1️⃣ Introduction to Maritime Law and Its Importance

Maritime law or admiralty law governs activities and injuries on navigable waters. It includes:

• Seamen injury claims
• Vessel collisions
• Oil spills and pollution
• Cargo damage
• Salvage and towage

Infographic: What Maritime Law Covers

• ✅ Seamen Injuries
• ✅ Offshore Platform Accidents
• ✅ Ship Collisions
• ✅ Environmental Spills
• ✅ Port Authority Regulations

Why Houston?

• Port of Houston is among the busiest in the U.S.
• Thousands of maritime workers and companies operate in the Gulf
• High risk of offshore oil rig accidents, shipping disputes, and environmental lawsuits

2️⃣ Why Choose a Houston Maritime Attorney

A Houston maritime attorney is crucial because:

• They understand local jurisdiction and federal maritime law
• Know how to deal with oil companies and shipping corporations
• Are experienced in handling Jones Act and LHWCA claims

Table: Local vs. General Maritime Lawyer

3️⃣ Key Qualities to Look For in a Maritime Lawyer

4️⃣ When Should You Hire a Maritime Attorney?

Hire immediately if:

• You’ve suffered a work-related injury at sea
• There’s a cargo dispute
• You’re facing a wrongful termination while offshore
• Your vessel caused or was in a collision

Don't Wait Until:

• You’ve signed documents
• Evidence has disappeared
• Deadlines have passed (some claims expire within 3 years)

5️⃣ Understanding Maritime Legal Framework

Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920)

• Protects seamen injured due to employer negligence

LHWCA (Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act)

• Covers workers not classified as seamen but work near/on navigable waters

DOHSA (Death on the High Seas Act)

• For wrongful death of a loved one beyond 3 nautical miles offshore

Infographic: Who is Covered Under Which Law?

• Jones Act → Seamen
• LHWCA → Dockworkers, ship repairers
• DOHSA → Family of deceased seafarer

6️⃣ Where to Find Reputable Maritime Lawyers in Houston

Platforms

• Martindale.com
• Avvo.com
• State Bar of Texas Directory
• Google My Business Reviews

Top Firms

7️⃣ Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1. Are you board-certified in maritime or admiralty law?
2. What percentage of your practice is maritime-related?
3. How many Jones Act claims have you handled?
4. Do you work on a contingency basis?
5. Will I deal directly with you or a junior associate?
6. Can you share past settlements or trial outcomes?

8️⃣ Step-by-Step Legal Process

Infographic: Legal Timeline for Maritime Injury Claims

• 🚑 Day 1: Injury Occurs
• 📞 Week 1: Contact Maritime Lawyer
• 📝 Week 2–4: Legal Filing
• ⚖️ Month 6–12: Trial or Settlement

9️⃣ How Much Does It Cost?

Beware of:

• Hidden fees
• Non-refundable retainers
• Signing without reading terms

🔟 Common Types of Maritime Cases

1. Oil Rig Explosions
2. Ship Collisions
3. Slip and Fall on Deck
4. Crane Accidents at Port
5. Lost Wages and Maintenance Claims
6. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals (e.g., benzene)
7. Wrongful Death at Sea

Infographic: Top Injury Causes at Sea

• 🛠️ Equipment Failure (35%)
• 🌊 Slippery Deck (20%)
• 🚢 Vessel Collision (15%)
• 🔥 Explosions/Fires (10%)
• ⚙️ Human Error (20%)

1️⃣1️⃣ Red Flags to Avoid

• No maritime experience
• Bad online reviews
• No clear contract
• Lack of communication
• Guarantees of high compensation

1️⃣2️⃣ How to Prepare for Your Case

• Gather medical reports, accident reports, photos
• List witnesses and coworkers
• Do not talk to insurance companies without your lawyer
• Track all expenses and lost wages

Checklist Before Meeting Your Lawyer

• 🗂️ All paperwork organized
• 🧾 Expense records
• 📸 Photos or video evidence
• 🧍List of witnesses
• 📅 Timeline of events

1️⃣3️⃣ Useful Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor (LHWCA)
• American Bar Association – Maritime Law Section
• National Maritime Law Association
• Port of Houston Authority
• Texas Bar Association

1️⃣4️⃣ Infographics Summary

1. What Maritime Law Covers
2. Houston Legal Ecosystem
3. Legal Claim Timeline
4. Injury Cause Statistics
5. Legal Pathways (Jones Act vs. LHWCA)
6. Checklist for Lawyer Meeting

1️⃣5️⃣ Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Houston maritime attorney can mean the difference between financial devastation and rightful compensation. Don’t trust your complex case to a general personal injury lawyer.

🎯 Hire someone with:

• Years of relevant experience
• A local presence in Houston
• Strong verdict and settlement record
• No up-front fees unless they win your case

"Justice at sea starts with the right legal team onshore."