What Longshoremen, Terminal Workers, and Maritime Employees Need to Know
Texas ports keep America moving, and thousands of longshoremen, crane operators, forklift drivers, and dockworkers rely on these facilities every day. But with heavy machinery, tight deadlines, and dangerous cargo operations, injuries are far too common. At Gilman & Allison, LLP, we represent injured maritime workers across the Gulf Coast — and these are the injuries we see most often in the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Wharves, and the Port of Corpus Christi.
Below are the 10 most frequent injuries in Texas ports, why they happen, and what workers should do if they are hurt.
1. Back and Spine Injuries
Lifting cargo, throwing rigging, and working in awkward positions lead to serious back strains, herniated discs, and long-term mobility issues. These are some of the most common and most disabling port injuries.
2. Forklift and Heavy Equipment Accidents
Texas ports rely on forklifts, straddle carriers, reach stackers, and yard trucks. Collisions, rollovers, and crushed-between incidents are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries.
3. Crane and Hoisting Accidents
Longshoremen are regularly exposed to dangers from RTGs, STS cranes, and gantry operations. Falling containers, swinging loads, and rigging failures often lead to severe trauma.
4. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Wet decks, oil spills, unsecured hoses, and uneven surfaces are everywhere in port facilities. These conditions frequently cause broken bones, knee injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
5. Hand, Finger, and Arm Crush Injuries
Workers often get hands caught in:
- Container locking mechanisms
- Ship gear
- Pinch points during cargo operations
- Improperly secured hatch covers
These injuries can result in amputations or permanent disability.
6. Struck-By Injuries
Workers can be struck by:
- Swinging rigging
- Moving forklifts
- Dropped tools
- Containers shifting during loading
Struck-by incidents are among the most common OSHA-reported injuries in maritime operations.
7. Falls From Heights
Catwalks, vessel ladders, railcars, and elevated platforms pose risks daily. Falls of even a few feet can cause spinal injuries, fractures, or internal trauma.
8. Chemical Exposure and Inhalation Injuries
Houston and Corpus Christi handle huge amounts of petrochemical cargo. Workers may be exposed to:
- Toxic fumes
- Hazmat spills
- VOCs and refinery byproducts
These exposure injuries are often under-reported but extremely serious.
9. Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Repetitive motions like throwing lines, carrying rigging, or operating tools commonly lead to shoulder tears that require surgery.
10. Knee and Lower Body Injuries
Jumping on/off equipment, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces lead to:
- Meniscus tears
- ACL/MCL injuries
- Chronic joint damage
These injuries can end a maritime career if not treated early.
Your Rights After a Port or Maritime Injury in Texas
Workers injured in Texas ports are typically covered by either:
- The Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
- The Jones Act (if you are a seaman)
- Texas law for certain non-maritime workers
You may be entitled to:
- Lost wages
- Medical treatment
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering (in certain cases)
- Compensation for permanent injury
Every case turns on whether you’re a seaman, longshoreman, or another type of maritime worker — and our firm understands how to prove your status.
Gilman & Allison, LLP Fights for Injured Maritime & Port Workers Across the Gulf Coast
Our attorneys have maritime backgrounds and hands-on experience with port operations. We know the dangers longshoremen and port workers face every day — and we fight aggressively to make sure injured workers get the benefits and compensation they deserve.
If you were hurt at the Port of Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Freeport, or any Gulf Coast terminal, call us today at (713) 224-6622 for a free consultation.
