Houston TX Personal Injury Attorney | Houston, TX Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Lawyers in Houston, Texas

Houston Texas Personal Injury Lawyer | Houston Personal Injury Attorneys

If you have a Houston, TX personal injury claim, Houston personal injury lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Houston personal injury lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

Accidents and injuries occur in Houston, TX every day. If you or a family member is injured in the Houston area, call a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer today.

Located in Southeastern Texas, the city of Houston boasts a total area of approximately 656 square miles. Established in 1881, Houston spans across counties such as Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Waller , though it holds a county seat in Harris County. Houston is connected to surrounding cities via Interstate 610 and Highways 99, 90 and 59. A regional airport and railroad track are also located within the city, making it easy for Houston residents to travel both near and far.Houston's population of  2.1 million (according to the 2010 Census) is employed in both the service and industrial sectors. Higher education makes up a large portion of the Houston economy; University of Houston, James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy, Houston Community College System, Lone Star College System, San Jacinto College are all located in Houston. Youth accounts for a large portion of Houston's population.There has been a major surge of growth and development of commercial, retail and medical centers to support the students and faculties of these Houston schools and universities.The University of Houston System's annual impact on the Houston-area's economy equates to that of a major corporation: $1.1 billion in new funds attracted annually to the Houston area, $3.13 billion in total economic benefit, and 24,000 local jobs generated.Other sectors of the Houston economy include agriculture (crops and livestock), the oil and gas industry, and retail sales.

Such a diverse range of professions Houston with opportunity; however, many of these industries are also, unfortunately, attended by risk of bodily harm and injury. Personal injuries can occur not only in the military, manufacturing and agricultural industries, but also in the retail sector. A bustling economy, easy access to nearby cities and a large college-aged population can certainly expose Houston residents to the risk of bodily harm. Such injuries can range from the minor to the catastrophic. Should you find yourself in one of these unfavorable situations, you need a Houston personal injury attorney to advocate on your behalf. Call one of the Houston personal injury lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

What is a Personal Injury Attorney and what types of matters does a Houston Personal Injury Attorney’s practice cover?

Houston personal injury attorneys sometimes get the undeserved reputation of being greedy. Many people believe that personal injury lawyers are only interested in cases where they stand to make huge sums of money, and that they care little for their clients. This is simply not the case. Harris County personal injury attorneys’ practices cover a wide range of practice areas. More importantly, Harris County accident lawyers and other Houston personal injury attorneys play a crucial role in protecting the financial and legal rights of injury victims and their families, many times against large corporations. Just some of the matters that a Houston Personal Injury lawyer covers throughout the State of Texas are:

Accidents in the trucking industry cause many injuries in the Houston area. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, call a Houston Personal Injury Attorney today.

An injury can be a catastrophic event for an entire family, potentially ruining quality of life, destroying a person’s livelihood, and preventing them from working. An Houston personal injury attorney will step in and fight to protect your rights if you find yourself in this situation. Although your attorney will not be able to repair the physical damage you have sustained, it is very likely that a Houston personal injury lawyer will be able to get you deserved compensation for your injuries, which can provide for you, your family, and your medical expenses.

Why do you need a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer?

In most cases where someone gets injured due to the negligence of another person or company, there is insurance to cover the personal injury claim. If you have ever dealt with an insurance company in the past, then you will immediately know why you need to hire an experienced and competent personal injury lawyer to represent you in your Houston personal injury claim. An Houston personal injury attorney can help you negotiate an acceptable settlement or, if need be, take your claim to trial to get you the money you deserve in Texas state or federal courts.

Additionally, proving a personal injury claim can be a very complicated task, particularly if you are not familiar with the legal concepts involved. Even for lawyers who are familiar with these concepts, it can often be difficult to prove causation and damages, and the lawyer may need to consult with a number of medical and scientific experts to prove the necessary legal arguments. Your Houston personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise you of the various theories of recovery that might be involved in your claim, including negligence, strict liability, or intentional tort. In a negligence-based case in Texas, you must prove:

  1. The person or party that caused your injury owed you a duty of care, but did not live up to that duty;
  2. There was sufficient causation, or connection, between that person’s action and your injury to constitute a breach of their duty to you; and
  3. You suffered compensable damages as a result.

An experienced Houston defective product lawyer will know the Texas Product Liability Statute and will know what to do to assist you. he analysis only becomes more complicated in a strict liability case, where you seek to hold the defendant responsible for your injuries regardless of fault, or negligence. In these types of strict products liability cases, your Houston personal injury attorney can help you prove the following elements:

  1. The seller was in the business of selling the product that caused your injury;
  2. A defect existing in the product when it was sold made it unreasonably dangerous for consumer use;
  3. The product was intended to reach you without substantial change from the condition it was in when you purchased it;
  4. The product wasn’t fit for its intended use or a reasonably foreseeable use at the time it left the manufacturer’s hands;
  5. The defect in the product caused your injury; and
  6. You suffered damages as a result.

As noted, a variety of medical and scientific experts might be involved in proving these elements, and an experienced Houston personal injury attorney can help arrange these experts and prepare legal arguments based on your medical records.

Thousands of people receive the help of Houston Emergency Medical Services after suffering serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in the Houston area, contact a Houston Personal injury attorney today.

Your Houston personal injury lawyer can also advise on whether claims may be brought on behalf of your family members for negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, or for loss of consortium. Similarly, there may be other variables involved when more than one party may have contributed to your injury. In these cases, a Houston personal injury lawyer may decide to bring a claim against multiple tortfeasors for joint and several liability.

To illustrate this point, consider the following: If you have been injured by a defective consumer product, the manufacturer may be liable under a theory of strict liability, regardless of any negligence involved. Other people in the chain of distribution, including the retailer or distributor may also be strictly liable for your injuries. In Texas, joint and several liability rules make any party more than 50 percent at fault for your injuries liable for the entire amount of damages, regardless of how much fault is attributable to the other parties involved. Other theories besides strict liability might also be involved, including negligent design and/or manufacture of the product at issue. This is even without introducing the idea of comparative negligence—that is, the idea that your own negligence might, in some cases, reduce your recovery. This might occur in a car accident case, where you were 15% at fault but the other driver involved was primarily responsible for the accident.

Clearly, this analysis varies depending upon the facts of each case, and proving all of these elements can become enormously complicated. A qualified Houston personal injury attorney or Harris County personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these difficult legal concepts as well as the Texas court system.

Finally, a Houston personal injury attorney or other Harris County personal injury attorney can help you determine what your claim is worth and the measure of damages you should seek to recover. Under Texas law, the party that caused your injury is liable for:

  • Past, current, and future estimated medical expenses;
  • Time off from work due to injury, including time spent at doctor’s appointments or rehabilitative therapy;
  • Property damage, such as damage to your vehicle during an automobile accident;
  • The cost of hiring help to perform household chores you couldn’t perform due to your injury;
  • Damages for permanent disfigurement or disability;
  • Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, interference with family relationships, & loss of consortium;
  • Pain & Suffering;
  • Mental Anguish;
  • Any other expenses that are a direct result of your injury

Houston personal injury lawyers represent not only injury victims but their families and spouses in actions throughout Central Texas and the Houston area. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may be able to recover for medical expenses as well as a variety of other damages. You should contact one of the experienced Houston personal injury attorneys to represent you and protect your rights.

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?

Back injuries are one of many types of injuries suffered by Houston residents every day. If you have been hurt, contact a Houston, Texas personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

In most personal injury claims in Houston, Texas are governed by the Texas Two (2) year Statute of Limitations. Therefore, you must file a personal injury lawsuit against the party or parties that caused your injury. You should consult a Houston accident lawyer or Harris County personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim and pursue legal action before Texas’s two-year statute of limitations has expired.

Houston Trial Lawyers may File your Lawsuit in:
 

 Harris County District Courts

Harris County 11th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6020

Harris County 55th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6055

Harris County 61st Civil District Court
(713) 368-6070

Harris County 165th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6270

Harris County 189th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6309

Harris County 190th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does a Houston personal injury lawyer charge?

Most Houston injury lawyers charge a contingency fee. Instead of an hourly rate, an experienced Houston personal injury attorney will usually agree to accept a percentage of any monetary recovery they win on behalf of their client as their fee. The specifics of the contingency fee agreement can vary from state to state and even from lawyer to lawyer within a state; but, essentially, a contingency fee agreement means that if the injured person does not recover anything, then they pay their attorney nothing. You can easily see how this benefits Houston personal injury victims: not only do they only pay if they recover money, but their interests are also more closely aligned with those of the attorney representing them, who will not simply seek to rack up billable hours, but to win their case. Please contact a Harris County personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.

Hospitals in the Greater Houston Area

Bayshore Medical Center
4000 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77504
(713) 359-2000

Ben Taub General Hospital
1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 566-6410

Doctors Hospital Tidwell
510 West Tidwell, Houston, TX 77091
(281) 618-8505

Houston Northwest Medical Center
710 FM 1960, West, Houston, TX 77090
(281) 440-2105

Memorial Hermann Hospital
6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 704-9077

Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital Medical Center
921 Gessner, Houston, TX 77024
(713) 242-3592

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 794-7100

Spring Branch Medical Center
8850 Long Point Road, Houston, TX 77055
(713) 722-3705

St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
6720 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
(832) 355-1000

Texas Children’s Hospital
6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
(832) 824-1000

Texas Orthopedic Hospital
7401 South Main, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 799-8600

The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR)
1333 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030-3405
(713) 799-5000

The Menninger Clinic
2801 Gessner Drive, Houston, TX 77080
(713) 275-5000

The Methodist Hospital
6565 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 790-3311

The University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555
(409) 772-1011

The University of Texas-Harris County Psychiatric Center
2800 South MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77021
(713) 741-7803

The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
7600 Fannin, Houston, TX 77054
(713) 791-7150

University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 792-8890

 

Houston Emergency Services Contact Information

Houston EMS or Houston Fire Department (HFD)
500 Jefferson, Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 495-4200

For more information on Texas personal injury law, see
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, Title 4: Liability in Tort.

Personal Injury Attorneys Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

Contact a diligent Harris County personal injury lawyer today!

Houston Auto Accident Attorney | Houston Car Wreck Lawyer | Houston Vehicle Accident Attorney

Car accidents are, by far, the leading cause of transportation related injuries throughout the United States and locally in the Houston area. Most Americans are completely dependent on using cars to perform each of our daily tasks, including driving to the store, work, school, shopping, doctors, and a variety of other commonplace tasks. The inevitable consequence is that, no matter how safe a driver you are, you will likely be involved in some sort of auto accident one day. This reality becomes even more likely in a city such as Houston, Texas, which is an important West Texas center and due to the Air Force Base within the Houston area.

Car accidents happen in Houston, Texas all the time. If you have been hurt in a Texas vehicle accident, call a Harris County or Houston Car Crash Attorney today.

When Should You Hire a Houston Car Accident Attorney?

Of course, not every car accident requires that you hire a car accident lawyer. Car accident lawyers only become necessary when an accident results in an injury serious enough to warrant medical attention, or one that detracts from your quality of life and daily routine. In these cases, retaining a Houston, Texas automobile accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you and your family receive the advice and compensation you deserve.

You should contact an experienced Houston auto accident attorney when your injuries are such that:

  1. You have a severe injury that will cause you some significant lost time or wages from work; or
  2. Where a car accident causes you to be disfigured; or
  3. You are caused to suffer permanent pain; or
  4. You have suffered a “loss of consortium” as a result of an automobile injury to your spouse. Please note that loss of consortium claims encompass all negative effects on the martial relationship, including loss of love, affection, support, companionship and sexual relations.

If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident or other type of injury from a Houston auto, truck, van, or bus and any of the above factors are present, then you should retain a Houston car accident attorney immediately.

Why Do You Need a Houston Auto Accident Lawyer?

Every state, including Texas, requires car owners to purchase automobile accident insurance. However, car insurance companies are notorious for trying to get out of paying fair and just compensation to their customers, even when those customers have routinely made their insurance payments for years. Let’s face it, how do car insurance companies make money? Simply put: They love to take premiums and hate to pay claims.

Car Accidents are a major risk in the Houston area. If you or a family member have been hurt in an auto accident, call a Houston Vehicle Accident Lawyer today.

Houston car accident attorneys handle car accident cases, motorcycle accidents, and commercial truck accidents throughout the Houston area and in all areas of Harris County. Additionally, they represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who have suffered an injury in a Houston, Texas traffic accident where another driver may have been at fault. The defense lawyer will try to place fault on the injured party to reduce their award. This “fault” is called comparative fault and this is a very important reason why you need an experienced Houston accident attorney.

Houston Uninsured Car Wreck Lawyer

Even though it is required in Texas, that if you drive in Houston you have insurance, people do not always have insurance. When they hit your car and injure you, that is called and uninsured motorist's claim. If this is happens, your uninsured auto accident lawyer in Houston will try to successfully handle your Houston car wreck against your car insurance company. Depending on how your insurance company treats you, it may also give rise to an Houston bad faith insurance claim.

Houston Car Accidents Involving Driver Charged with Driving While Intoxicated

Because of the unique set of laws in Texas having to do with drunk driving accidents, please visit our Driving While Intoxicated Car Accident page for a more complete understanding.

Houston Distracted Driver Car Accidents

Today's drivers are often distracted by text messages and phone calls on smartphones and other devices. While we have a constant need to check messages to stay current both for work and our social lives, distracted driving is a major hazard in the Houston area. Houston Distracted Driving Accidents, caused by drivers that text, can be dangerous and even fatal.If the driver of the car that hit you was a texting driver or a distracted driver, call a Houston Distracted Driver Car Crash Attorney Today.

Houston Wrongful Death Car Accident Lawyer

Fatal accidents due happen in Houston, Texas. When they do, your family has a claim under the Texas Wrongful Death Statute. If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one and you believe that the other party was at fault, contact an experienced Houston fatal car accident Lawyer right away.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a Houston auto accident, you should:

  1. Call 911 for an ambulance for all injured persons. If it is non-emergency, call (361) 676-6683 ;
  2. As soon as you are able, call a Houston car accident lawyer;
  3. If you, a family member, or friend are taken away by a Houston ambulance, you can later get information at:

Houston EMS or Houston Fire Department (HFD)
500 Jefferson, Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 495-4200

If your car was towed and stored in the City of Houston, or a surrounding area, try calling the local police department:

Houston Police Department (HPD): (713) 308-8580
Harris County Precinct 5: (281) 463-6666
Harris County Precinct 7: (713) 364-3660
Harris County Sheriff: (713) 221-6000

Other reasons to retain a Houston, TX Auto Accident lawyer or Harris County, TX Auto Accident lawyer include:

  • In Texas, the statutory minimum of liability insurance is $25,000.00;
  • A trained Houston, Texas car accident attorney will get you quality medical care;
  • A Harris County car accident lawyer will preserve vital evidence and immediately retain experts, called accident reconstructionists, who recreate the accident for the purposes of trial and legal settlements;
  • If alcohol and/or drugs played a role in the cause of the accident punitive damages may be available;
  • A licensed Houston car accident attorney will make sure that:
    • Your automobile’s property damage is fully paid;
    • Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is recovered; and
    • That all layers of insurance coverage, such as excess levels of coverage are placed on notice;
  • A persona injury attorney in Houston will not let your statute of limitations is two (2) years from the date of the accident;
  • An Houston injury trial lawyer will be completely familiar with:

Harris County 165th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6270

Harris County 189th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6309

Harris County 190th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6310

For all these reasons, you should not hesitate to retain an experienced Houston tractor trailer accident lawyer near you to help you pursue claims related to an accident in Houston involving a commercial vehicle.

Resources for Houston Residents

Houston Area Medical Facilities

Ben Taub General Hospital
1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 566-6410

CHRISTUS St. John Hospital
18300 St. John Drive, Houston, TX 77058
(281) 333-5503

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital
10655 Steepletop Drive, Houston, TX 77065
(281) 890-4285

Houston Northwest Medical Center
710 FM 1960, West, Houston, TX 77090
(281) 440-2105

Kindred Hospital Houston
6441 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 790-0500

Memorial Hermann Hospital
6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 704-9077

St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
6720 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030
(832) 355-1000

Texas Children’s Hospital
6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
(832) 824-1000

Texas Orthopedic Hospital
7401 South Main, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 799-8600

The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research
1333 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 799-5000

The Menninger Clinic
2801 Gessner Drive, Houston, TX 77080
(713) 275-5000

The University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555
(409) 772-1011

The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
7600 Fannin, Houston, TX 77054
(713) 791-7150

University General Hospital
7501 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77054
(713) 375-7100

West Houston Medical Center
12141 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77082
(281) 588-8080

Houston Area Automobile & Tire Repair

The Auto Doc
1208 Montrose, Houston, TX 77017
(713) 522-2277

Goodyear Auto Services Center
1519 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 659-7181

Midtown Auto Service
4510 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 523-2886

Firestone Complete Auto Care
1502 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 224-1733

NTB - National Tire & Battery
2123 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 759-9060

RMS Automotive
1759 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 529-5855

Tech Auto Maintenance
37 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 863-8244

Houston Area Car Rental Services

Avis Rent-A-Car
812 Saint Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 571-8572

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3709 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 868-1063

Thrifty Car Rental
1700 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 652-5933

Thrifty Car Rental: Star Motors
7000 Old Katy Rd., Houston, TX 77024
(713) 868-6800

Budget Rent-A-Car
1010 Webster Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 659-2513

Hertz
2120 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 652-0436

National Car Rental
400 Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77002
(888) 826-6890

 

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in the Houston area or anywhere in Harris County or surrounding areas, please contact one of the experienced Houston vehicle accident law firms listed on this page.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer will be there for you. Call now to speak with an experienced
Harris County Vehicle Accident attorney today.

Houston Products Liability Attorney | Houston Defective Products Lawyer | Houston Rollover Accident Lawyer

Houston Defective Product Attorney | Houston Products Liability Attorney | Harris County Defective Product Injury Attorney | Houston Rollover Accident & Crashworthiness Lawyer

If you have been injured by a defective product, contact a Houston Products Liability Attorney today.

In the United States, perhaps more than any other country in the world, we buy products every day to fuel our consumer-oriented lifestyles and economy. We buy them for our children, for our spouses, for our parents, for ourselves, for our friends, and even for our pets. When we purchase a consumer product, we expect that it will be safe. We also expect that it will be designed in the best possible way to avoid injury to unsuspecting consumers. Equally important are necessary and adequate warnings, which should accompany products when they go on the market so that they can be used safely and in the intended manner.

Houston defective product attorneys handle all kinds of products liability cases that cause injuries. If you have been injured due to a defective or unreasonably dangerous product, contact a Houston products liability lawyer for a consultation regarding your right to compensation.

Houston, TX Dangerous Products Attorneys

Texas law is very developed when it comes to product liability cases. In fact, Texas has enacted a specific Products Liability law found in Chapter 82 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. This makes it all the more important that you hire a qualified Houston dangerous products liability lawyer to handle your case.

Specific Types of Products Liability Lawyers in Houston, Texas

To be liable to an injured plaintiff, the manufacturer and/or distributor must have placed a product into the stream of commerce, which subsequently injures someone. Houston products liability claims range from defective lawnmowers, cars, planes, appliances, boats, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and many other items that cause Harris County residents injuries each day.

Please visit our Houston, Texas dangerous medical device and dangerous drugs page for more specific information on these types of claims.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dangerous Product?

  1. Product Manufacturers
  2. Product Distributors
  3. Product Sellers

A trained Houston defective product attorney can help you prove your claims and arrange the necessary scientific expert witnesses to prove that the manufacturer should be held accountable to you for distributing such a faulty product. Houston product attorneys have the skill and experience to get you the money you deserve quickly and without hassle.

Houston Rollover Accident Lawyers & Houston Crashworthiness Lawyers

Vehicle accidents are often caused by defective cars. If you have been hurt by a defective vehicle, contact a Harris County area Products Liability lawyer today.

Another type of products liability case that is often overlooked by the untrained practitioner relates to vehicles that are unfit for sale and perform badly in auto accidents and frequently roll over. These cases occur when a car, van, pick-up truck, or Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) rolls over or malfunctions in an auto accident. There are many potential injuries that can result when this happens, which is fairly frequent in busy Houston, Texas traffic.

A seatbelt, airbag, or other malfunction may make the vehicle unreasonably dangerous and unfit to be sold on the market. Issues involving seat belts that come undone are often involved, causing passengers to be ejected from the vehicle and sustain more severe injuries than they would have otherwise. Similarly, roof crushing and other poor designs in a faulty vehicle may result in the death or permanent paralysis of the vehicle’s occupants.

Smart Keys

New areas of car defects surface every month. Due to successful car defect rollover lawsuits, the industry actually has tried to make a better car design. Unfortunately, new dangerous areas have now been seen. While these car defect cases are fewer, new dangerous car defects are injuring consumers. These include:

  • Electronic Power Steering (EPS) failures;
  • "Smart Key" ignitions that lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and vehicle roll-away;
  • Occupant detection sensors suppressing needed airbag and seat belt pre-tensioner activation; and
  • Throttle acceleration defects such as with Toyota.

Houston Texas product liability lawyer can represent you regardless of where you purchased your vehicle. Almost all manufacturers have been the subject of some type of automobile product defect case including Toyota, GMC, Mercedes Benz, etc. Some auto dealerships in the Houston area include:

Russell & Smith Honda‎
2900 South Loop West Freeway
Houston, TX 77054
(888) 614-9066
www.rshonda.com/index.htm
Davis Chevrolet‎
2277 S Loop W
Houston, TX 77054
(866) 606-0780
www.davischevrolet.com
Knapp Chevrolet‎
815 Houston Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 228-4311
www.knappchevrolet.com‎
Baker Nissan South‎
2901 South Loop West Freeway
Houston, TX 77054
(713) 661-9955
www.bakernissansouth.com‎
Momentum Audi‎
2315 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 596-3500
www.momentumaudi.net‎
Stewat Cadillac‎
2520 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 874-0900
www.stewartcadillac.com‎

The "new defect" cases require experienced Houston product defect firms to have the ability to research and screen cases in new ways. If you or a loved one has been injured due to faulty vehicle design, crashworthiness failures, or a vehicle rollover, vehicle acceleration or other defect, consult a Houston auto defect attorney today.

For more information on Texas Products Liability law,
visit our Houston Texas Products Liability Lawyer Statute page.

Defective dangerous product attorneys serve Houston and surrounding cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

Contact one of the experienced Houston product liability attorneys listed on this site today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION regarding your legal rights.

Houston Personal Injury Lawyers | Houston Personal Injury Attorneys | Houston Personal Injury Law Firms

What does a Houston Personal Injury Attorney do?

In Houston, Texas, a variety of workplace accidents, road accidents, and other accidents caused by negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing create new Houston personal injury claims each day. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer or other Houston personal injury lawyer can help you in a number of ways including getting you competent medical care, getting your your car fixed and getting you the money you deserve for all your damages. In reality, Houston personal injury attorneys cover many areas beyond just auto accidents. Just some of the matters that Houston Personal Injury lawyers cover are: Many Houston residents suffer crippling injuries that are someone else's fault. Contact a Houston personal injury attorney today for a free consultation to learn your rights.

If you or a loved one are a Houston, Texas injury victim, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer today to get a thorough consultation as to your legal rights.

Why do you need a Houston, TX Personal Injury Lawyer?

Many accidents can leave Houston residents in a wheelchair like this one. If you have been hurt, contact a Houston, Texas personal injury attorney to learn your rights.An Houston personal injury attorney can help you in a variety of ways. In most cases where someone gets injured due to the negligence of another or a company, there is insurance to cover the personal injury claim. If you have ever dealt with an insurance company before, then you will immediately know why you need to hire and experienced and competent Houston personal injury lawyer. Additionally, Houston personal injury lawyers or Harris County personal injury lawyers can represent you in your personal injury claim throughout Texas state and federal courts. An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer will provide you with support during your time of need and get you the compensation you deserve.

What does a Houston personal injury attorney charge?

Most lawyers charge an hourly rate plus a retainer fee. These types of lawyers perform billable hours and charge you according to the amount of time they spend working on your case. This is not the case with Houston personal injury attorneys. Personal injury lawyers, or PI lawyers for short, are permitted under Texas ethics rules to represent clients under a “contingency fee” agreement.

The specifics of the contingency fee agreement will vary from state to state and even from lawyer to lawyer within a state; however, a contingency fee basically means that if the injured person does not recover anything, then they pay will not be required to pay their lawyer anything either. Specifically, under a contingency fee agreement, your Houston personal injury lawyer will take a predetermined percentage of any recovery they obtain for you, the client. Not only does this save you immediate out of pocket expenditures, but it also aligns your lawyer’s interests with yours, ensuring they work efficiently to get you the maximum recovery, and do not simply rack up lots of hours. 

Where do Houston Personal Injury Attorneys or Harris County Personal Injury Attorneys file cases?

Houston personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling personal injury and accident cases in both federal and state courts across the Greater Houston area. Just a few of the many courts in which Houston injury lawyers typically try cases are:

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas - Houston Division
Bob Casey United States Courthouse
515 Rusk St.reet, Room 5300, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 250-5500

Harris County 157th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6230

Harris County 164th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6264

Harris County 190th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6310

Harris County 215th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6330

Harris County 270th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6400

Harris County Multi-District Litigation Civil Court
(713) 368-6600

 

The Civil District Courts for Houston and Harris County are located at:

Harris County Civil Courthouse
201 Caroline Street, Floors 8 through 14
Houston, TX 77002

Personal Injury Attorneys Serve Houston and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

If you need a Houston Personal Injury lawyer, CALL NOW for a free initial consultation.

Houston Wrongful Death Lawyers | Houston Wrongful Death Attorney | Houston Survivor Damages Attorney

Injuries caused by the negligence of someone else give you a right to recover monetary damages to compensate you for your losses. However, if you or a loved one has suffered an injury, you likely know that money alone often cannot fully compensate for personal injury losses. Be that as it may, money is the only legal remedy available in these difficult situations and you should receive monetary damages for your loss. Houston wrongful death lawyers are experienced in assessing monetary awards and know what type of a settlement or award you might be able to expect from your claim.

When determining the value of a Houston fatality case, you must first consider the type and degree of loss or injury involved. The most severe loss is death, and there is a body of law dealing specifically with death. If your loved one has been involved in a tragic accident and died as a result, contact one of the Houston wrongful death attorneys listed on this site to discuss your options.

Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Texas wrongful death statute is found at:

The following persons qualify to file a wrongful death claim:

  1. Spouses (Ceremonial or Common Law);
  2. Children (Natural and adopted);
  3. Parents; and
  4. Estate - Under the Texas Survival Statutes, the Estate's claim is for:
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death;
  • Funeral expenses;
  • Damages for conscious pain and suffering just prior to death; and
  • In some instances, punitive damages or exemplary damages

The following persons do not qualify to file a wrongful death action under Texas law:

  1. Siblings
  2. Grandparents
  3. Persons who qualify in loco parentis

What Are the Types of Damages Available When Someone is Killed Through Negligence?

  • Mental Anguish
  • Loss of Companionship
  • Pecuniary Losses (Economic Losses)
    • Loss of inheritance
    • Loss of consortium and household services
  • Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress or Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress In some cases, Houston families may be put through severe emotional trauma and anguish due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another party. When this occurs, a Houston personal injury attorney can help them pursue a claim for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress or Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.

Houston Resources for When a Loved One Dies

After a loved one has died, the last thing on your mind should be a difficult legal battle or lawsuit. However, if the death was due to negligence, recklessness, or malicious conduct, you may feel it is your duty to take legal action. In such cases, Houston wrongful death attorneys can help you prepare your lawsuit by arranging crucial witnesses, documentation, and evidence to present a strong case on behalf of your deceased family member. After a death, you may also find yourself in charge of preparing funeral arrangements and feel overwhelmed by small details in the face of such a traumatic experience. The following resources for funeral homes and florists may be helpful as you and your family prepare to bid your loved one farewell.

Funeral Homes in the Houston area:

Crespo Funeral Home
2516 Navigation Boulevard, Houston, TX 77003
(713) 225-9567

Felix H. Morales Funeral Home
2901 Canal Street, Houston, TX 77003
(713) 223-1167

Heights Funeral Home
1317 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 862-8844

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors
1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 789-3005

McCoy & Harrison Funeral Home
4918 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Houston, TX 77021
(713) 659-7618

Cavazos Funeral Home, Inc.
2412 Little York Road, Houston, TX 77093
(713) 884-8814

Houston Area Florists:

Abby’s Flowers & Gifts
945 Mckinney, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-7788

Rosewood Flowery
4821 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 526-7673

Greenworks Flowers
711 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-0777

Breen’s Florist
1050 North Post Oak Road 280, Houston, TX 77055
(713) 227-3367

Lexis Florist
6102 Skyline Drive, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 774-8080

Fancy Flowers Houston
3823 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77027
(713) 621-7673

 

What To Do When a Loved One Dies — A Survivor’s Checklist

Houston Wrongful Death Lawyers Serve:

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

A Harris County wrongful death lawyer can help you get back on your feet after you have suffered a loss. Contact a Houston wrongful death attorney today to discuss your options.

Houston Maritime Accident & Injury Lawyer | Houston Jones Act Attorney

Maritime vessels, barges, ships, and tugs employ numerous Gulf Coast and Southeast Texas residents. If you are a Houston area injury victim who was injured while working offshore or as a seaman, contact a Houston maritime lawyer today.

Houston Jones Act Lawyers & Houston Maritime Lawyers assist clients in a broad range of maritime and offshore accidents. Maritime law extends to passengers injured on a boat, but many times involves maritime workers and seamen injured on the job. The skilled Houston maritime attorneys on this site are dedicated to pursuing your rights under the law and returning a verdict for monetary damages to help you and your family through the difficult times following an injury. If you are not a seaman or offshore employee, but have been injured in a cruise ship accident or in a recreational Houston skiing accident you should visit those pages.

Houston Maritime, Offshore & Oil Rig Injury Claims

Houston, Texas rests in the same state as one of the largest ports in the world and that is Houston, Texas. The Port of Houston is one of the largest ports in the world and services many different types of vessels.. Also, Texas has most of the large oil companies in the world. They maintain all types of maritime vessels throughout the Gulf of Mexico including crewboats, supply boats, dredges, barges and other oil relates ships.

The Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway, running from Florida all the way to the Texas Gulf Coast. These waterways allow a tremendous economic trade to take place off the coast of Houston and help maintain the city’s robust economy.

The Port of Houston is operated by the Port of Houston Authority, a sub-agency of the State of Texas. Information regarding the Port of Houston is available at: The Port of Houston. The port’s mailing address is P.O Box 2562, Houston TX 77252, and the port is located at:

The Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop North
Houston, Texas 77029
Phone: (713) 670-2400
Fax: (713) 670-2429

Countless seamen of all types, deckhands, tankermen, engineeers, OIMs, galley hands, Captains, relief captains man the vessels that constantly work in the Gulf of Mexico.Houston workers are employed on offshore oil rigs, platforms, and derricks. Inevitably, accidents on these vessels and offshore rigs sometimes cause injury to the seamen in their employment. When this happens, a variety of legal courses of action might be advisable, from a Jones Act claim, to a claim under the General Maritime Law, or, in some cases when certain Jones Act requirements are not met, a claim under the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). For advice regarding your legal rights following an injury sustained while in the employ of a vessel, contact one of the Houston maritime law attorneys listed above.

Houston maritime lawyers can help you successfully pursue a claim for compensation if you have been injured on the job. Contact an experienced Houston maritime injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

What exactly is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that covers seaman injured on the job. Before the Jones Act was passed by Congress in 1920, there were no written laws or statutes designed to protect seamen and their families in the event that they were injured on the job. Thus, injured seamen were required to resort to the “common law,” or General Maritime Law, which is the judge-made law passed down over time and slowly incorporated into the legal system. With the passage of the Jones Act, seamen were finally able to enjoy more predictable and immediate benefits when they were injured. It reads as follows:

30104. Personal injury to or death of seamen

A seaman injured in the course of employment or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer. Laws of the United States regulating recovery for personal injury to, or death of, a railway employee apply to an action under this section.

Unlike Texas workers’ comp, the Jones Act is a “fault-based” system which means the injured worker must show that the employer was negligent and/or that the vessel he was working on was “unseaworthy.” “Unseaworthiness” signifies that some condition on the vessel made it “not fit for its intended purpose.” An injured Jones Act seaman is also entitled to “maintenance and cure,” which is similar to workers’ comp, although it is not a statutory remedy like workers’ comp. Under the Jones Act, an employer can also be held liable for punitive damages for unreasonable denying payment of maintenance and/or cure benefits. Thus, the Jones Act is a tremendous tool, which allows Houston maritime attorneys successfully to pursue claims for accidents and injuries suffered by offshore workers and seamen.

What damages can an experienced Houston Maritime Lawyer get you under the Jones Act and the General Maritime Law?

In Houston, Texas, the maritime lawyer can seek damages for:

  1. Pain & Suffering;
  2. Mental Anguish;
  3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity;
  4. Medical Expenses;
  5. Physical Impairment;
  6. Physical Disfigurement; and
  7. As stated above, punitive damages for failure to maintenance & cure.

The Savings to Suitors Clause in the U.S. Constitution

The Savings to Suitors Clause is actually in Article III of the U.S. Constitution. It reads:

"The district courts shall have original jurisdiction, exclusive of the courts of the States, of:
(1) Any civil case of admiralty or maritime jurisdiction,
saving to suitors in all cases all other remedies to which they are otherwise entitled."

This was codified in 28 U.S.C. Section 1333 and it basically means that a seaman has an absolute right to file his claim in either federal court or state court without fear of removal.This is very unique to injured seamen. Courts in Houston that could hear a Jones Act claim are located at:

201 Caroline, 12th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Harris County 11th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6020

Harris County 55th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6055

Harris County 61st Civil District Court
(713) 368-6070

Harris County 165th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6270

Harris County 189th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6309

Harris County 190th Civil District Court
(713) 368-6310

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who qualifies as a Jones Act seaman?

If you have been hurt on an oil tanker like this or on any other boat, call a Houston area Maritime Lawyer today.

The Jones Act encompasses a broad range of persons into its definition of “seaman.” In addition to full-time members of the crew, masters of the vessel and other employees who have a substantial connection to the vessel will likely be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained on the job. The general rule is that any employee that spends over 30% of his or her time on a vessel in navigation (or multiple vessels that are commonly owned) will qualify for seaman status. To recover, the seaman/employee must also work on a vessel that operates on navigable waterways and is engaged in interstate commerce. On the other hand, if the employee spends time on a variety of different vessels or moves between vessels that are not commonly owned, then the employee may instead be protected under either the General Maritime Law or the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). Despite this limitation, courts have generally interpreted seaman status under the Jones Act broadly, to include a variety of workers on board vessels, including chefs, waiters, card dealers, cooks, and other entertainers and staff.

The Jones Act covers all types of maritime workers at all levels of command, including, but not limited to, Captains, First Mates, Chief Mates, Second Mates, Third Mates, Relief Captains, Deckhands, Leadmen, Wiremen, Engineers, Tankermen, etc.

An experienced Houston maritime lawyer will be familiar with these laws and can advise you of your status as either a seaman, longshoreman, or otherwise, and help you navigate the legal system regardless of whether you are technically considered a Jones Act seaman. 

Houston Tugboat Injury Lawyer & Houston Barge injury lawyer

Tugboats hauling or pushing barges in the Houston Ship Channel and in the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) constantly see injuries occur from fleeting operations or simply from persons falling on the many barges that come in and out of the tow. There are many types of barges, such as hopper, grain, coal, benzene, toluene, etc. Sometimes the wires and ratchets follow the barge and sometimes they do not. Often, the wires that are used to make tow are old and corroded or strewn about causing tripping hazards or, worse yet, are the cause of many traumatic foot and ankle amputations. Contact a competent Houston towboat injury attorney today if you’ve been injured and believe you qualify as a Jones Act seaman.

Houston Dredge Injury Lawyer

Dredge work is one of the hardest and most dangerous types of maritime work. One reason is that the dredge places their dredge lines in what is normally an area busy with maritime traffic. At night, too many collisions occur because of either improper lighting on the dredge or inexperienced yachtsmen who don’t know the maritime rules of the road. For a complete COLREGS U.S.C.G. manual on Navigation, including lighting, click here. If you need a dredge injury lawyer or dredge collision lawyer, contact one of the Houston maritime attorneys on this page.

Why do I need an Experienced Houston Maritime Attorney to represent me in my Jones Act or General Maritime Law case?

Both the Jones Act and the General Maritime Law can be extremely complex. Numerous legal questions must be answered, and complicated tests govern jurisdiction, “vessel in navigation” status, as well as seaman status under the law. Additionally, the amount of recovery an injured seaman is entitled to will likely differ based on the facts of each case.

Very few attorneys specialize in maritime law; however, Texas is lucky to have some of the most experienced maritime lawyers in the country and their expertise can help you obtain the judgment you deserve. Contact one of the expert Houston maritime attorneys listed above for a consultation regarding your rights.

How long do you have to file a Jones Act or General Maritime Law claim?

Generally, both Jones Act claims for maintenance and cure or General Maritime Law claims for unseaworthiness against a vessel owner may be filed up to three (3) years from the date of injury.

Contact an experienced Houston maritime lawyer immediately upon being injured
to be advised of your legal rights.

Other Helpful Information & Links:

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)

Texas Department of Transportation - Houston District
7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007
P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251

U.S. Department of Transportation - Houston Office
8701 S. Gessner Drive #1110, Houston, Texas 77074
(713) 272-2859

U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Houston - Galveston Command Center
9640 Clinton Drive, Houston, Texas 77029
(713) 671-5133

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Houston - Galveston Office
1042 Highway 6 S, Houston, Texas 77077
(281) 752-2600

Houston Ship Channel Security District

Texas House Bill 3011 established the Houston Ship Channel Security District (HSCD).  Information regarding the HSCD’s most recent meetings and a list of their upcoming activities and meetings are available at: www.hscsd.org.

If you have been injured on the job while working on a boat as a seaman, you will need medical care. Houston has some very good doctors and hospitals. You may need to seek medical care at one of the following local hospitals:

Memorial Hermann Hospital
6411 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 704-9077
The Methodist Hospital
6565 Fannin
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 790-3311
Spring Branch Medical Center
8850 Long Point Road
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 722-3705
Texas Orthopedic Hospital
7401 South Main
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 799-8600


Houston Jones Act Injury Law Firms serve

Clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

Rest assured that an experienced Harris County maritime law or Jones Act attorney will be familiar with both federal and state laws and will have the expertise necessary to aggressively pursue your claim and get you the financial recovery you deserve. Contact one of the qualified Houston lawyers on this site today.

Houston Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers | Houston Cruise Ship Injury Attorneys

Houston Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers | Harris County Texas Cruise Ship Injury Attorneys

Cruise ships like this one leave Galveston all the time on cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. If you or a loved one has been injured or harmed on a cruise, call a Houston cruise ship lawyer today.

When you go on vacation, you want peace, fun, and relaxation. This can be particularly true for Houston residents, who want to escape the dry and dusty landscape of Central Texas. If you work and drive in Houston, you are probably trying to go to an exotic place to escape the daily grind experienced in daily activities like work and chores that make up the day for most people in the Houston and Harris County areas. A cruise, for many people, can be the ideal escape for getting some much needed rest and relaxation.

Carnival Cruise Injury Lawyer & Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Injury Attorneys in Houston

Carnival Cruise Lines is one of the major cruise line servicing the Port of Galveston and many Houston residents may travel to Galveston to depart for their cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean International is the other main cruise line servicing Galveston, TX, which is the port most Houston residents depart from on their cruise vacations. The three main vessels serving the Port of Galveston are:

Carnival Ecstasy

Carnival Conquest

Cruise ships like this depart the Gulf Coast from ports like the Port of Galveston, bound for cruises in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Houston Cruise Ship Lawyers know how to handle all sorts of cruise ship injury claims and can get you the compensation you deserve.

Royal Caribbean - Voyager of the Seas


Whether you have been injured in a recreational boating accident, as a member of a crew, or as a passenger on a commercial cruise ship, Houston personal injury lawyers are here to help you.

What are some common claims made against cruise lines?

  1. Slip & Fall Injuries due to wet or uneven surfaces aboard the ship, or due to the ship’s maneuvering;
  2. Swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, and similar accidents on the ship;
  3. Injuries due to dangerous conditions anywhere on the cruise ship
  4. Injuries sustained at ports of call during excursions arranged and approved by the cruise line
  5. Contaminated food eaten on the ship, which may cause food poisoning or severe illness
  6. Physical and sexual assault and abuse by crew members employed by the cruise ship company
  7. Injuries due to Medical Negligence when people are treated on board a ship or when an ill person is left behind for treatment at a port in a foreign country and receives inadequate care, improper diagnosis, or improper treatment

Why hire a Houston, TX Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer?

As mentioned, fine print and legal jargon are pervasive on cruise line tickets and your legal rights are at stake. For example, if you become sick or injured while on board the ship and you believe the cruise ship company is to blame, you may only have six (6) months to assert a claim. Call one of the experienced Texas cruise ship lawyers listed above for a free initial consultation.

What if I have been injured while working aboard a cruise ship or other vessel?

If you are an employee of a cruise line injured on the job, or any other type of worker aboard a cruise ship, barge, container ship, oil rig, tug, or any other type of vessel, you may have a Jones Act claim against your employer. Jones Act claims are the maritime equivalent of workers’ compensation, but may allow for other damages. 

Deaths on the High Sea Act (DOHSA) - Wrongful Death at Sea Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one on a cruise ship accident or other death aboard a vessel, contact a Houston cruise ship injury lawyer today.

The Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, applies to any death occurring beyond 3 nautical miles from the shore of any State or U.S. Territory. Liability under DOHSA may be premised on a variety of legal theories, including negligence, unseaworthiness if the decedent was a seaman, intentional conduct, strict liability, or products liability. Moreover, DOHSA is a broad Act that applies to nearly all decedents whose death occurred on the high seas no matter if they are maritime workers or non-maritime workers. One notable exception is that workers on certain oil rigs or platforms may be covered instead under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). DOHSA may also apply to aviation accidents that occur beyond 12 nautical miles from the U.S. shore. In these cases, application of DOHSA may actually limit recovery for the families of those killed in a plane crash from those in a general wrongful death case. In addition to other types of maritime deaths, Houston Maritime Attorneys experienced in DOHSA will know how best to handle an aviation accident at sea and can help you if you have suffered such a loss.

What all this means for you if your loved one died aboard a cruise ship or other type of boat beyond 3 nautical miles from the U.S. shore is complicated. It is absolutely critical that you act quickly and hire an experienced Houston cruise ship lawyer to fight the cruise line on your behalf.

Resources for Houston Texas Cruise Ship Injury Victims:

Ports in Houston & Galveston:

Port of Houston
1515 East Barbours Cut Boulevard
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-2219

Port of Galveston
123 25th Street 8
Galveston, TX 77550
(281) 286-2484

 

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA)
910 SE 17th Street, Suite 400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(754) 224-2200
info@cruising.org

Cruise Line Links:

Carnival Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International

Houston Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers Serve:

Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

Houston Tractor Trailer Wreck Lawyer | Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas

Houston Truck Accident Lawyer & Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys


Houston trucking injury lawyers will know all the laws related to truck drivers and trucking companies and will hold them to those laws. Houston truck wreck attorneys will take an oral deposition of the truck driver. Among many things that will be asked, the Houston trucking attorney will probably cover the following areas:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that Apply in Houston, Texas
The Validity of the Truck Driver's CDL Has the Truck Driver Had a Suspended License in the Past? Did the Trucking Company Have a FMCSA Compliance Policy in Place? Did the Trucking Company Run a Violations Background Check on the Driver? Was the Truck Driver Fatigued?
Prior Driving Violations by the Truck Driver

The Amount of Available Truck Insurance Coverage

Did the Trucking Company Require the Semi Driver to Follow Driving Regulations? Did the Trucking Company Perform a Truck Driver Road Test? Did the Truck Driver Meet the Physical Requirements to be a Truck Driver?
Was a Pre-Trip Inspection Performed? Did the Truck Company have the Correct Amount of Insurance in Force? Did the Truck Driver Have Certain Drugs in His Body? Did the Truck Driver Use Alcohol? Was the 18 Wheeler Driver Scheduled in a way that He Would Violate Driving Hours?

Texas has its own set of Commercial Motor Vehicle Rules & Regulations found in the Texas Transportation Code, Title 7, Sub-Title F, Chapters 642 through 648. They are as follows:

A commercial truck driver must possess a Commercial Drivers' License, CDL, and the test is administered by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Below is a list of those locations:

Texas DMV Locations in and around Houston, Texas
Harris County Tax Assessor
1001 Preston Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 368-2000
Houston Dacoma DPS
4545 Dacoma
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 683-0541
Houston Tidwell DPS
8825 Tidwell
Houston, TX 77078
(713) 633-9872
Houston Winkler DPS
9206 Winkler Drive
Houston, TX 77017
(713) 943-0631
Houston Townhurst DPS
1601 Townhurst
Houston, TX 77043
(713) 465-8462
 

Tractor Trailer Trucking Injury Attorneys in Houston serve:

Clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.

Houston FELA Railroad Injury Attorneys | Harris County FELA Railroad Injury Lawsuit

This train derailment is typical of the type of event that might injure a railroad worker in the Houston area. If you have been injured on a train or while working for a railroad, call a Houston FELA and Railroad Lawyer today.

At the dawn of the 20th century, railroad workers were experiencing an alarming rate of personal injury and death. Due to public outcry, Congress passed the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), in 1908 to protect and compensate railroad workers and their families for both personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from railroad-related accidents. FELA is a federal statute that now protects railroad workers not only in Houston, Texas, but also in railroad injury accidents across the nation.

As a general matter, FELA provides compensation to railroad workers injured on the job. Unlike general worker’s compensation claims, which are generally “no fault,” FELA establishes a fault-based system in which the injured worker must show that the employer was negligent. Thus, the injured worker must generally prove that the railroad failed to provide a safe workplace. However, there are special areas in FELA that act like strict liability – for example, where a defective object or condition at the workplace injures someone on the job. Significantly, there is no monetary cap placed on the amount of compensation granted to railroad injury victims under FELA. Houston railroad injury attorneys and Harris County railroad injury attorneys represent a variety of different railroad workers in Houston, Texas railroad injury claims, providing them with quality legal services and getting them the compensation they deserve.

What types of railroad injury victims can a Houston Railroad Injury Attorney help?

This rail worker faces many dangers every day. If you have been injured while working for a railroad company, call a Houston FELA attorney now.All types of railway workers come under FELA’s compensation scheme, including:

  • Engineers
  • Maintenance of way workers
  • Brakemen
  • Firemen
  • Switchmen
  • Welders
  • Maintenance workers
  • Mechanics
  • Conductors
  • Signalmen
  • Yardmasters
  • Other railroad workers

Houston railroad injuries occur every day, and if you or a loved one has been injured or killed while working for a railroad in any of these capacities, don’t hesitate to contact a Houston FELA attorney regarding your claim for legal compensation and damages.

Houston FELA attorneys and other Harris County FELA attorneys can help you pursue a claim for railroad workers’ compensation if you have been injured in any of these ways. Houston FELA lawyers can assist injured employees of any Houston area railway and, notably, can assist injured workers in a lawsuit stemming from a Houston Union Pacific Railroad injury or Harris County Burlington Northern & Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad injury.

What must a Houston railroad worker prove to maintain a successful FELA action?

An injury victim, whether in Houston, TX, Harris County, or anywhere else in the country, must meet three basic requirements to recover damages under FELA’s compensation scheme. The Houston FELA attorney must show:

  1. The accident happened in the course and scope of employment for the railroad.
  2. The railroad must be engaged in "interstate commerce"; and
  3. The railroad company must have caused or contributed to the injuries sustained. The injured employee must prove negligence. "Negligence" can be from a co-worker and/or from a faulty piece of equipment.

Call a Houston FELA lawyer today for help pursuing your claim.

Keep in mind that recovery under FELA is granted instead of recovery under Texas state workers’ compensation statutes, and no double recovery is permitted. FELA allows monetary payouts for pain and suffering, decided by juries based on comparative negligence rather than according to a pre-determined benefits schedule, such as that used in ordinary workers’ compensation cases. For more information on personal injury damages generally, visit our Damages page. An Houston FELA attorney will be able to explain what types of compensation you may be entitled to and get you the maximum recovery possible.

How long do you have to file a claim under FELA?  What is the applicable Statute of Limitations for Texas railroad injuries?

FELA places a time limitation on the filling of claims that dates three (3) years from the date of the accident/injury. The time period as to when the statute of limitations begin to run is a question in cumulative injury claims so it is always best to immediately seek a lawyer when you first think your aches and pains are work related.

Are Houston and Harris County, Texas, railroad workers eligible for any other type of compensation?

Trains injure rail workers every day. If you have been injured in a rail related incident in the Houston area, call a Houston railroad lawyer today.

One way you might be entitled to additional compensation is through the United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), which is a co-equal agency to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois at 844 N. Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611. For more information regarding railroad disability benefits through the RRB, consult the U.S Railroad Retirement Board’s website.

Railroad Union Attorneys and Designated Legal counsel "DLC"

There is an active set of unions in the rail industry. Just some of the unions are:

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers or BLE    
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees or BMWE    
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman or BRS    

The unions have a process of selecting lawyers to be what is called "DLC". If you are hurt, you do not have to employ a DLC union counsel. You should select an attorney that you believe will work hard for you and your family. Sometimes, union members will try to persuade you to employ only DLC. If you like the DLC, then employ them. But if you like a non DLC Houston. Texas railroad injury attorney, employ them. Just get someone that is a competent and hard working FELA attorney on your side. Recently, the BLE announced that is was no longer going to use the DLC process.

In Texas, the Union Pacific Railroad is extremely active and maintains its Texas headquarters in downtown Houston. Additionally, the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) is another national railway that is headquartered in Ft. Worth, Texas. Contact information for these and other railroads’ Texas headquarters are as follows:

Union Pacific Railroad
402 Harrington Street
Houston, Texas 77009
(713) 227-2982

BNSF Railway
2650 Lou Menk Drive
Forth Worth, Texas 76131
(817) 352-1000
Houston Amtrak
902 Washington Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 224-1577

Port Terminal Railroad Association
8934 Manchester Street
Houston, Texas
(713) 393-6500

Houston railroad accident attorneys serve Houston and surrounding cities

Serving clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Aldine, Baytown, Bellaire, Beaumont, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Conroe, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, League City, Magnolia, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Porter, Sealy, South Houston, Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, The Woodlands, Waller, West University, and other communities in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County.