Houston

Port of 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.

Maritime work is one of the most hazardous employment opportunities available. Employers and ship owners are responsible for providing workers with a work environment that minimizes preventable dangers. Statistics demonstrate that employers are failing to uphold this responsibility.

The CDC revealed that maritime workers are subjected to a death rate of 18.4 per 100,000 workers. This rate is 6 times higher than all other US industries Jobs in the maritime industry require highly skilled and trained workers who are willing to perform strenuous work.

Most maritime injuries are a result of employer negligence. Employers are liable when their negligence leads to an injury on the ship or on the shore. You will need an experienced maritime personal injury lawyer to navigate maritime law.

Contact Willie D. Powells III if you or a loved one has been hurt at the Port of Houston, at sea, or at any other port along the Gulf Coast. Willie D. Powell will fight to get you all applicable compensation so that you can recover in peace.

About the Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is the largest port in the State of Texas and an enormous contributor to international trade. The port is home to the largest petrochemical complex in the United States. An extensive number of carrier and barge lanes connect the port to markets all over the world.

The port handles over 50 large ships on average daily and is the most frequented waterway in the nation.

Port of Houston Imports and Exports

Petroleum and petrol products are the Port of Houston’s leading imported and exported commodities. Nearly 70% of the 183 billion tons of cargo that travels through the Port of Houston is petroleum related.

Other imports and exports include machinery, steel, and motor vehicles.

Port of Houston Features

The Port of Houston provides the best economical value for companies to transport goods between the port and the inland. The port offers 8 public water terminals and over 200 private terminals.

Accidents at the Port of Houston

Workers at the Port of Houston are at risk of becoming victims of numerous worksite accidents. Maritime workers are required to operate heavy machinery, dangerous conditions, and hazardous chemicals daily. These factors increase the risk of falls, burns, physical harm, and the potential for catastrophic accident injuries.

Maritime workers use numerous types of potentially dangerous heavy machinery. Workers may be required to operate fork trucks, tow tractors, cranes, winches, hoists, and other heavy equipment. These items can be dangerous if proper training, protective equipment, and safety regulations are not followed.

Equipment failure can lead to broken bones, falls, electrocution, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

Ship crewmembers are at risk of suffering from serious and potentially fatal accidents when working at sea. Approximately 50 large ships are lost at sea every year.

Catastrophic accidents can occur on docks, oil rings, barges, cargo ships, and on/or near any other water vessel. These events are unpredictable and can leave victims with devastating injuries. These accidents may include explosions, fires, brain injuries, collisions, crushing injuries, and other debilitating and/or deadly circumstances.

Maritime workers at sea and dockworkers are equally at risk of becoming a victim of a fire, explosion, and/or exposure to other chemical hazards. Ships carry a wide range of flammable chemicals that if given sufficient conditions can cause an explosion.

Catastrophic accidents can also occur inside warehouses and on the dock when safety regulations are not in place. Poorly stacked cargo can fall and result in fatal, crushing injuries.

Sadly, many of these catastrophes could have been prevented if ship operators and employers had upheld their responsibilities.

Most maritime accidents are a result of human errors and equipment malfunctions. Human error may result from insufficient training, exhaustion, poor management, or additional factors.

Mechanical and equipment malfunctions usually occur due to failures to properly maintain and repair equipment.

These issues are all directly caused by negligence on behalf of the ship operator and employer. Maritime employers are responsible for ensuring that all crewmembers are thoroughly trained. They are also responsible for enforcing OSHA regulations and ensuring that all workers have proper safety equipment.

Failure to ensure a safe work environment is automatically grounds for liability in maritime personal injury cases.

Legal Rights for Houston Maritime Workers

Maritime workers are entitled to legal rights that were developed exclusively for the workers at sea. There are maritime legal policies to protect workers in every role, including dock workers, pier employees, cargo loaders, ship crew members, and various other workers.

Ship crewmembers and offshore workers are granted rights through the Jones Act. Dock and warehouse workers are protected under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Each of these acts provides varying types and degrees of legal coverage.

Right to Sue for Damages

Maritime workers are legally entitled to sue responsible parties, including their employer, ship operator, or fellow crew members when an injury-causing accident occurs. Workers have a right to sue if any form of negligence contributes to the accident.

Examples of Negligence Include:

Inadequate Training
Hazardous Condition of Equipment
Poor Management
Failure to Enforce Safety Guidelines
Lack of Personal Protective Gear

It is likely that some form of employer negligence played a role if you were injured in the workplace.

Right to Recover

Injured workers have a right to receive compensation for the entirety of their medical recovery. This compensation may include medical bills, rehabilitation, daily living expenses, and a percentage of wages. Employers will often try to convince employees to return to work as soon as possible.

You also have a right to choose a medical professional that is not employed by the company. Seek an outside medical opinion before returning to work.

Contact a Texas Maritime Lawyer for Help

Contact a Texas maritime lawyer today for help starting, finishing, or appealing the personal injury claims process. A maritime lawyer can help you gather evidence, manage your claim, and demand compensation from liable parties.

Willie D. Powells III Fights for Houston

Contact Willie D. Powells III today for help with your maritime personal injury case. Willie D. Powells is compassionate and cares deeply for his clients. He understands the physical, financial, and emotional toll that injuries can cause. Willie D. Powells fights for injured workers at the Port of Houston and at all ports along the coast.