Texas Maritime Law Attorneys

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Texas Maritime Law Attorneys | Admiralty Litigation Specialists

Admiralty and maritime law is a specialized, centuries-old body of law governing commerce, navigation, and injuries occurring on navigable waters. From the busy Ship Channel in Houston to deepwater installations across the Gulf Coast, maritime operations involve complex legal overlaps between federal statutory laws, international treaties, and general maritime principles. When accidents occur on the water, standard state personal injury rules rarely apply.

At Grimes & Fertitta, P.C., our trial lawyers possess in-depth technical knowledge of maritime jurisdiction, vessel ownership structures, and maritime insurance coverage. We represent injured mariners, commercial fishermen, tugboat crews, barge operators, longshoremen, and harbor workers across Texas and the Gulf Coast.

Key Maritime & Admiralty Claims We Litigate

The Jones Act & Seaman Claims The Jones Act provides vital legal protections for crew members assigned to vessels in navigation. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, a Jones Act claim allows an injured seaman to hold their employer liable for even the slightest degree of negligence that contributed to an injury. Recoverable damages include lost earnings, future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation, pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
Maintenance and Cure Rights Under general maritime law, an injured seaman is automatically entitled to Maintenance (a daily allowance covering necessary living expenses such as food and lodging) and Cure (payment of all reasonable and necessary medical care) until the worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Employers who unreasonably delay or refuse maintenance and cure benefits may be held liable for punitive damages and legal fees.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) The LHWCA is a federal workers’ compensation statute protecting maritime employees who work on or adjacent to navigable waters—such as dockworkers, shipbuilders, ship repairers, harbor construction crews, and stevedores. The LHWCA provides medical treatment coverage, temporary disability compensation, and permanent disability benefits without requiring proof of employer fault.
Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) When a fatal maritime accident occurs beyond three nautical miles from the shore of any U.S. state or territory, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) governs wrongful death claims. DOHSA allows surviving spouses, children, and dependent relatives to recover financial losses resulting from the loss of the decedent’s financial support, household services, and care.

Vessel Types Covered Under Maritime Law

Commercial tugboats, towboats, and pushboats
Barges, dredges, and floating cranes
Supply vessels, crew boats, and anchor handling vessels
Jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, and drillships
Cargo ships, container vessels, and oil tankers

Authoritative Resources & Regulatory Authorities

U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) –https://www.maritime.dot.govFederal agency promoting the development and regulation of the U.S. maritime industry.
U.S. Department of Labor OWCP LHWCA Program –https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwcOfficial guidelines regarding Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation claims.
United States Coast Guard (USCG) –https://www.uscg.milPrimary federal agency enforcing maritime safety, vessel inspection standards, and marine casualty investigations.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Maritime Team

If you were injured on navigable waters or during maritime operations, do not let an employer or insurance adjuster limit your legal recovery. Contact Grimes & Fertitta today to review your rights under federal admiralty law. Houston Office: (713) 224-7644 | The Woodlands Office: (281) 882-8488

Richard M. Grimes is an experienced litigator who has successfully represented clients in matters involving catastrophic injury, trucking accidents, corporate and partnership disputes, contract disputes, commercial litigation, auto accidents, family law, custody disputes, real estate fraud, medical malpractice, products liability, premises liability, and high net worth divorce. Known for his ability to manage cases from inception through trial, Richard provides clients with dedicated representation aimed at achieving results that safeguard their rights and interests.

Julian J. Fertitta, III has built a distinguished career handling a wide range of legal disputes, including catastrophic injury, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, corporate and partnership disputes, contract disputes, commercial litigation, auto accidents, family law matters, and high net worth divorce cases. His practice also includes real estate fraud, custody disputes, and general litigation. Julian began his trial career managing complex tort actions across Texas and has since established himself as a trusted advocate for both plaintiffs and defendants.