Shipyards and dry docks along the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston, and Corpus Christi are among the most hazardous industrial environments in Texas. Workers routinely face dangers from heavy equipment, welding operations, scaffolding, and confined spaces. When an accident happens on or near navigable waters, maritime law—not just state workers’ comp—often applies.
At Gilman & Allison, LLP, our attorneys are licensed U.S. Merchant Mariners with decades of hands-on maritime experience. We’ve represented injured shipfitters, welders, painters, crane operators, and dry dock crews in claims under:
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
Section 905(b) vessel negligence claims
General maritime law unseaworthiness claims
Third-party product liability against equipment manufacturers
We know how to investigate shipyard and dry dock accidents involving:
Collapsing scaffolds or catwalks
Explosions, fires, or confined-space asphyxiation
Crane or forklift malfunctions
Slips on oil or paint in dry docks
Poor lighting, ventilation, or safety training
If your injury occurred during vessel repair, maintenance, or conversion, you likely have maritime rights beyond standard comp coverage.
Your Rights Under Maritime Law After a Shipyard or Dry Dock Accident
Under the LHWCA, injured shipyard workers are entitled to medical benefits and wage replacement, but many don’t realize they can also file negligence claims against vessel owners or third-party contractors. Courts in the Southern District of Texas and Fifth Circuit have long recognized that vessel negligence extends to workers performing ship repair or maintenance duties when the vessel’s crew fails to provide a safe working environment (Scindia Steam Navigation Co. v. De Los Santos, 451 U.S. 156 (1981)).
We help clients in shipyards and dry docks located at:
Galveston Channel Repair Yards
Port of Houston Turning Basin & Barbours Cut Terminals
Corpus Christi Ship Channel & Ingleside Yards
Brownsville and Freeport Repair Facilities
Every case starts with a thorough review of where the injury occurred — whether the dry dock was floating, graving, or land-based — because that determines jurisdiction and benefits eligibility under maritime law.
Local Roots. Statewide Strength.
Don’t let an employer or insurer classify your case incorrectly. Our Texas maritime injury lawyers know the difference — and how to maximize your recovery.
📞 Call (713) 224-6622 (Houston) or (361) 357-8365 (Corpus Christi) for a free consultation.
