Justice for Families of Fallen Longshoremen
When a longshoreman loses their life on the docks or aboard a vessel, the surviving family is left facing emotional devastation and financial uncertainty. The work performed at Texas ports—Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Port Arthur—carries daily risks from cranes, cargo, and hazardous machinery.
Gilman & Allison, LLP stands with families who’ve lost loved ones in longshore and harbor accidents. Our attorneys pursue every available remedy under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) and Section 905(b) vessel negligence claims to ensure surviving spouses, children, and dependents receive the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Fatal Longshore Accidents
Longshore and dockside fatalities often result from preventable negligence. Frequent causes include:
Crane, forklift, or heavy-equipment malfunctions
Falling cargo or unsecured container loads
Slips, trips, and falls from heights or vessel decks
Electrocution or fire incidents on the pier
Vessel collisions or unsafe gangways
Exposure to toxic chemicals or fuel vapors
Each fatality demands a detailed maritime investigation. Our firm works with safety engineers, marine surveyors, and OSHA experts to pinpoint exactly where the negligence occurred—whether on land, aboard ship, or within the terminal operator’s control.
Understanding Your Legal Rights Under the LHWCA
The LHWCA provides federal death benefits to surviving dependents of maritime workers killed on the job. These benefits can include:
Ongoing weekly compensation payments to spouses and children
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
However, when vessel negligence contributed to the fatality—such as unsafe equipment, improper maintenance, or failure to warn—families may also bring a 905(b) vessel negligence claim for additional damages beyond basic death benefits. Gilman & Allison’s maritime lawyers regularly litigate these complex dual-claim cases in federal courts along the Gulf Coast.
Additional Damages That May Be Recovered
Depending on the circumstances, families may be entitled to recover:
Loss of the decedent’s financial support and future earnings
Loss of household services and companionship
Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
Funeral and end-of-life costs
Punitive damages if gross negligence or reckless disregard is proven
We ensure every category of loss is fully documented and supported by experts in marine economics, life-care planning, and accident reconstruction.
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win
If you lost a loved one in a longshore accident, call Gilman & Allison, LLP today:
📍 Houston: (713) 224-6622 | 📍 Corpus Christi: (361) 357-8365
Or visit www.gilmanallison.com for a free case review.
