Maritime Personal Injury Claims Process in Houston

The maritime industry can be dangerous, leading to thousands of injuries every year. In Houston, a city that boasts a thriving maritime scene that is responsible for much of the area’s economy, it is not unusual for people to suffer serious injuries or even die due to an incident on or around a boat. If you have been injured and have questions about the maritime personal injury claims process in Houston, a lawyer could assist.

Determining if Your Claim is Valid

Pursuing compensation for your offshore injury in Houston involves several steps. The first is figuring out if the claim is valid in the first place. A successful personal injury claim means that you will show the other party is responsible for your injury, or at least that you are not at fault. A lawyer could be invaluable at this stage of the proceeding, as they will review all the available facts and evidence, including witness statements and your own account of the incident.

Gathering Evidence For Your Claim

After it is determined that the claim is valid, your lawyer could start to gather evidence. The more documentation the better, since good evidence means your lawyer has a better chance of proving fault and getting the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

Viable evidence depends on the specifics of your maritime injury case but could include police reports from officers at the scene, photographs of the accident aftermath, witness statements and interviews, medical records related to treatment and diagnosis of any injuries you sustained, and receipts for any property damage you might have incurred. As you proceed in the days following your accident, keep careful records of everything. You will need to share this information and documentation with your lawyer, to help in building an effective case.

Settlement Negotiations and the Lawsuit Path

Many companies prefer to settle out of court to avoid fees or bad press. Your attorney will confer with the at-fault’s party’s attorney and see if a settlement can be reached. If satisfactory terms are reached, you do not have to go to court. Be patient with this process, since settlement negotiations can take weeks or even months. However, if negotiations prove unsuccessful or if the other party is not willing to present a satisfactory offer, your lawyer will start preparing for litigation.

A lawsuit is filed by your lawyer on your behalf. It will outline how the accident occurred, how the other party is at fault, what injuries you received, and other details that could be relevant to the court. The defendant is given time to respond with details of their own before the case moves into discovery. A lawsuit can take a while, since both sides must present their own evidence, bring forth witnesses, and plead their case to the judge. However, if all goes well, you could receive a favorable trial verdict and receive the compensation you deserve.

All the while, your Houston lawyer could act as your advocate, guiding you through the maritime injury claims process, assisting you with court requests, and informing you what you can expect to happen next.

Connect With a Lawyer to Discuss the Maritime Personal Injury Claims Process in Houston

The maritime personal injury claims process can be complicated. Working with a Houston attorney with a deep understanding of the maritime injury law can make all the difference. If you need help navigating the murky waters of a maritime injury, connect with a lawyer at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P.