Injured at the Port of Corpus Christi? Why LHWCA Is Different From Texas Workers' Comp

The Port of Corpus Christi plays a vital role in shipping, energy production, and maritime commerce, fueling the economy of Corpus Christi, Texas, and the state as a whole. But all this activity can come at a steep personal cost, as hardworking crane operators, dock workers, cargo handlers, and maintenance crews face unique risks while working with heavy equipment, loading operations, and vessels at the port.

When disaster strikes, it’s critical that injured workers fight back with a skilled local lawyer who understands the complexity of their situation. The Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw have proven experience supporting injured workers at the Port of Corpus Christi, and are standing by to help. We offer a free consultation so you understand your options—contacting us should be your first move after an accident. Until then, below are some vital facts all injured port workers need to know.

Under the Texas Labor Code, workers who work for public employers, and private employers who opt in, can file for partial income replacement and medical care after experiencing a work-related injury or illness.

However, many maritime employees, including those filing a Corpus Christi dock worker injury claim, are protected under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. This law provides benefits to workers injured while performing maritime duties while working near navigable bodies of water.

Unlike traditional workers' compensation systems, including the Texas state system, the LHWCA only applies to specific locations or occupations. A Corpus Christi maritime injury lawyer can help determine which specific protections apply in your case, but coverage generally includes:

• Longshore workers loading and unloading cargo
• Ship repair workers and harbor construction crews
• Dock and terminal employees working near navigable waters

When a serious incident occurs, a Port of Corpus Christi accident attorney can determine whether federal maritime law applies and ensure that injured workers receive the full range of benefits they are entitled to.

Port environments are filled with heavy machinery, moving cargo, and hazardous surfaces. Even experienced and cautious workers may suffer serious injuries that necessitate the support of a Texas offshore injury lawyer when equipment malfunctions or safety procedures fail. Common incidents leading to injury include:

• Crane or lifting equipment accidents
• Falls from docks, ladders, or vessels
• Forklift or cargo vehicle collisions
• Exposure to hazardous materials
• Injuries caused by shifting cargo or container loads

Federal maritime safety standards enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are designed to protect workers in port environments. When those safety standards are overlooked, injured parties must fight to protect their rights.

Taking quick action after an accident at a port facility can help protect both your health and your legal rights. As soon as an injury occurs:

• Report the injury and the circumstances under which it occurred to a supervisor
• Seek immediate medical help, and document all injuries and care received
• Collect witness statements and contact information
• Get in touch with a qualified attorney as soon as possible

Working with legal representation with proven experience in port worker injury cases can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case and the amount of any settlement you ultimately receive.

At Carabin Shaw, our legal professionals have a track record of success getting injured port workers the settlements they deserve. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis so our clients never pay a dime until we win on their behalf.

If you or a loved one has been injured at the Port of Corpus Christi, don’t wait to take action. Call our toll-free number 1-800-862-1260 anytime—our lines are monitored 24/7 by experienced staff who speak English and Spanish. You can also contact us online.

For more information:

• Texas Department of Insurance
• Department of Labor
• OSHA