Houston Maritime Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

The working conditions in the maritime industry can be extremely hazardous. Factors such as defective equipment, improper safety procedures, and negligent employers also make the work environment unsafe, posing various injury risks. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the injuries workers may suffer.

Johnson Garcia represents maritime workers and the families of those who have suffered TBI while on the job. Our attorneys understand the impact a TBI can have, from cognitive problems to costly medical care, and that you need compensation to address such challenges. With over 35 years of experience, we have successfully helped our clients in Houston and all across Texas recover fair compensation for such injuries.

At Johnson Garcia, our Houston traumatic brain injury lawyers are ready to protect your legal rights as we help you understand how maritime laws work. Call 832-844-6700 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let our maritime TBI lawyers in Houston help you seek the financial recovery you deserve.

Common Causes of Maritime Brain Injuries

The maritime industry is fast-paced, and accidents can result from faulty equipment or human error. A brain injury could result if a heavy object strikes someone’s head while performing work-related tasks. Common causes of maritime brain injuries include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Improper safety training or violation of safety guidelines
• Battery or physical assault
• Improperly stored or loose cargo
• Crane accidents
• Improperly secured equipment
• Heavy machinery and heavy equipment accidents
• Lack of safety equipment
• Lack of proper personal protective equipment
• Deferred or neglected maintenance of a vessel’s equipment and gear

Head injuries are severe and can result in traumatic brain injuries — a common cause of disability and death in adults. Ensure you seek immediate medical attention and routine follow-up care if you suffer a head or traumatic brain injury in a maritime accident. Our Houston maritime lawyers can handle your TBI case while you rest and recover after suffering a brain injury.

Types of Maritime Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can be minor or severe. The different types of brain injuries include the following:

Concussions

A concussion is a common head injury, often caused by a blow to the head. These injuries should not be overlooked since multiple concussions can cause progressive harm. Maritime workers from Houston who suffer concussions should rest to allow their brains to heal before resuming work.

Open Head Injuries

Open head injuries result from skull fracturing, which can occur when foreign objects pierce the brain and skull. These injuries can cause bleeding and strain on the brain.

Closed Head Injuries

The skull does not fracture or crack when one suffers a closed head injury. This type of injury can result in bruising or swelling of the brain and is often more challenging to diagnose than an open-head injury, but it can be equally dangerous.

Common Maritime Brain Injury Symptoms

Maritime brain injury symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some individuals may experience symptoms right after or several days, weeks, months, or even years after the injury. The following are some of the common maritime brain injury symptoms that injured maritime workers may experience:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Loss of memory and concentration
• Loss of vision

Maritime Laws Affecting Offshore TBI Cases

Due to the distinct set of maritime laws that apply to maritime injuries, injured maritime workers file lawsuits in a different way than those who were involved in other personal injury accidents. When you suffer a TBI, seek legal counsel from experienced Houston maritime TBI lawyers who will fight to ensure you recover the best possible compensation.

Johnson Garcia’s maritime attorneys represent clients injured in:

• Fall overboard
• Deck accidents
• Oil platform accidents
• Cargo ship accidents
• Cruise ship accidents
• Commercial fishing accidents
• Barge and tugboat accidents
• Shipyard accidents
• Dredge accidents
• Jack-up rig accidents

While maritime laws are complex, our Houston traumatic brain injury lawyers have handled countless maritime injury cases and are familiar with all maritime laws. We will help you understand which admiralty laws apply to your situation and guide you through the claims process. The following are examples of maritime laws:

The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal law offering seamen the statutory right to sue their employer for personal injury damages. Workers must spend at least 30 percent of their time working on the vessel to qualify for compensation under this act.

Seaman’s Right to Maintenance And Cure

An injured seaman is entitled to receive maintenance and cure benefits from their employer during their recovery. Maintenance includes the seaman’s homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, mortgage, or rent, while cure covers medical costs related to the work injury.

The Death on High Seas Act

The Death on High Seas Act (DOHSA) guarantees that a personal representative of the deceased party can bring a claim when a wrongful act or neglect on the high seas causes an individual’s death.

How Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help After Maritime Accidents

Victims who suffer TBIs in a maritime accident may face a future full of uncertainty, especially when the effects persist. Adjusting to life can be challenging and expensive since the expenses related to your injury will add up quickly. Financial consequences may include lost wages, medical costs, and rehabilitation programs.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the total annual nonfatal TBI healthcare cost is over $40.6 billion, with over 2 million nonfatal injuries linked to TBIs.

TBIs are not only expensive, but the cases can also involve complex medical and legal issues. You should not bear the financial responsibility of a TBI if a negligent maritime company caused your injury. Our dedicated attorneys have successfully helped victims and their families recover financial compensation for TBIs and can also help you:

• Investigate the cause of your TBI to determine liability.
• Obtain maintenance and cure benefits to pay medical bills until medical recovery is complete.
• Handle every aspect of the case while you focus on recovery.
• Consult with medical experts so we can build a strong case.
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Represent you during the trial, if necessary

We use our knowledge of maritime laws to uphold the rights of victims hurt while working maritime jobs and do everything to ensure they recover the maximum possible compensation.

Protect Your Rights After an Accident at Sea With a Houston Maritime TBI Lawyer

Maritime workers are exposed to dire, unsafe working conditions. Besides the natural dangers associated with the job, human negligence and error also jeopardize their health as much, if not more. Suffering TBIs can prevent workers from getting back to work.

Let Johnson Garcia help if you or a loved one have suffered a TBI while on the job. Our experienced Houston maritime TBI lawyers will fight to protect your legal rights, file a lawsuit, and go to trial if we cannot settle with the insurance company. Fill out our online form or call 832-844-6700 to schedule a free consultation with our Houston traumatic brain injury lawyers.