The Maritime Blog

Working on a dredger can be a dangerous job. With little room for error, an unexpected dredging accident can leave you reeling in pain. While severe lacerations or broken bones are undoubtedly painful, a neck injury can be absolutely life-changing. A neck injury can be devastating, and depending on its severity, can lead to permanent…

Since 1920, the Merchant Marine Act, also commonly known as the Jones Act, has protected shipyard workers as well as seamen working on ships and vessels traveling from American port to American port. Your Gulf Coast maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns believe that it is important for you to fully understand the effects and…

The truth is that there is no easy answer when it comes to the question of whether a barge worker is a seaman under the Jones Act. Many factors come into play when defining a seaman under the Jones Act and each individual claim has its own specific conditions. That’s why it is important to…

It is said it is necessary to study the past if we wish to plan for the future. The National Transportation Safety Board released their “Safer Seas Digest 2017” in November of 2018 and highlighted major accidents that had occurred in recent years as well as lessons learned from the incidents. With the new year…

In July of this year, a horrible tragedy took place in Branson, Missouri, when a duck boat capsized in Table Rock Lake. Sadly, 17 lives were lost in the accident – including 9 from the same family – and several other individuals were injured. The incident took place as a result of rough waters caused…

As if the job of oil rig workers wasn’t hazardous enough, research has shown a spike in the number of oil drilling accidents in recent years. This is in correlation to the increased production of oil in the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the production of crude oil grew substantially from…

Working offshore as a seaman can be a very lucrative career. But just as it is profitable, it is also very dangerous. Brain and head injuries are some of the most horrific injuries a seaman can suffer. They happen often in the maritime industry, and while some accidents are unavoidable, many others would have never…

Offshore work is one of the most dangerous jobs in America and requires vessel owners to ensure the safest working conditions to diminish any potential risk to employees. Unfortunately, some employers may skip out on providing the maintenance the vessel needs or avoid updating equipment as needed. This negligence can result in unsafe working conditions….

Working as an offshore fisherman is not easy and comes with risks that are not found in the average job. These risks greatly increase when employers are negligent or fail to provide adequate working conditions for their laborers. The Houston maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns understand these difficulties and care for your well-being. We…

Being a maritime or offshore worker is not easy. The job comes with many challenges, tough working conditions, and exposure to dangerous situations. On top of that, maritime law can make it challenging for individuals who have been injured on the job. The Houston maritime attorneys at Lapeze & Johns care for your well-being and…

This past June, the U.S. Coast Guard established new regulations for towing and tug vessels meant to improve safety standards. These new regulations were published under 46 CFR Subchapter M and state that vessels must undergo inspections by the Coast Guard or an authorized third party. The Houston maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns want…

The Incident On June 27, 2018, two offshore workers suffered severe injuries while another was was pronounced dead after an offshore accident occurred on the Arenque Oil Platform, 30 kilometers out from Mexico’s Gulf Coast near Tamaulipas. Assistance was provided by the Mexican Red Cross at the dock of the Commsa Company near Ciudad Madero….

There is no doubt that the oil and gas industry is a serious money-making business, and one that projects to continue to expand. This July saw the production of crude oil in the US pass 11 million barrels per day, setting a new national record. While the potential for the economy is intriguing, to say…

The offshore oil and gas industry brings in a lot of money and employment opportunities for the United States. Although the industry creates many jobs for workers along the Gulf Coast and throughout Texas, the hazardous nature of the maritime industry can result in severe injuries or even death. Offshore work on oil rigs, gas…

There are many forms of public transportation for people looking to save time, money, or who just want to avoid driving. While most people will think of buses, taxis, or even railway, for those of us living along the Gulf Coast or near large bodies of water, ferries are another option. Ferries – whether used…

The nature of offshore careers makes maritime workers susceptible to many health and injury risks. Maritime workers can suffer from serious wounds that can become susceptible to deadly infections. The Houston maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns want you to know how important it is to be aware of the possible injuries you may face…

The Houston maritime attorneys at Lapeze & Johns offer our deepest condolences and concerns to the families and individuals that have been affected by the recent boat tragedy in Missouri. Should you ever face such a tragic incident, know that you are not alone. Our experienced maritime attorneys are here to offer our services to…

Maritime workers perform some of the toughest and most dangerous jobs in the world. Because of the type of machinery used aboard maritime vessels, safety precautions and measures are of the utmost importance to workers. Some of the most severe accidents occur as a result of mooring line accidents. Because of the immense amount of…

Workers that are assigned as fire watch workers are the first ones to protect other workers and themselves from disaster while doing “hot work”. Hot work is anything that involves welding, burning, riveting, grinding, or the use of a tool that produces a fire or sparks. Our Houston maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns are…

Commercial fishing vessels are among the most dangerous workplaces in the U.S. In fact, the CDC reports that workers in the commercial fishing industry have a mortality rate that is 35 percent higher than that of all other workers in the United States. Unpredictable weather, powerful machinery, heavy loads, exposure to the elements, and distance…

A new legal precedent was set earlier this year when the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that injured fishermen and seamen are able to seek punitive damages under maritime. While other court decisions had determined that plaintiffs did not have the right to seek compensation, this new ruling affirmed that if a shipowner…

All employers have a responsibility to create as safe a work environment as possible, but this is especially true for sea vessel owners, as maritime workers have a higher-than-average rate of injury. One area that is often overlooked when considering workplace safety for maritime workers is the gap between the ship and the dock. Whether…

Maritime law, or admiralty law, is a specific area of the law that governs all activities, vessels, and offenses that occur on navigable waters. This includes oceans, rivers, and lakes, as well as unloading or loading ships and vessels inshore. Along with governing the shipping or oil drilling industry, this area of law also pertains…

In this modern era, sea vessels should be safer than ever. Advanced technology has innovated the materials and design of vessels to ensure their maximum safety. Owners of these vessels must ensure that their ships are seaworthy by maintaining them according to safety standards. When vessels are compromised and pose a danger to the maritime…

While maritime work can be appealing because it offers steady employment and solid pay, it can also be a very hazardous occupation. Many maritime workers are exposed to highly toxic chemicals that can have long-term effects on their health, increase the risk for certain diseases, and even cause death. Although there are laws in place…

Tugboats may be small in size compared to other vessels but they are among the most powerful and busy ships in the maritime industry. Tugboats provide a wide range of important services, from towing cruise ships and other large vessels in and out of harbors to rescuing ships or oil rigs that have been stranded…

Even with safety guidelines in place, working in offshore oil drilling is a dangerous occupation. With the goal of America achieving “energy dominance,” the current White House administration has made a few bold moves in repealing some of its predecessor’s efforts to make offshore drilling safer. Employees of offshore oil operations already report some of…

Working on an offshore oil rig can be an exciting – and financially rewarding – career but it is also a very dangerous vocation. The important work done on oil rigs is often complicated by weather. Stormy seas and high winds pose extreme danger to workers on an offshore oil rig, so injuries and accidents…

Going on a cruise is supposed to be an opportunity to get away from the humdrum of everyday life and leave your worries behind. Of course, no one wants to get hurt on vacation. Unfortunately, the Houston maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns have seen serious injuries occur when individuals are just looking to relax…

Tragedy struck in an Indian shipyard recently where an explosion snuffed out the lives of five of its workers and injured at least 10 others. The blast occurred at the Cochin Shipyard, inside of the water tank of a drilling vessel named Sagar Bhushan that had been brought in for repairs. At Lapeze & Johns,…

Maritime accidents can have serious and sometimes deadly consequences, and because these incidents occur in offshore waters, you may be unsure of your rights when it comes to filing an injury or wrongful death claim. Between 2006 and 2015, 810 casualties were reported in the Gulf of Mexico involving large shipping vessels with the top…

Shipyard work isn’t your typical 9 to 5 job and the work demands much more than mere attendance. Often times, one wrong move can spell grievous injury – or worse. That’s why when you are involved in a maritime accident, you need a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers. With a 98% successful resolution rate…

It’s no secret that maritime occupations aren’t for the faint of heart. These jobs demand respect and caution. One wrong step could mean death. These conditions are made worse when winter comes along. With over 20 years of experience, our Gulf Coast maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns have seen their fair share of accidents…

There are few things in life that can be as difficult as becoming involved in a maritime personal injury lawsuit. The Texas maritime lawyers at Lapeze & Johns have over 35 years of experience in maritime suits and personal injury, and we have learned that the complexity of this field of law requires the guidance…

Offshore injuries are some of the most dangerous injury cases out there. With the threat of such accidents like rig explosions and boating incidents, understanding when your injury is considered an offshore injury for the company will help you immensely. Unfortunately, sometimes the process is muddled in law jargon, and is tough to traverse without…

Liability and injuries on land are more common than watercraft injuries to the average person going about their daily lives. While we don’t wish for watercraft injuries on anyone, they do occur and it’s something we all understand can happen to just about any person. When they do occur, it is usually pretty easy for…

Oil rig jobs are notoriously dangerous and deadly yet its still a popular career choice in Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, and across the country. Still, work on an oil rig is diverse, and each type of job comes with its own salary, duties, and risks. Some opportunities include: Roustabouts. Roustabouts are responsible for both…

Oil rig explosions have become an unfortunate occurrence in the offshore drilling industry. Oil rig fires and explosions cause some of the most catastrophic injuries and environmental damage. Injuries from these incidents can cause total body burns, amputations, smoke inhalation injuries, and many times, death. Here is an outline of some of the most tragic…

The offshore drilling market accounts for a huge amount of the world’s wealth. The opening of the U.S. Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico for offshore oil exploration will have significant effects on the United States. This development is expected to generate an additional $70 billion per year for the U.S. economy and create…

To someone who has never heard the terms before, longshoreman and seaman may seem like two words for the same type of worker. In fact, they differ significantly in their duties, location of work, and the laws that protect them from injury. What Are Seamen? How Are They Protected? You are considered a seaman if…

What Is the Jones Act? The Jones Act was first enacted at a federal level in 1920. It is, essentially, an act that allows people who work offshore to sue an employer after a work-related injury. Unlike the majority of people who work on land, seamen are not protected by worker’s compensation or other administrations….

Offshore injuries are some of the most significant and devastating types of workplace injuries. Many times, they lead to long-term severe injury or death. Working on an offshore vessel comes with its risks, as employees are exposed to unsafe work conditions, heavy and dangerous machinery, and fires. A five-year study by the U.S. Bureau of…

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects maritime employees that are not out at sea. The Jones Act was made to protect seamen and other employees on “navigable” vessels because they are not otherwise protected under injury law. The LHWCA extends similar rights to employees still considered maritime workers but are not on…

The Jones Act was designed to protect commercial fisherman and other seamen in the event of an injury on the job. State workers’ compensation laws do not protect seamen, so this federal act was enacted in 1920 so seamen would have a way of collecting compensation for their injuries. Just like any other injury claim,…

The Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Claim Act (LHWCA) protects maritime workers injured in onshore accidents. Unlike the Jones Act, the LHWCA protects employees that work on dry-docked ships and in shipyards. The LHWCA is similar to a traditional workers’ compensation claim because it covers medical expenses and offers disability benefits. However, LHWCA claims are…