A Houston maritime attorney specializes in maritime or admiralty law, which governs legal issues related to activities on navigable waters such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Houston, being a major hub for shipping and oil industries due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, often requires attorneys who are skilled in this specific legal field.
A Houston maritime attorney typically handles cases involving:
- Jones Act Claims: The Jones Act provides protections for injured seamen, allowing them to sue their employers for compensation if they are hurt on the job due to negligence. Maritime attorneys help injured seamen file these claims.
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): This law covers dockworkers, shipbuilders, and other maritime workers who are not considered seamen under the Jones Act. A maritime attorney helps injured workers file claims for compensation under the LHWCA.
- Cargo and Shipping Disputes: Maritime attorneys deal with legal matters involving cargo, including damage or loss during transport, shipping contracts, and insurance issues.
- Offshore Accidents: Offshore oil rigs, ships, and platforms are dangerous environments. If workers are injured, a maritime attorney helps them seek compensation.
- Vessel Collisions: In the event of a ship or vessel collision, maritime lawyers represent parties involved in legal disputes over liability and damages.
- Environmental and Pollution Issues: If a company violates environmental laws, such as causing oil spills, maritime attorneys may work on cases involving environmental regulations and clean-up efforts.