If you’ve been injured on a vessel, dock, or offshore job in the Houston area, what you do in the first hours and days can directly impact your health, your claim, and your financial recovery. Maritime cases are not standard injury claims—they are governed by federal maritime law, including the Jones Act and Longshore Act, and employers and insurers move quickly to protect themselves.
At Gilman & Allison, LLP, we have decades of experience representing injured maritime workers across the Houston Ship Channel and Gulf Coast. If you’ve been hurt, take these steps immediately to protect your rights.
Critical Steps to Protect Your Maritime Injury Claim
- Report the injury immediately
Notify your supervisor, captain, or employer as soon as possible. Delays can be used against you later. - Seek medical treatment right away
Your health comes first—but documentation also matters. Be honest and thorough about your injuries. - Do NOT downplay your injuries
Maritime employers and insurers often rely on early statements. What you say initially can affect your entire case. - Document everything
Take photos of the scene, equipment, and conditions. Get names of witnesses and crew members. - Be cautious with incident reports
You may be asked to sign statements quickly. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. - Preserve evidence
Faulty equipment, unsafe conditions, and lack of training are often key in maritime claims. - Understand your rights under maritime law
You may be entitled to maintenance and cure, lost wages, medical expenses, and additional damages depending on your status as a seaman or longshore worker. - Contact a maritime attorney early
Maritime cases are complex and time-sensitive. Early legal involvement can prevent costly mistakes.
If you were injured working on or near the water in Houston, do not navigate this alone. Our firm understands the maritime industry because we’ve worked in it—and we know how to hold employers, vessel owners, and operators accountable.
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