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Most Common Maritime Injury Accidents in Houston
Whether you are a maritime worker or enjoy vacationing on cruise ships, accidents can happen on the open water. It’s important to know the most common Houston maritime injuries and how to protect your interests if you get injured at sea.
Common Accidents Involving Maritime Employees
Texas ranks third among all U.S. states for domestic maritime jobs. The Houston Ship Channel and the Port of Houston alone employ over 1.35 million workers.
Maritime careers can be rewarding, but they also pose health and safety risks. Workplace injuries remain common in the industry. Some are due to the inherent dangers of the job, while others result from the negligence of the injured maritime worker or their employer, such as inadequate training or failure to repair faulty equipment.
Unfortunately, not all maritime workers can claim workers’ compensation. Many find that they have to cover the cost of treatment and other related expenses out of pocket.
Common accidents involving maritime workers in Houston include:
- Dock and pier accidents
- Explosions and fires
- Overboard falls
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Fishing injuries
- Exposure to harmful or toxic chemicals
- Injuries in enclosed spaces
- Moving, swinging, and falling objects
- Electrocutions
Common Accidents Involving Cruise Passengers
People tend to be less vigilant when they are on vacation, and many of the amenities on a cruise ship are potential accident hazards.
Common accidents on cruise ships include:
Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents are among the most common injuries at sea. Slippery floors, food or other debris left on flooring surfaces, and inadequately maintained common areas such as stairwells often cause falls and result in injury.
Swimming pool accidents: Slippery decks and defective pool stairs can cause passengers to slip and fall. Unfortunately, swimming pool accidents can result in drowning and may be fatal.
Elevator and escalator accidents: Improperly maintained elevators and escalators can cause accidents ranging from faulty doors hitting passengers to elevators falling multiple floors.
Recreational activities: Unfortunately, recreational activities such as sky rides, rock climbing, and water activities sometimes result in injury, not relaxation.
Fires: Advances in modern technologies have made fires on board relatively rare, but occasional accidents still happen.
Drowning: Passengers can drown in swimming pool accidents or after falling overboard.
Assault and sexual assault: Sadly, the lack of law enforcement and the excessive consumption of alcohol aboard cruise ships mean that assault and sexual assault are common occurrences. Some even call this phenomenon a hidden epidemic.
Speak With a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer
Maritime injury law is complicated. If you’ve suffered an injury at sea, you’re up against your employer or the cruise ship service provider. Their insurance companies will do everything they can to reduce your payout or avoid making one altogether. You shouldn’t face them alone.
At Haines Law, P.C., our experienced attorneys handle all common Houston maritime injuries and claims. We can review your case, advise whether you can seek compensation, and recommend next steps. If you decide to pursue compensation, we will support you at every turn.
Call (832) 770-6603 or contact us online for a free consultation.