Texas Cargo Ship Accident Lawyer
Cargo ship workers face dangerous conditions every day, and when accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating. The Lanier Law Firm’s nationally recognized Texas cargo ship accident lawyers provide experienced, compassionate legal support for injured maritime workers and grieving families. With no upfront costs and a proven track record of success, our firm is ready to investigate your case, pursue full compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Legally Reviewed By: Lawrence P. Wilson
Senior Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- June 2, 2025
Why Hire Our Renowned Cargo Ship Accident Lawyers To Defend Your Case?
What Are Your Legal Options After a Cargo Ship Accident?
Establishing Liability for Different Types of Cargo Ship Accidents in Texas
How Our Dedicated Cargo Ship Injury Attorneys Can Help You
Contact Our Award-Winning Cargo Ship Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX
Every day, thousands of Texans step onto cargo ships to do tough, essential work that keeps global trade moving. Texas ranks second in the nation for maritime jobs, with over 9,950 cargo and freight vessel workers as of May 2023. However, this critical industry carries serious risks—in 2023 alone, 118 people were injured in freight vessel accidents.
When safety fails, the consequences are often life-altering. Crane malfunctions, unsecured cargo, slippery decks, and hazardous material exposure are just a few of the dangers that can cause catastrophic injuries or death.
If you or someone you love was injured in a cargo ship accident, you don’t have to suffer alone. Our dedicated Texas cargo ship accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and full compensation.
Why Hire Our Renowned Cargo Ship Accident Lawyers To Defend Your Case?
Our award-winning firm brings decades of experience and an exceptional track record to every case, including advanced degrees and specialized certifications in maritime law. Our case results display a strong record of trial success, including some of the largest verdicts in history. Our firm prepares every case for trial and never backs down from powerful adversaries. Our compassionate team is committed to advocating for injured maritime workers and grieving families affected by unsafe conditions aboard cargo and container ships.
With a reputation for securing some of the largest verdicts in U.S. history, our firm is not afraid to take your case to trial when necessary. There are also no upfront costs to hire The Lanier Law Firm. We advance all costs and only get paid if we win, investing significant resources into each case with no financial risk to you.
Our legal team includes Judson A. Waltman, the Managing Attorney in our Houston office, who focuses on serious workplace injury and maritime cases, and Lawrence P. Wilson, who has won numerous verdicts in maritime negligence, toxic exposure, and product liability claims.
When you choose The Lanier Law Firm, you are selecting a dedicated and talented team of offshore and maritime accident lawyers ready to fight relentlessly to protect your rights and fight for future security.
“The Lanier Group notified and updated us in a timely manner on any actions we needed to take in order to comply with any directions from the court. In addition, the Lanier Group kept us informed of all court dates and decisions. My husband and I are extremely satisfied with the results of the case!”
– H.G.
“I am so glad to have The Lanier Law Firm in my corner. They handle things quickly, communicate at every turn, and are genuinely passionate about making things right. We felt very alone, but thanks to this firm, we do not feel that way anymore. Wish I could give 10 stars.”
– Will R.
“Speaking from experience, I would like to highly recommend The Lanier Law Firm. This is a group of highly qualified, dedicated attorneys who will work tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome for their clients. The support staff are courteous and very willing to answer questions. This is definitely a superior five-star firm.”
– Betty S.
“ Lanier Law Firm is the best in the business. Our experience was outstanding as the entire Firm are experts in this space. They were able to guide us through the entire process with confidence. Highly recommend Lanier Law Firm!”
– Stewart L.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Cargo Ship Accident?
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a cargo ship accident, several legal pathways may be available depending on the circumstances and where the incident occurred.
The Jones Act allows eligible seamen to pursue compensation from their employers if their injuries were caused by negligence or unsafe working conditions. This federal law improves maritime safety standards and ensures accountability.
For fatal accidents that occur beyond U.S. territorial waters, families may be able to seek compensation under the Death on High Seas Act, or DOHSA. This law permits surviving family members to recover damages for their loved one’s wrongful death due to negligence or unseaworthy conditions on the vessel.
Navigating the complexities of maritime law litigation requires a knowledgeable attorney’s guidance. The Lanier Law Firm’s team of Houston cargo ship injury attorneys will identify the best legal course of action, ensure you file in the correct court, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Texas Cargo Ship Accidents
Cargo ship accident victims may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. Whether you were injured on the job or lost a loved one at sea, a knowledgeable Texas maritime and offshore accident attorney can help you pursue the full extent of damages available under maritime law.
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
DOHSA allows surviving family members to seek compensation for:
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of household services
- Loss of care, guidance, and companionship
How Long Do You Have to File a Cargo Ship Accident Claim?
When suffering from injuries or the loss of a loved one due to a cargo ship accident, it’s important to act quickly. Strict deadlines govern maritime claims, and missing the filing window could mean losing your right to compensation.
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers generally have three years from their injury date to file a lawsuit. This timeline applies to claims involving negligence or unseaworthy conditions aboard a cargo vessel.
For fatal accidents occurring more than three nautical miles from shore, DOHSA also imposes a three-year statute of limitations. Family members must file within three years from the date of death to pursue compensation for their loss.
Establishing Liability for Different Types of Cargo Ship Accidents in Texas
Cargo ship accidents can arise from numerous dangerous situations that are likely preventable. Common types of cargo ship injury cases include:
- Crane accidents during the loading and unloading of cargo
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven ship surfaces
- Exposure to hazardous materials and toxic substances
- Collisions with other vessels or port structures
- Injuries caused by shifting containers or improperly secured cargo
Determining who is responsible for the accidents often requires a thorough investigation. Liable parties may include shipowners, operators, equipment manufacturers, or contractors who contributed to the incident through:
- Employer or third-party negligence
- Defective machinery or components
- Improper maintenance of equipment or vessel infrastructure
- Inadequate safety protocols, training, or supervision
Establishing liability in a maritime injury case can be complex. It involves gathering evidence, analyzing maintenance logs, reviewing crew training procedures, and sometimes working with industry experts. Thus, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Texas cargo ship accident attorney promptly.
How Our Dedicated Cargo Ship Injury Attorneys Can Help You
If you were injured in a cargo ship accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially. Navigating the legal system while juggling these challenges may feel overwhelming, but The Lanier Law Firm can help.
Our accomplished cargo ship accident attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is handled with the attention it deserves. From day one, we focus on building a strong claim designed to hold negligent parties accountable and recover the full compensation you need to move forward.
Our nationally recognized legal team will:
- Conduct extensive investigations into the accident to determine fault and prove liability.
- Handle all negotiations while leveraging our reputation and experience.
- Provide convenient, on-site consultations to meet your needs wherever you reside.
- File all necessary legal documents within applicable deadlines to preserve your right to compensation.
- Pursue your case at trial if necessary, fighting for the maximum recovery available.
Contact Our Award-Winning Cargo Ship Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX
A cargo ship accident can change your life in an instant, but the road to recovery starts with seeking help. Contact The Lanier Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward justice.
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10940 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. Suite 100
Houston, TX 77064
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