Texas

Texas Ports

Texas Ports are used for a wide range of commercial boating operations. There are several types of ports located along the Gulf Coast of Texas, including commercial fishing ports, cruise line ports, and ports for importing and exporting goods. These Ports are highly profitable and represent a quarter of the state’s gross domestic product (GPD).

Unfortunately, there is a substantially higher risk of an injury or illness on a water vessel than on land. This is due to numerous circumstantial, mechanical, and environmental factors. This increased risk of harm affects crew members, dock workers, cruise ship passengers, and any other individual near these ports.

Personal injuries that occur on the sea are governed under different legal provisions than our land-based system. Individuals who are injured under these circumstances are protected under an area of law called maritime law. Only an experienced maritime lawyer understands these legal acts and has the knowledge and resources to pursue maximum compensation in these cases.

Contact Willie D. Powells III today if you have been injured in an accident at any port throughout Texas. The legal team at Willie D. Powells III fights hard to get injured clients all of the compensation that they deserve while recovering from an injury.

Beaumont

The Port of Beaumont is one of the largest and most navigated ports in the United States. The Port ranks in the top 5 ports for cargo ships, military vessels, and other water vessel traffic. This expansive port imports commerce from over 20 countries.

Houston

The Port of Houston has proven to be significantly valuable to the Texas State and US Federal economy. The Port of Houston has an economic value of over $800 billion and has contributed over $38 billion in tax revenue. The port has also created over 3.2 million jobs for local workers. These opportunities have created an immense job market for maritime workers, including dock workers, ship crew members, mechanics, and various other subindustries.

Galveston

The Port of Galveston has created nearly 30,000 jobs for maritime workers and is a major contributor to the Galveston local, Texas State, and federal economy. Seafarers in Texas work on numerous types of water vessels, including cruise lines, cargo ships, chemical transporters, barges, and more.

Port Arthur

The Port of Port Arthur is a major waterway that provides transportation channels, equipment, and features for ships navigating North Americans water and oversea. Seaman at Port Arthur are employed on a wide range of water vessels, including cargo ships, chemical tankers, commercial fishing boats, barges, and more.

Corpus Christi

The Port of Corpus Christi continues to expand operations through new development projects. These ongoing improvements at the port have created an abundance of new job opportunities in the maritime industry. Maritime work is in high demand in Texas.

Brownsville

The Port of Brownsville is a major source of economic wealth for the State of Texas and the US Government. The port has also contributed over 51,000 jobs for workers in the maritime industry.

Serving all of Texas’ Ports

There are an extensive number of ports along the Gulf Coast of Texas. These Ports handle 616 million tons of domestic and international cargo and provide employment opportunities for over 1.8 million maritime workers. These individuals include fishermen, barge workers, cargo and dock workers, ship crew members, and various other hardworking Texans.

Jobs in the maritime industry are highly dangerous and present workers with numerous worksite hazards daily. Maritime workers are at risk of injuries caused by heavy machinery, chemical exposure, fires, and other catastrophic accidents. Willie D. Powells III is proud to serve clients who are injured at any of the Ports throughout Texas.

Texas Ports Served:

Maritime Accidents

Maritime accidents can affect anyone, including tourists, fishermen, maritime workers, and any other individual on or near a water vessel.

Dock and harbor workers are provided protection under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. There are numerous accidents that can occur on the dock, pier, or inside the warehouse facility. These could result from heavy machinery, improperly stored cargo, or poor worksite safety regulation enforcement.

Ship crewmembers are at a significantly increased risk of injuries, illnesses, and catastrophic accidents. These workers are protected under the Jones Act and are entitled to numerous forms of compensation in the event of an accident.

Any individual near a seaport is at risk of serious injuries or death when a catastrophic accident occurs. There is an ongoing risk of equipment collapses, fires, explosions, and various other potentially deadly events.

Cruise ship passengers face numerous dangers due to poor ship maintenance, unsafe recreational activities, and an increased risk of criminal activity.

Employers and ship operators are responsible for minimizing potential hazards to provide the safest environment. Any failure to abide by legal and ethical safety standards is grounds for liability when an injury-causing accident occurs.

Employer negligence is the cause of nearly all causes of maritime worker injury cases. Employer liability may result from several different causes, including:

Failure to Inspect, Repair, or Maintain Equipment
Failure to Enforce OSHA Regulations
Lack of Protective Equipment
Inadequate Training
Any Other Form of Negligence

Maritime accidents can result in an extensive number of serious and debilitating injuries, including:

Broken Bones
Head/Neck Injuries
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Burns

Lung damage
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Etc.

Many of these accidents result in permanent partial or complete disability. Permanent disabilities often leave workers unable to return to work indefinitely. These accidents are especially damaging to an individual’s quality of life, family, and future.

Why Should I Hire a Maritime Injury Lawyer?

A maritime injury lawyer understands the complex legal processes that exist and pertain to cases related to maritime law. A maritime injury lawyer can evaluate your case to determine which laws are applicable to the unique circumstances that were involved in your accident. A maritime injury lawyer can help with several legal tasks and processes related to your personal injury case.

A Maritime Injury Lawyer Will Investigate

A maritime injury lawyer can help your case by investigating and gathering supporting evidence. This documentation may include witness statements, photo/video evidence, etc. A maritime lawyer’s investigation may also uncover a history of negligence on behalf of the ship owner, employer, and/or operator.

A maritime personal injury lawyer will assess your unique circumstances to complete, file, and submit the appropriate claims. Your attorney will then handle all of the legal paperwork and correspondence with your insurance company, employer, and other applicable parties.

An experienced maritime attorney will fight back, demand fair compensation, and is not afraid to go to trial if these demands are not met.

Each maritime act provides specific forms of compensation unique to the circumstances in each case. Compensation for your injuries may include: