Dock work along the Houston Ship Channel is fast-paced, physically demanding, and inherently dangerous. Houston dock workers are routinely exposed to hazards involving container cranes, forklifts, reach stackers, straddle carriers, mooring lines, vessel gangways, barges, and heavy cargo moving through one of the busiest ports in the United States. When a dock worker is injured, the case is governed by federal maritime law, not ordinary Texas workers’ compensation.
We represent injured dock workers throughout Houston, Pasadena, La Porte, Baytown, Channelview and surrounding port communities, handling serious injury and wrongful-death claims arising at terminals, docks, shipyards, and industrial waterfront facilities. Common dock worker injuries include crush injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, falls from height, and catastrophic equipment accidents. Employers, terminal operators, and vessel interests often attempt to deny coverage or shift blame—making experienced maritime representation essential from the outset.
Most Houston dock workers are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides medical care and wage benefits for injuries occurring on navigable waters or adjoining maritime areas such as docks, terminals, and shipyards. In addition to LHWCA benefits, injured dock workers may also have the right to pursue §905(b) vessel negligence claims when unsafe vessel conditions contribute to the injury.
Dock worker injury cases frequently involve:
At Gilman & Allison, LLP, we understand port operations, terminal safety protocols, and the layered liability common in Houston dock injury cases. We aggressively pursue compensation for medical expenses, disability benefits, lost wages, future earning capacity, and permanent impairment, while protecting injured workers from retaliation or benefit interference.
Get the legal help you need. Call toll-free at 888-225-5767 or contact us online to set up your initial consultation.
Spanish-speaking services are available.