The Houston Ship Channel, among the largest in the country, relies heavily on shipyards for shipbuilding and repair services, maintenance of terminals and facilities, and specialized services. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are relatively common in shipyards, including slips and falls, accidents involving cranes and heavy equipment, exposure to toxic fumes, and even fires or explosions. If you or your loved one was injured in a shipyard accident, we do not need to tell you how expensive and traumatizing these injuries can be or how difficult maritime law can be to understand. Fortunately, a Houston shipyard accident lawyer can answer any questions you may have about your case and help you navigate the claims process to seek the compensation you need to cover the financial and psychological impacts of your injury. Do not wait – schedule a consultation with our maritime injury attorneys today.
Laws That Protect Injured Shipyard Workers
Maritime law is a series of federal laws that provide various protections for those working on navigable waters, including the right to seek compensation for injuries incurred in work-related accidents. There are several different laws that govern maritime accidents, with accidents involving shipyards typically falling under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides medical coverage of injuries, compensation for disabilities, and vocational rehabilitation services for those who must transition to a new work position in order to accommodate their injuries.
Some cases will fall under other arms of maritime law, including the Jones Act, which allows injured workers to sue their employers, vessel owners, and other third parties responsible for causing the accident that resulted in injury. The type of compensation that an injured worker can seek includes:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Lost earnings and earning capacity
An experienced Houston lawyer can help injured workers determine which laws apply to their shipyard accident case and the correct process for seeking compensation.
How Do You Know If You Have a Case?
In order to be eligible to seek benefits through the LHWCA, a worker must have been injured while working on or adjacent to navigable waters. The type of workers who are covered under this law includes those involved in loading or unloading vessels, those who work on docks, piers, and terminals, and those involved in shipbuilding, repairing, or breaking
The Jones Act covers workers who are assigned to a vessel or fleet and spend at least 30 percent of their working hours on a vessel in navigation. Injured workers may have the opportunity to seek compensation from other liable third parties in accordance with state personal injury laws.
Some of the common types of accidents and injuries that are covered by maritime law include:
- Fires
- Drowning
- Explosions
- Electrocution
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Damage caused by noise and vibration
- Accidents resulting from worker fatigue
The legal team at Williams Hart & Boundas in Houston is happy to provide a free case evaluation where a shipyard accident lawyer can listen to the details of your case and help you determine your eligibility.
Talk With a Houston Shipyard Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in an accident while working at a shipyard, our legal team can help you explore your legal options. Speak with a Houston shipyard accident lawyer at Williams Hart & Boundas to learn how we may help you seek the compensation you deserve.