Barge workers, sometimes called tankermen, serve an important role in maritime commerce. They help to move large quantities of cargo such as stone, grain, coal, trash, wood, sand, and petroleum products. Barge work can be hard labor. Unfortunately, the job can turn dangerous when maritime employers fail to exercise reasonable care. Not only does barge cargo often threaten tankermen, but so too do the tugs assisting with maneuvering. Tugs have incredibly powerful engines, large lines, and complex propulsion systems. Barge workers can be caused to trip on, get caught in, be crushed under, or knocked overboard by mooring lines and other tug equipment. Barge towing lines are placed under extreme stress when working under tension between a tug and barge. If these lines break (part) or unexpectedly move, they can snap with enough force to maim or kill a barge worker.
Barge workers and tankermen may qualify as Jones Act seamen. This employment status under federal law entitles them to benefits under the doctrine of maintenance and cure if they are injured or fall ill on the job. If the injury was caused by negligence or unseaworthiness aboard the barge, the injured barge worker may be able to claim other and further compensation. An experienced Jones Act attorney can listen to the facts of your case and help you understand how admiralty law may apply under the circumstances. Indeed, you may be entitled to benefits. Mariner Law, PLLC serves injured barge workers and tankermen in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, New York, and Connecticut.
The firm handles a wide variety of barge accidents, such as:
Lines parting
Gangway defects
Toxic exposure
Being struck by heavy equipment
Slippery decks
Falling overboard
Getting caught in hydraulic winches and other machinery
Insufficient crewing
Lack of leadership
Defective gear
Falling from a height
Injuries related to barge operations can range from minor to permanently debilitating and may include:
Lacerations
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Burns
Lost limbs
Head injuries
Spinal injuries
Frostbite
Hypothermia
Drowning
Wrongful death
Getting hurt while working on a barge can change everything. As the result of a shipboard injury, you may be forced to ask tough questions about your medical treatment, paying your bills, and your ability to earn money in the future. Getting help from a maritime lawyer to make these decisions is imperative. You should contact an offshore injury lawyer as soon as possible after a barge injury.
Mariner Law, PLLC understands tankermen, barge operations, and maritime law injury claims. If you suffered a severe injury on the job while serving a barge, you can be certain that the barge owner and its insurance interests have hired an experienced admiralty lawyer to protect their interests. The barge owner’s lawyers, investigators, and claims adjusters have one goal: paying you as little as possible to resolve your claim. Hiring a Jones Act lawyer can be the first step in fighting for your best interests and maximum compensation.
Mariner Law, PLLC represents injured mariners and the surviving family of deceased seamen in claims under the Jones Act, LHWCA, unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure, and wrongful death. The firm does not represent insurance companies or barge owners. Maritime Attorney Adam Deitz cares for his clients and is ready to help with the maritime injury claim process. Call the firm for a free consultation: (253) 600-2531. Mariner Law, PLLC proudly serves clients in Washington, Oregon, New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and nationwide.