Top Rated Texas Longshoreman injury Law Firm – Grossman Attorneys
If you’ve been injured working at a Texas port, shipyard, or dock, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need an attorney who understands the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and knows how to fight for the full benefits you deserve under federal law.
Grossman Attorneys at Law has spent years representing longshoremen and maritime workers across Texas. We know how to stand up to insurance companies that try to deny or minimize legitimate claims, and we’re prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure fair compensation. You’ve worked hard to support your family, and a serious injury shouldn’t leave you struggling to pay medical bills or make ends meet. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights and your future.
Understanding the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
If you’ve been injured while working on a Texas dock, shipyard, or harbor facility, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) likely provides your path to financial recovery. This federal law establishes a workers’ compensation system specifically designed for maritime workers who don’t qualify as seamen under the Jones Act.
Understanding whether you’re covered under the LHWCA, what benefits you can claim, and how this law differs from other maritime protections is essential to securing the full compensation you deserve. The LHWCA provides no-fault medical and wage-replacement benefits funded by employers or insurers, and covered workers may choose their own treating physician under the Act’s medical benefits rules.
What is LHWCA Coverage?
When you’re injured while working on the docks, at a harbor, or in another maritime setting, understanding your rights under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) can make the difference between receiving the full benefits you’re entitled to and settling for less than you deserve.
The LHWCA’s coverage scope extends to maritime workers injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas like piers, terminals, and shipyards. If you qualify, you can receive weekly benefits for lost wages, full medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and compensation for permanent disabilities. These benefits continue throughout your recovery period. Administration of claims and benefits is handled by the OWCP and DLHWC, which oversee filing, processing, and dispute resolution under the LHWCA.
Who Qualifies for LHWCA Benefits?
Understanding coverage is only part of the equation, you also need to know whether you actually qualify for LHWCA protection.
Eligibility Criteria depend on two main factors: your job duties and work location. You must be engaged in maritime employment on navigable waters or adjoining areas like piers, docks, or terminals. Covered Employment includes longshoremen, harbor workers, ship repairers, shipbuilders, and shipbreakers. Even if you work temporarily in these areas, you may qualify. The specific circumstances of your injury and employment determine your eligibility, making legal guidance essential for Texas maritime workers seeking benefits.
Covered locations can include dry docks, shipyards, and marine railways, as well as other adjoining areas customarily used for vessel-related activities.
How Does LHWCA Differ from Other Maritime Laws?
Although maritime law might seem like a single unified system, it’s actually a complex framework of different statutes that protect different types of workers in different situations.
Comparative definitions help clarify these distinctions: the LHWCA covers harbor workers on docks and piers, while the Jones Act protects seamen working aboard vessels. Jurisdictional differences determine which law applies to your case—LHWCA provides administrative benefits through the Department of Labor, whereas Jones Act claims proceed as traditional lawsuits in federal court.
Understanding these variations guarantees you pursue compensation under the correct statute for your specific circumstances.
Major Ports and Maritime Facilities in Texas
Port of Houston
The Port of Houston is located along the Houston Ship Channel in Harris County, serving the greater Houston metropolitan area. Major companies operating at the facility include ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and numerous international shipping lines. The port specializes in petrochemicals, crude oil, refined petroleum products, containerized cargo, steel, and breakbulk commodities.
The Port of Houston handles over 275 million tons of cargo annually, ranking first nationally in total waterborne tonnage and first in foreign tonnage. The facility supports approximately 1.35 million jobs throughout Texas and generates $339 billion in economic impact statewide. Recent infrastructure investments exceed $1 billion, including channel deepening and widening projects to accommodate larger vessels and improve operational efficiency. These port activity statistics are compiled in the USACE’s annual WCUS report, which draws from the Oracle Waterborne System and LPMS data.
Port of Corpus Christi
The Port of Corpus Christi is situated on Corpus Christi Bay in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas. Key operators include Cheniere Energy, Voestalpine Texas, M&G Chemicals, and numerous crude oil export terminals. The port primarily handles crude oil exports, liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, wind energy equipment, and agricultural products.
The Port of Corpus Christi moves approximately 167 million tons of cargo annually, ranking third nationally by total tonnage and first in U.S. crude oil exports. The port supports over 47,000 jobs and contributes more than $28 billion annually to the regional economy. Major infrastructure developments include the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project, a $327 million investment to deepen and widen the channel to 54 feet.
Port of Beaumont
The Port of Beaumont is located along the Neches River in Jefferson County in Southeast Texas. Major tenants include ExxonMobil, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Total Petrochemicals, and Huntsman Corporation. The facility specializes in military cargo, crude oil, chemicals, liquefied petroleum gas, steel products, and project cargo for the energy sector.
The Port of Beaumont handles approximately 86 million tons of cargo annually, ranking eighth nationally in total tonnage and first in military cargo by volume. The port generates nearly $4 billion in annual economic impact and supports over 18,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. Recent investments include $100 million in terminal improvements and expanding capacity for petrochemical and refined product shipments.
Common Longshore and Dock Worker Accidents in Texas
When cargo operations run continuously across Texas’s massive port facilities, dock workers face serious injury risks every shift. Understanding the most common accidents helps you recognize when an employer’s negligence contributed to your injuries.
Frequent maritime workplace accidents include:
- Slip and fall incidents caused by inadequate dock lighting and wet surfaces from chemical spills
- Cargo handling injuries from improperly secured containers and malfunctioning cranes
- Repetitive strain conditions developing from continuous manual lifting without proper rest periods
Poor footwear policies and missing fall protection equipment often worsen these preventable accidents, leaving workers with serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. OSHA highlights additional hazards at marine terminals, including struck-by risks, vehicle collisions, and exposure to harmful substances.
Longshore and Port Worker Injury Statistics in Texas
Working in Texas ports means facing injury risks that exceed most other industries, yet precise state-level statistics for longshore workers remain surprisingly scarce. National data shows water transportation sectors consistently report higher-than-average injury rates.
Texas compounds these hazards with extreme conditions:
- Heat exposure causes one in seven severe workplace injuries statewide, particularly affecting outdoor port operations
- Equipment maintenance failures and forklift accidents account for roughly 24% of catastrophic injuries
- Worker turnover and inadequate training programs contribute to preventable accidents in this high-hazard sector
Texas reports over 14,600 severe workplace injuries from 2015-2024, with maritime work representing disproportionate risk. The water transportation industry’s fatality rate is 4.7 times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers, underscoring the elevated risks faced by Texas longshore and port workers.
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Compensation Available for Longshoremen in Texas
When you're injured while working as a longshoreman in Texas, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act provides several types of compensation designed to cover your losses and support your recovery.
Understanding what benefits you're entitled to can help you evaluate whether a settlement offer truly addresses your needs or falls short of full compensation. The law recognizes that maritime injuries affect not just your immediate medical costs, but your long-term earning capacity and your family's financial security.
Medical Benefits
Understanding your right to medical benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act can make a significant difference in your recovery after a workplace injury.
You're entitled to full coverage for all necessary medical treatment related to your injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. Insurance companies must pay these expenses without requiring copays or deductibles from you. However, treatment disputes often arise when insurers question whether care is reasonable and necessary. Maintaining complete medical records becomes critical when defending your right to receive proper treatment during these disagreements.
Disability Benefits
After sustaining a workplace injury as a longshoreman, you'll receive disability benefits that replace a portion of your lost wages while you're unable to work. The Longshore Act provides compensation based on your average weekly wage and injury severity.
If you can't return to your previous position, you're entitled to vocational rehabilitation services that help retrain you for suitable alternative employment. These services include job counseling, skills training, and placement assistance. When your condition reaches maximum medical improvement but you still have lasting limitations, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits based on your impairment rating.
Death Benefits
If a longshore accident claims your family member's life, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act provides death benefits to eligible survivors who depended on the worker's income.
These survivor benefits typically include weekly payments to spouses and dependent children, calculated as a percentage of the deceased worker's average weekly wage. The Act also covers funeral expenses up to a specified maximum amount. Qualifying dependents may receive these payments for years, depending on their relationship to the worker and their continued dependency status. We'll help your family secure all available benefits during this difficult time.
Additional Damages
Beyond the standard benefits provided under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, Texas longshoremen may pursue additional compensation through third-party liability claims when someone other than their employer caused or contributed to their injuries.
These civil lawsuits can recover damages unavailable through workers' compensation, including compensation for emotional distress (the psychological suffering from your accident), punitive damages (money awarded to punish especially reckless conduct), and pain and suffering.
Third parties might include equipment manufacturers, vessel owners, contractors, or other negligent parties. These claims markedly increase your potential recovery beyond standard Longshore benefits.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a LHWCA Claim
Time limits matter critically when filing a Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act claim. You must notify your employer within 30 days of your injury and file your claim within one year. Missing these filing deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation.
However, claims tolling may extend these deadlines under specific circumstances, such as when your employer had actual knowledge of your injury or when you didn't immediately realize the full extent of your condition. Given these strict timeframes and limited exceptions, you should contact an experienced LHWCA attorney immediately after your accident to protect your rights.
Get Results
Each one of our lawyers is a skilled and experienced litigator and negotiator. We never recommend settling your case when trial presents a better opportunity for recovery.
Why Do I Need a Longshoremen Workers Comp Injury Lawyer?
Understanding these deadlines represents just the beginning of maneuvering the complex LHWCA claims process.
Maritime injury cases require specialized legal knowledge that general practice attorneys often lack. Insurance companies employ experienced defense teams to minimize payouts, making professional representation essential. An experienced longshore attorney handles settlement negotiation, ensuring you receive fair compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and disability benefits. Your lawyer protects you from insurance tactics designed to reduce your claim's value. They'll gather evidence, consult medical experts to counter any allegations resembling medical malpractice defenses, and advocate for your rights throughout the entire process.
Why Choose Grossman Attorneys for Your Texas LHWCA Claim
When you're injured on the job as a maritime worker in Texas, you need attorneys who'll fight aggressively for full compensation while treating you with genuine respect throughout the process.
Grossman Attorneys at Law is a respected maritime law firm with over 40 years of experience representing injured workers across the nation. Our maritime injury law firm has secured substantial settlements and verdicts in cases ranging from Defense Base Act claims to longshoremen workers' comp injury cases and offshore accidents. We understand the complex laws that govern these claims and stand ready to take your case to trial when insurance companies fail to offer the fair compensation you deserve.
Aggressive But Fair Representation
Maritime insurance companies count on injured workers accepting less than they deserve. That's why we combine zealous advocacy with ethical negotiation to protect your interests.
We'll aggressively pursue every dollar you're owed while maintaining the professional standards that strengthen your case. Our approach means thoroughly investigating your accident, consulting medical experts, and building evidence that compels fair compensation. We're not afraid to take your case to trial if insurers won't negotiate reasonably. You'll get fierce representation without the tactics that can damage your claim's credibility before judges and hearing officers.
Experienced, Compassionate Staff
Your legal representation is only as strong as the team behind it. Grossman Attorneys employs multilingual staff who communicate with clients in their preferred language, removing barriers during an already stressful time.
Our team practices trauma informed care, recognizing that workplace injuries affect your physical health, financial security, and emotional wellbeing. We appreciate you're managing medical appointments, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future.
Our staff combines decades of LHWCA experience with genuine compassion, ensuring you receive clear answers and consistent support throughout your case. You'll work with professionals who treat you with dignity and respect.
A Track Record of Winning Longshore Claims
Successfully recovering compensation under the LHWCA requires more than just filing paperwork—it demands strategic litigation skills and a willingness to fight insurance carriers who routinely deny or undervalue legitimate claims.
Grossman Attorneys has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdict highlights for injured maritime workers throughout Texas and nationwide. Our settlement strategies focus on maximum compensation rather than quick resolutions that shortchange your recovery. Defense attorneys and insurance companies recognize our thorough case preparation and courtroom commitment.
We've litigated against Fortune 500 companies and major carriers for over 40 years, establishing ourselves as formidable advocates who won't back down from trial.
Injured at a Texas Port? Let Grossman Attorneys Fight for Your LHWCA Compensation
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working at a Texas port, you don't have to navigate the complex LHWCA claims process alone. Grossman Attorneys at Law has spent over four decades fighting for injured maritime workers' rights, securing the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our litigation-first approach means insurance carriers and defense attorneys know we're prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We refuse to accept inadequate settlement offers and have a proven track record of multi-million-dollar recoveries for clients throughout Texas and across the nation.
Don't let an insurance company minimize your claim. Contact Grossman Attorneys today to speak with an experienced LHWCA attorney who'll fight tirelessly for your full compensation.
*If you hire Grossman Attorneys for your LHWCA case, you pay no attorney fees for our service. When we win your case, the employer or its insurer typically pays a DOL-approved attorney’s fee and any case expenses we advanced are reimbursed from the recovery. If we don't win, you pay nothing.
References
- https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/business/PortsofEntry.pdf
- https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/business/portsofentry-map.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ports_in_the_United_States
- https://pangea-network.com/busiest-and-biggest-ports-in-the-united-states/
- https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/tpp/giww/map_tx_ports.pdf
- https://www.maritime.dot.gov/data-reports/ports/list
- https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/mrt/final-port-profiles-2022.pdf
- https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Heartland-District/Units/Sector-Houston-Galveston/