Houston Ship Channel
Injury Lawyer

The most dangerous jobs include container crane operators, longshoremen handling cargo, deckhands on tugboats and barges, ship pilots navigating the channel, and maintenance workers on vessels and terminal equipment. These workers face risks from heavy machinery, falling cargo, vessel collisions, and hazardous materials.

If you qualify as a Jones Act seaman (spending 30% or more of your work time on vessels), you can sue your employer for negligence under the Jones Act. Unlike workers' compensation, you can recover full damages including pain and suffering. Longshore workers are covered under LHWCA, which provides different benefits.

Settlements vary widely based on injury severity. Minor injuries may settle for $50,000-$150,000. Serious injuries requiring surgery typically range from $200,000-$500,000. Catastrophic injuries like amputations or paralysis can exceed $1 million. Wrongful death cases on the Houston Ship Channel have settled for $2-5 million.

Jones Act claims must be filed within 3 years of the injury. LHWCA claims require notice to your employer within 30 days and filing within 1 year. However, you should consult an attorney immediately as evidence preservation is critical for maritime cases.

Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals see high volumes of container handling injuries. The Turning Basin has frequent incidents involving general cargo operations. Greens Bayou and Jacintoport handle heavy fabrication and breakbulk cargo with elevated crush and fall risks. Manchester terminal has chemical exposure incidents.

If you were injured while serving as a seaman on a vessel operating in the Houston Ship Channel, you are entitled to maintenance and cure regardless of fault. This includes daily living expenses (maintenance) and medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement. In Texas, maintenance rates typically range from $40-$75 per day in 2026.