Maritime Injury Settlement Amounts

Injured Texas seamen, longshoremen, and maritime workers frequently ask: “What is my case worth?” The honest answer depends on the legal regime that governs your case, the strength of your negligence and unseaworthiness evidence, the severity of your injury, your future medical and wage-loss picture, and the insurance coverage available. No responsible lawyer can give you a specific number at the first phone call, but the framework for evaluating maritime cases is well established — and McFarlane Law’s role is to push each factor to the highest honest value. Our firm has recovered more than $100 million for injured Texans.

Jones Act Settlement Drivers

Jones Act settlements turn on the strength of the employer-negligence case, the magnitude of the plaintiff’s economic damages, and the value of non-economic damages. The Jones Act’s “featherweight” burden of proof — “any part, however small” — makes negligence relatively easy to establish when the evidence survives. Economic damages are typically the largest component: lost past and future wages (maritime wages often $80,000–$250,000+ per year with overtime and bonuses), future medical care, and loss of earning capacity if the seaman cannot return to the sea. Non-economic damages — pain, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement — add substantial value in serious injury cases. Maintenance and cure run in parallel and are paid regardless of fault. Fifth Circuit jury trends and venue selection (state vs. federal court) also affect expected value.

Section 905(b) and LHWCA Recoveries

LHWCA benefits are fixed by statute and are rarely the largest component of a Texas dock worker’s recovery. The 905(b) vessel-negligence claim against the vessel owner, however, is a full civil tort action with the complete Texas-style damages menu. Pain, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity all become available. In serious 905(b) cases, six- and seven-figure settlements are common. Subrogation liens from the LHWCA carrier are typically negotiated at a substantial discount, significantly improving the worker’s net recovery. McFarlane Law has closed dozens of combined LHWCA/905(b) cases for Texas port workers at the Ports of Houston, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont-Port Arthur.

Unseaworthiness and the Stacking of Theories

Unseaworthiness is a strict-liability doctrine that does not require proof of employer fault. Pairing an unseaworthiness claim with Jones Act negligence gives the plaintiff two paths to liability and two damages theories. Juries frequently find for the plaintiff on one theory and not the other, and the ability to present both is a major litigation advantage. In settlement negotiations, the combined risk exposure to the vessel owner drives higher offers. McFarlane Law pleads every available theory in every serious case and lets the evidence decide which one dominates at trial.

Maximizing Your Texas Maritime Recovery

The steps taken in the first 30 days after a maritime injury shape the final recovery. Do not give recorded statements to the company insurer. Do not sign releases, accident-report forms that minimize the incident, or any document referring to maintenance and cure. Seek immediate medical treatment from a doctor of your choice. Preserve copies of every log entry, pay record, and medical record. Obtain witness contact information from shipmates or coworkers. Report the injury in writing and keep a dated copy. And hire an experienced Texas maritime lawyer as soon as possible — before vessel evidence is lost and before the employer pressures you into an inadequate settlement. McFarlane Law offers free initial consultations and works on contingency.

Related Practice Areas

Related: Texas Jones Act lawyer, maintenance and cure lawyer, Texas LHWCA lawyer, unseaworthy vessel lawyer, Texas maritime wrongful death lawyer. Hub: Texas maritime injury lawyer.

Talk to a Texas Injury Lawyer Today

Every Texas maritime case has a real number. Find out yours with a free, confidential case evaluation. McFarlane Law handles Jones Act, DOHSA, 905(b), and unseaworthiness cases across the Gulf Coast. Austin (512) 222-4900, Odessa (432) 803-5000.