Corpus Christi Maritime Law Explained: How It Differs from Texas Personal Injury Law

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The navigable waters around Corpus Christi, Texas, are almost as busy as its streets, used for everything from transport and commerce to military traffic, leisure trips, and more. But when disasters occur, or accidents strike, victims often face the question of whether standard Texas personal injury law or federal maritime law applies. Working with a lawyer with experience in both realms is the only way to have a chance to get the settlement you deserve.

The Texas maritime attorneys at Carabin Shaw are here to help. Call us any time, day or night, at our toll-free number 1-800-862-1260, or contact us online to book your free consultation today!

Whether you are a seaman, dock worker, or passenger on a ship, if you are injured at sea, working with a Corpus Christi maritime lawyer is an essential first step. But what exactly is maritime law, and how does it differ from the legal structures on land?

Maritime law, which is also known as admiralty law, governs many injuries that happen at sea or that have a substantial connection to maritime activity. This could include injuries that occur on boats and other accidents rooted in activity at sea.

This means that if you are injured at sea, your case will likely be tried under federal standards, according to maritime legal principles. Working with a lawyer who understands these standards is non-negotiable when establishing a case with a chance in court.

In general, Texas personal injury laws are concerned with proving negligence under state law. When establishing a maritime injury claim, your legal representative may be dealing with additional legal standards, courts operating under federal jurisdiction, and specialized legal protections for certain maritime workers. Depending on the circumstances of your case, these differences may have a significant impact on the remedies your attorney can seek under federal law. Some important differences include:

• Eligibility under federal maritime statutes
• Unique employer responsibilities
• Different filing requirements
• Specialized compensation rules
• Federal court jurisdiction in some cases

Due to these key legal differences, certain maritime employees have legal protections that would otherwise be unavailable to them if they were employed on land. Maritime worker rights vary based on factors including work location, job duties, and vessel status, but may include:

• Maintenance and cure benefits
• Employer negligence claims under the Jones Act
• Claims involving unseaworthy vessels
• Compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act for eligible workers

Working with an attorney who understands these key protections is an important part of building a strong case.

Evidence plays a critical role in any maritime matter. When building a maritime accident lawsuit, prompt documentation is especially important, as conditions on vessels of offshore worksites can change quickly. A good Corpus Christi maritime injury lawyer will be familiar with these essential categories of evidence and work to build a case courts can’t deny. Helpful evidence includes:

• Accident reports
• Vessel maintenance records
• Witness statements and photographs of the site
• Employment documentation

With proven legal experience in both personal injury and federal maritime law, the compassionate English and Spanish-speaking legal professionals at Carabin Shaw are here to be your allies in justice. Read our law firm’s client reviews to see how we’ve helped victims just like you fight for their rights.

If you have been injured at sea around Corpus Christi and beyond, the time to act is now! Contact us online or call us 24/7 on our toll-free number 1-800-862-1260. Our phone lines are always monitored, and someone is available to take your call at any time.

We are proud to work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. The time to act is now. Call Carabin Shaw today to sail to a safe harbor and the fair settlement you deserve!

For more information:

• Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 139
• Federal Maritime Commission Website
• Division of Federal Employees', Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation (DFELHWC)
• The Jones Act