This week, the eyes of the nation are on our city as we host the inaugural Houston Fleet Week. From the Parade of Ships in Galveston to the massive Navy and Coast Guard vessels docked at Port Houston, it is a proud moment for our community to honor those who serve at sea.

However, as a maritime attorney, I know that an increase in vessel traffic—especially a surge this large—comes with significant risks for the hardworking men and women who keep our port running every day.

Congested Waters and Hidden Hazards

The Houston Ship Channel is already one of the busiest waterways in the world. Adding a fleet of military vessels, security details, and thousands of spectators on the water creates a high-pressure environment for commercial mariners, tug operators, and dockworkers.

When the channel gets crowded, the margin for error disappears. We often see a spike in:

• Allisions and Collisions: Increased traffic in narrow channels leads to “close quarters” situations.
• Wake Damage: Large vessels moving through the channel can create massive displacement waves, leading to slip-and-falls or equipment shifts on smaller boats and barges.
• Line-Handling Injuries: The pressure to moor and unmoor quickly to accommodate tight schedules can lead to snapped lines and catastrophic “snap-back” injuries.

Does the Jones Act Protect You During Special Events?

If you are a merchant mariner, deckhand, or harbor pilot injured during the hustle of Fleet Week, your rights don’t take a holiday. Under the Jones Act, your employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment—regardless of how busy the port is.

“It was a busy week” or “the channel was crowded” are not legal excuses for negligence. If an employer fails to provide adequate crew, fails to maintain equipment, or pushes workers to the point of exhaustion to keep up with the Fleet Week schedule, they may be held liable for your injuries.

The Undefeated Advantage in Maritime Law

Navigating a maritime claim against a major shipping company or a negligent employer requires more than just a lawyer; it requires a strategist. Aaron Perry, a former undefeated prosecutor, understands how to build a case that holds up under the most intense scrutiny.

In the courtroom, there are no participation trophies. You either prove your case, or you don’t. Aaron Perry’s flawless record as a prosecutor is the foundation of the aggressive, “trial-ready” approach we take with every maritime injury claim.

Your Port. Your Rights. Your Champion.

We join the rest of Houston in welcoming the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard this week. But if you are a local maritime worker who has been injured due to the negligence of others during this busy season, don’t navigate the legal waters alone.

Contact the Aaron Perry Law Firm today. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.