Houston Maritime and Offshore Injury Lawyers

Houston Maritime and Offshore Injury Lawyers

Injuries do not just happen to people on dry land. Every year, thousands of recreational boaters and passengers are seriously injured or killed in boating accidents. People can also get hurt on cruise ships, yachts, or commercial vessels. When people are injured while at sea, the applicable laws can be quite different. Sometimes, a victim can bring a case in Texas for injuries off the coast, but other times, maritime or admiralty law may apply. Not every lawyer understands how offshore and maritime injury cases should be handled. That is why it is important to hire the right lawyer for your offshore injury case.

Types of Common Offshore and Maritime Injuries :

• Cruise ships
• Private recreational charters
• Fishing charters
• Recreational personal boats
• Personal watercraft injuries
• Drowning deaths
• Commercial crew injuries
• Yacht crew injuries
• Cruise ship worker injuries

Maritime Injury Statistics

In 2016 alone, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that there were at least 4,463 recreational boating accidents nationwide. These resulted in more 701 fatalities and almost 3,000 injuries. These accidents cost a total of over $49 million in property damages. This is not to mention the pain, suffering, and high medical costs associated with all the injuries and deaths. Keep in mind that these are just the recreational boating statistics. Tens of thousands more are injured in various types of commercial or charter boat related accidents.

How Maritime Law is Different from Texas Injury Law

When you are injured at sea, depending on the type of vessel, who owns it, and how far you are from the shore, you may be subject to maritime law. Under maritime law, the owner of the vessel is responsible for injuries sustained by passengers and crew if the owner and operator of the ship is negligent in some way. This extends to allowing a ship that is not considered seaworthy to be boarded and used for commercial purposes. Other federal laws like the Jones Act may allow workers injured at sea to be compensated, as well.

The law becomes even more distinct when there is a death. According to the federal “Death on the High Seas Act,” when a person dies due to the negligence of a shipowner or cruise company, the person’s family can bring a case in state court for those injuries, but the federal maritime law will be applied to determining negligence and how compensation is rendered.

Hire an Offshore and Maritime Injury Lawyer Today

If you or someone you know has been injured at sea, whether in a boating accident or while aboard a commercial cruise ship or private charter boat, contact our firm to speak with a caring and experienced maritime injury lawyer who can discuss your options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Remember, not all injury lawyers understand the unique aspects of an offshore or maritime injury. Be sure to get aggressive and experienced legal representation you can count on. Time may be limited for you to recover for your medical bills and other related expenses, so do not delay. Call to speak to The Oweyssi Law Firm right away. The call is free, and there is no obligation.

source:oweyssilaw