Schedule Your Consultation With Our Houston Maritime Attorneys
Types of Maritime Cases We Handle
Boaters in Texas have more than 3,700 streams, 150 lakes, 15 rivers, and the gulf to explore, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. With so many boating destinations in the Lone Star State, it is no wonder why cruising, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, water skiing, and other aquatic activities are so popular among Texans. Unfortunately, as beloved as boating and cruising is in Texas, these activities can be dangerous. In fact, between January 2021 and April 2021, boating fatalities increased by 40% from the same time the year prior.
If you have suffered an injury or someone you care about was killed in a Texas maritime accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. The Stepp & Sullivan personal injury team boasts over 70 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. We represent clients injured in boating and cruise ship accidents in both federal and state courtrooms, where we pursue justice for the harm our clients have suffered.
Common Types of Maritime Personal Injury Accidents in Texas
Because Texas is a popular boating and cruise ship destination for both local Texans and out-of-state tourists, our waterways are used by all types of vessels. Maritime accidents in Texas may involve cruise ships, jet skis, motorboats, pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and speed boats to name a few. Other common injuries can derive from the following:
- Brown Water Tugs/Tows: There are various hazards that put workers on barges and boats in inland waterways like rivers and canals at risk of serious injury. Many times, these accidents can be attributed to another person or company’s negligence.
- Blue Water Oceangoing Vessels: Ship seamen around the world are tasked with navigating extended work hours and treacherous conditions. If you or a seaman you love was hurt or killed on a blue water oceangoing vessel, you could be eligible for a monetary settlement.
- Drilling Rigs Offshore/Onshore: Working on an offshore or onshore drilling rig is often lucrative, but these jobs are also extremely dangerous. Workers are often exposed to dangers like fires, toxic chemicals, fall hazards, electrocution, and other threats to their health and safety.
- Pleasure Boating: Boating for recreation is a beloved pastime for countless Texans. Unfortunately, cruising, jet skiing, kayaking, and other pleasure boating activities can lead to severe, sometimes fatal injuries.
Stepp & Sullivan maritime personal injury lawyers are also here to protect your legal rights as an injured:
- Cruise ship passenger
- Crew member
- Yacht guest
- Recreational Boater
- Ferry passenger
- Commercial fisherman
- Long liner
- Jones act seaman
- Ship worker or repairman
- Offshore oil rig worker
- Longshoreman
- Dock worker
- Harbor worker
Maritime laws vastly differ from typical personal injury laws, which can make reaching a fair settlement difficult, especially if your attorney is unfamiliar with the unique complexities of maritime personal injuries. Stepp & Sullivan lawyers have extensive experience in maritime laws, and we understand exactly what it takes to help get our clients what they deserve.
Seek Compensation for Damages Suffered in a Texas Maritime Personal Injury Accident
Maritime personal injuries can leave victims suffering from the emotional, physical, and financial damage that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Despite the potential lifelong effects of maritime accidents, victims often end up having to foot the bill. However, if your injuries resulted from the carelessness or recklessness of another party, Texas grants you the right to seek compensation for your damages.
At Stepp & Sullivan, we are committed to seeking justice for maritime personal injury victims in Houston and throughout Texas for damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Funeral costs
- In-home rehabilitation
- Disability
- Change in lifestyle
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some rare cases, an award for punitive damages may be given to the injured victim or their family. Awards for punitive damages are not intended to compensate for losses suffered by the victim but to act as punishment to the at-fault party.
Although there are no miracle solutions for injuries suffered in maritime accidents and receiving a monetary award will not make the pain miraculously disappear, compensation can help replace damaged property and relieve stress so you can better focus on your journey to recovery.
Contact a Skilled Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Negligent parties and insurance companies will often do anything they can to avoid paying out a fair settlement to victims injured or killed in maritime accidents. Insurance companies handle injury claims on a daily basis, so they know how to tip the scales in their favor and pay out as little as possible. To reach a fair settlement for the damages you suffered in a maritime accident, you will need a Stepp & Sullivan personal injury lawyer who will defend your interests and negotiate for what you deserve.
To schedule a free consultation with a Stepp & Sullivan maritime personal injury attorney, call our office today at (713) 336-7200 or complete our convenient contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Areas of Practice
Brown Water
Tugs/Tows Have you been hurt while working on a barge or boat while on an inland waterway, river, or canal? Blue Water
Ocean Going Vessels Have you been hurt while working
on an Ocean-Going Vessel? Drilling Rigs
Offshore/Onshore Have you been hurt while working on a Drilling Rig?
