Houston is a global hub for the energy sector, home to thousands of offshore workers who support drilling, exploration, and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, the offshore oil and gas industry is fraught with risks, from equipment malfunctions to extreme weather conditions. When injuries occur offshore, workers often face physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Fortunately, Houston offers a variety of resources to help injured offshore workers recover and navigate their legal rights.
In this article, we’ll explore the best medical, legal, and financial support systems available in Houston for offshore workers who have been injured on the job.
1. Specialized Medical Care and Rehabilitation Centers
After an offshore injury, timely and expert medical care is critical. Houston is home to several top-tier hospitals and rehabilitation facilities that specialize in trauma and occupational injuries:
Houston Methodist Hospital
Located in the Texas Medical Center, Houston Methodist offers specialized care for orthopedic, neurological, and spinal injuries. It has a reputation for excellence in trauma care and rehabilitation services.
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
This Level I trauma center provides comprehensive emergency services and rehabilitation for industrial and offshore injuries. The affiliated TIRR Memorial Hermann is nationally ranked for physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Select Specialty Hospital – Houston
This facility is ideal for workers with serious or long-term injuries, offering specialized services for patients with respiratory failure, neurological trauma, and post-surgical complications.
2. Top Maritime and Offshore Injury Law Firms
Injured offshore workers often face complicated legal scenarios. Many are protected under maritime laws like the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and General Maritime Law. Fortunately, Houston hosts several highly respected law firms that specialize in maritime injury claims.
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP
With decades of experience in maritime law, this firm is known for helping injured offshore workers recover compensation under the Jones Act. They offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis.
Arnold &Itkin LLP
One of Houston’s most high-profile firms, Arnold &Itkin has won billions in verdicts and settlements for offshore workers. Their team is known for handling catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death claims.
The Krist Law Firm, P.C.
This firm focuses on serious offshore and maritime injuries, including spinal cord damage and brain trauma. They offer personalized service and strong trial representation.
3. Support from Government and Regulatory Agencies
Several state and federal agencies are available to help offshore workers understand their rights and file claims for compensation or benefits.
U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP)
If you’re covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, OWCP can assist with medical benefits and wage loss compensation.
- OWCP Houston District Office
- Phone: (281) 531-0361
Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
If your injury falls under state jurisdiction, the DWC can help with dispute resolution and ensure compliance with insurance regulations.
4. Mental Health and Counseling Services
Injuries offshore can lead to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Houston offers a wide range of mental health services tailored to injured workers:
The Menninger Clinic
Recognized nationally, this psychiatric hospital offers programs for trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse—common conditions in injured offshore workers.
Legacy Community Health
They provide affordable behavioral health services and have several clinics throughout Houston. Sliding scale fees are available for uninsured workers.
Houston Trauma Recovery Center
This center helps people recovering from violent or traumatic incidents, including work-related accidents. Services include therapy, crisis intervention, and support groups.
5. Financial Assistance and Workers’ Aid Programs
Recovering from an injury often means time away from work and lost wages. There are several resources in Houston to help fill the financial gap.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
The TWC can assist with temporary income support, vocational rehabilitation, and job retraining programs for injured workers unable to return to offshore duties.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
They provide financial aid, rent and utility assistance, and food programs for those in crisis, including injured workers and their families.
Houston Food Bank
While not injury-specific, the food bank helps relieve financial pressure by supplying groceries to workers dealing with temporary unemployment.
6. Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations
Several nonprofits advocate for worker safety and provide support for injured employees.
United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF)
While more focused on fatalities, USMWF offers guidance and emotional support for families dealing with severe workplace injuries.
Houston Workers’ Center
They provide advocacy and resources for low-income and immigrant workers, including offshore employees navigating the legal system after an injury.
7. Job Retraining and Educational Resources
In cases where an offshore worker cannot return to their previous job due to permanent injury, retraining and education can offer a new path forward.
Houston Community College (HCC)
HCC offers technical and vocational training programs, many of which are affordable or eligible for financial aid. Injured workers can retrain in less physically demanding roles.
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)
TEEX provides OSHA and safety training, as well as courses in emergency management, which could be ideal for workers transitioning to new careers in the safety and compliance sector.
Final Thoughts
The journey after an offshore injury is rarely easy, but injured workers in Houston are not alone. With top-tier medical institutions, specialized legal professionals, strong government programs, and compassionate nonprofit support, offshore employees have access to a robust support system. Knowing where to turn can make all the difference in recovery and future livelihood.
If you or someone you know has suffered an offshore injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to one or more of these resources. Acting early can help protect your health, rights, and financial stability.