maritime attorneys’
Offshore Worker’s Death Blamed on Safety Violations
Monday, March 1st, 2010
A maritime investigation in the UK has blamed failure to follow basic safety principles for the death of an offshore worker.
The worker, David Stephenson died after suffering crushing injuries when a 4-ton cursor fell on him as he worked on a diving support vessel. The brake failed when the power was turned off, and the equipment fell on the seaman. The injured worker was flown to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and died the same evening. The accident occurred in April last year, just as families of offshore workers were mourning the deaths of 17 people in a helicopter...
Cruise Ship Injury – What Are My Options?
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
With cruises becoming more affordable and ships adding more entertainment and luxury goodies to the smorgasbord they offer, cruises have become a popular vacation option. However, the numbers of accidents and injuries involving passengers and crewmembers have also been on the increase.
A cruise ship injury may involve either a passenger or a crewmember. Both may be at risk for the same kind of injuries, like falls on the ship, falls overboard and contagious diseases and epidemics. Crewmembers are also at risk from kitchen explosions, galley fires, and work-related injuries. Options for recovery are entirely different, based on whether you...
Preventing Maritime Accidents in Sabine Neches Waterway can be Tricky
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Things are back to normal along the Sabine Neches Waterway more than a week after a maritime collision between a tanker and a barge resulted in a major oil spillage, and shut down the channel for several days. The accident which occurred on the 23rd of January in the 400-foot channel caused severe damage to the tanker, but fortunately, there were no maritime injuries. The local economy however, suffered financial losses as the waterway was blocked for at least four days.
The incident has brought into focus the serious risks involved in navigating vessels through the narrow channel. The Sabine...
Injured at Sea-What Do I Do Now?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
If you have been injured working on a vessel at sea, it’s highly likely that you are looking at a struggle with your employer to recover your claim. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to enhance your chances of recovery.
- Make a list of witnesses at the scene of the accident, and note down their addresses and telephone numbers.
- Maintain all records relating to your case. This includes all your medical records, x-rays, scan reports, and MRI reports etc.
- Also,...
Maritime Workers and Injuries from Benzene Exposure
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Among the many occupational hazards that a Jones Act seaman or a longshoreman faces, is exposure to benzene. This is a chemical compound with a sweet smell that also happens to be a deadly carcinogen. The use of benzene which used to be widespread earlier, has declined as awareness of its carcinogen properties has grown. However, many industries still depend on benzene, and it continues to be transported on cargo vessels, exposing workers on these vessels to its ill effects. Workers employed on an oil rig are also at a high risk for benzene exposure.
The biggest hazard from benzene...
Crewmembers Escape Injuries in Tugboat Accident in Atchafalaya River, Louisiana
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
The Coast Guard is continuing its search for a tugboat that apparently sank in the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana. Two workers escaped injuries in the accident.
The 52-foot tugboat was pushing a crane barge on the river when it struck a railroad bridge near Krotz Springs. Apparently, the bridge had been opened to allow the barge to pass through, but the tall crane hit the bridge anyway. The rear of the tugboat sank into the water. The captain of the barge swam to shore, while the deckhand stayed back on board, and was rescued later by Krotz Spring fire...
Body of Tugboat Crewmember in Houston Ship Channel Accident Recovered
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
The body of the tugboat worker who had been missing since the vessel sank this week, has been found. The vessel, JR Nichols sank on Wednesday night. There were five workers on board and four were rescued from the water. The fifth crewmember had been missing for a few hours. The next morning, his body was recovered by salvage workers. The Coast Guard says it is continuing its investigation into the sinking of the tugboat.
The vessel was operated by Kinder Morgan. My heart goes out to the family of the worker here. A seaman’s...
Injuries on Offshore Platforms and Rigs- What are Your Legal Recovery Options?
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Maritime and admiralty laws are some of the most fascinating and intricate bodies of laws. A worker may find that the most minor distinction can define whether he is a Jones Act seaman, a longshore worker or a worker covered under the Workers’ Compensation laws of his state.
Take for instance, a worker who is injured on an offshore oil rig. His legal rights may be entirely different from a worker injured on an offshore platform. That’s because these two vessels are seen as entirely different from a maritime law perspective.
An offshore rig is mobile and can be moved, while...
Jones Act Seamen and Injuries from Asbestos Exposure
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
The maritime industry can place workers at a high risk for exposure to asbestos. The risk of such exposure has declined since authorities awoke to the danger of asbestos, and set limitations on exposure limits. Among the workers who were most heavily exposed to asbestos were shipyard and shipbuilding industry workers.
These workers, especially those who were working in the industry before restrictions on asbestos exposure were imposed back in 80s, could be at a high risk for asbestos-related conditions, like mesothelioma. This is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. A person afflicted with this deadly disease...
Life after a Maritime Injury- How a Lawyer can help
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
For a seaman, offshore worker or any other kind of maritime worker, the days after an injury can be traumatic. During this time, a worker may face financial turmoil and pressure by the company to settle the case.
Financial Strain
A maritime injury is almost always accompanied by financial upheaval in the worker’s family. For most workers, it is the first time they have been injured and unable to work. It is also the first time they have been unable to bring home a steady source of income to care for their families. It’s important to know that you are eligible...
