebuild your life, no matter how long it takes.
Why Maritime Cases Require Immediate Action
Maritime companies often send corporate investigators to the scene within hours of an incident. Their goal: to protect the company, not the worker. Meanwhile, critical evidence, like vessel logs, surveillance camera footage, or witness statements, can vanish quickly. Our attorneys have firsthand insight into how companies build defenses because we’ve been on the inside. Now, we use that experience to protect you.
How Our Maritime Lawyers Prove Liability and Maximize Compensation
Winning a maritime or offshore injury case takes more than proving that an accident happened — it requires demonstrating who was at fault, why it was preventable, and what your full damages are worth under maritime law.
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
The first step after any offshore or vessel incident is to secure critical evidence before it disappears. We act quickly to:
- Inspect vessels, equipment, and accident sites before repairs occur
- Collect voyage data recorder (VDR) and GPS information
- Secure maintenance records, safety audits, and crew logs
- Obtain witness and crew statements while memories are fresh
- Send preservation letters to prevent spoliation of evidence
Because maritime companies often move ships or destroy records, time is of the essence. Our rapid-response team ensures your case starts strong.
2. Comprehensive Accident Investigation
We treat every case like a federal investigation. Our attorneys work alongside maritime engineers, accident reconstructionists, and human factors experts to uncover the root causes of the incident, including:
- Violations of OSHA, Coast Guard, or MARAD safety regulations
- Equipment failures and ignored maintenance schedules
- Negligent supervision or unqualified crew assignments
- Unseaworthiness and unsafe vessel conditions
This deep technical analysis allows us to prove not only what happened — but why it never should have happened in the first place.
3. Establishing Negligence and Causation
Under the Jones Act, even slight employer negligence can justify recovery. We build our liability arguments through:
- Crew depositions and witness testimony showing unsafe practices
- Expert reconstruction demonstrating how negligence caused the injury
- Company documentation proving violations of safety standards or federal law
Whether the fault lies with a vessel owner, drilling contractor, or equipment manufacturer, we pursue every responsible party.
4. Proving Damages and Future Losses
The financial impact of a maritime injury extends far beyond hospital bills. Using economists, medical specialists, and life-care planners, we calculate the true value of your claim, including:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Lost wages, lost career opportunities, and benefits
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term disability, home care, or vocational retraining costs
- Wrongful death and survivor damages (under DOHSA)
By quantifying both economic and non-economic losses, we ensure insurers and corporations can’t minimize your recovery.
5. Leveraging Expert Testimony
Our firm collaborates with top maritime experts nationwide — including captains, marine safety engineers, and offshore rig consultants. These professionals help us:
- Reconstruct accident mechanics and vessel operations
- Demonstrate violations of Coast Guard and OSHA standards
- Explain complex technical evidence to juries in clear, persuasive terms
Expert insight often transforms a strong case into an unbeatable one.
6. Aggressive Settlement & Trial Strategy
Insurance carriers and maritime companies rarely pay what’s fair without pressure. That’s why we prepare every case for trial from day one.
Our approach includes:
- Demand packages backed by solid evidence and expert reports
- Strategic mediation and negotiation tactics
- Trial-ready exhibits, 3D reconstructions, and expert testimony
This trial-first strategy consistently produces higher settlements and verdicts — because opposing counsel knows we’re ready to take the case to court.
7. Protecting You Every Step of the Way
We understand the toll a maritime accident takes on your life and your family. From the first call through resolution, you’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just a case manager.
We handle every detail, from dealing with insurers, coordinating medical care, and managing the legal process, so you can focus on recovery.
Why Clients Choose Greenberg Streich
Our Goal: Full Justice, No Shortcuts
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we measure success by one standard: making sure our clients are made whole. We don’t settle early, we don’t cut corners, and we never let corporate defendants dictate your future. Whether it’s a multimillion-dollar Jones Act claim or a complex wrongful death under DOHSA, our maritime lawyers fight until every responsible party is held accountable.
- Proven Track Record – Hundreds of millions recovered for injured offshore workers
- Trial-Tested Litigators – Recognized leaders in complex maritime litigation
- Unmatched Resources – Access to industry experts and advanced technology
- Direct Attorney Access – We keep you informed, empowered, and supported
- No Fee Unless We Win – You pay nothing until we secure your recovery
We know what’s at stake after an offshore injury: your health, your career, and your family’s security. That’s why we fight for nothing less than full justice.
Speak With a Houston Maritime Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a maritime or offshore accident, the actions you take now can determine the rest of your life. You deserve a team that understands the laws protecting seamen and offshore workers and knows how to win against powerful vessel owners, drilling contractors, and insurers.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped injured maritime workers and families recover hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts across Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the United States. We know the maritime industry, we know the companies that cut corners, and we know how to hold them accountable.
???? Call Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers today at 832-583-3471 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Houston maritime accident lawyers.
Or request your free case review online. There’s no upfront cost and no fee unless we win.
Whether your case involves the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, our attorneys are ready to act immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights. We proudly represent injured workers from Houston, Galveston, Port Arthur, Corpus Christi, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
When lives are changed offshore, Greenberg Streich stands ready to fight and win for you.
