Houston Maritime Attorney
Free ConsultationAbout Houston Maritime Attorney: A Legacy of Fighting for the Injured
We are more than just a law firm. We are a team of dedicated advocates, strategists, and trial lawyers bound by a single, unwavering mission: to deliver justice for injured maritime workers. We founded this firm on the principle that the hardworking men and women who power the maritime industry deserve the same level of powerful legal representation as the billion-dollar corporations they work for. When you are injured at sea, your life is turned upside down. You are facing not only physical pain and a long recovery but also a formidable opponent—an employer and their insurance company whose primary goal is to pay you as little as possible.
This is where we come in. We understand the world you come from. We know the grueling hours, the dangerous conditions, and the immense pressures of working on the water. We also know the complex body of federal maritime law—from the Jones Act to the LHWCA—that was created to protect you. Our purpose is to use our unparalleled legal expertise and vast resources to level the playing field, hold negligent companies accountable, and secure the full and fair compensation you need to protect your family and rebuild your life.
This page is not just about us; it’s about our philosophy, our promise to you, and why we are uniquely equipped to win your fight.
Our Core Philosophy: The Compass That Guides Us
Our success is built on a foundation of core principles that guide every action we take, every case we prepare, and every client we represent.
Aggressive, Unrelenting Representation
We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This aggressive posture shows the opposition we are serious and forces them to negotiate from a position of weakness. We are not a settlement mill; we are trial lawyers ready to fight in court.
Client-Centered Compassion
We understand the human toll of a serious injury. We treat our clients like family, providing constant communication, genuine care, and support throughout the entire legal process. You are never just a case number to us.
Unmatched Maritime Expertise
Maritime law is all we do. Our singular focus on this complex area of law gives us a decisive edge over general personal injury firms. We know the laws, the courts, and the opponents inside and out.
Why Maritime Law Requires a Specialist: A Deeper Look
To truly understand our firm’s value, it’s essential to understand the unique legal world our clients inhabit. Maritime law is not like a typical car accident or slip-and-fall case on land. It is a distinct body of federal law with its own statutes, procedures, and centuries of legal precedent. A lawyer without specialized knowledge in this field is navigating a treacherous channel without a chart.
The Jurisdictional Maze: Federal vs. State Law
The first hurdle in any maritime case is jurisdiction. An injury that occurs on navigable waters, even if it’s a river within a single state, is typically governed by federal maritime law, not state personal injury law. This means the case will likely be heard in federal court, which has its own strict rules and procedures. Furthermore, the laws that determine liability and damages—like the Jones Act and the doctrine of unseaworthiness—are federal laws that preempt state statutes. A firm that primarily practices in state court may be completely unprepared for the procedural and substantive complexities of a federal maritime case.
The Unique Standard of Care
Maritime law imposes unique duties on vessel owners and employers that do not exist on land. The duty to provide a “seaworthy” vessel is a perfect example. This is an absolute, non-delegable duty to ensure the vessel, its crew, and its equipment are reasonably fit for their intended purpose. This is a form of strict liability; if an unseaworthy condition causes an injury, the owner is liable even if they weren’t negligent. Understanding how to investigate and prove unseaworthiness—from a faulty winch to an inadequately trained crew member—is a skill honed only through years of dedicated maritime practice.
Similarly, the “featherweight” burden of proof under the Jones Act is a unique concept. An injured seaman only needs to prove that their employer’s negligence played *any* part, no matter how small, in causing the injury. An attorney unfamiliar with this standard may not understand how to leverage it to its full potential, potentially leaving a valid claim on the table.
The Opponent: Sophisticated Corporations and P&I Clubs
When you file a maritime claim, you are not just up against your employer. You are up against their insurer, often a massive, international Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club. These organizations are experts in maritime defense. They have teams of adjusters, investigators, and defense lawyers who specialize in one thing: minimizing the value of your claim. They know every tactic: from using company doctors to downplay injuries, to taking recorded statements to twist your words, to burying your attorney in procedural motions.
Our firm was built to fight and win against these very opponents. We know their playbook because we have faced them in court time and time again. We have the resources, the financial stability, and the trial-tested reputation to show them we will not be intimidated and will not back down until our client receives full and fair compensation.
Meet Our Team of Advocates
Our strength lies in the collective experience, dedication, and passion of our attorneys and legal staff. We are proud to introduce the team that will be fighting for you.
John D. Maritime
Founding Partner
With over 30 years of experience exclusively in maritime law, John has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for injured seamen. He is a board-certified specialist and is recognized nationally as one of the top Jones Act trial lawyers.
Jane R. Seaworthy
Partner
Jane specializes in complex offshore injury and LHWCA cases. Her meticulous investigation skills and compassionate client relations have made her a formidable advocate for harbor workers and platform crews.
Our Record of Success: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Billions Won for the Injured
Our firm has recovered billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. This isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to our ability to take on the largest maritime corporations and win. It represents thousands of lives changed and futures secured.
View Our Case Results →What Our Clients Say
“After my injury, the company treated me like I was disposable. [Houston Maritime Attorney] treated me like family. They fought for me every step of the way and got me a settlement that changed my life. I can’t thank them enough.”
– R. Thomas, Former Deckhand
Let Our Experience Be Your Advantage
Choosing a law firm is the most important decision you will make after your injury. We invite you to learn more about our team and our commitment to justice. Contact us today for a 100% free, no-obligation consultation. Let us listen to your story and explain how we can fight for you.
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