Tugboat crewmembers have a tough job that can turn dangerous when maritime employers fail to exercise proper care. Tugs do heavy labor with incredibly powerful engines, large lines, and complex propulsion systems. Crewmembers can trip on, get caught in, be crushed under, or knocked overboard by the sizeable mooring lines on these monstrous machines. Operating lines are also placed under immense stress when working under tension between a tug and a ship. If these lines break (part) or unexpectedly move, they do so with enough force to instantly kill a mariner.
Tugboat crewmembers may qualify as Jones Act seamen. This entitles them to benefits under the ancient doctrine of maintenance and cure if they are injured or fall ill while working for the tug. If the injury was caused by negligence or unseaworthiness aboard the tug, the injured mariner may be able to claim additional forms of compensation. An experienced maritime attorney can listen to the facts of your case and help you understand how admiralty law may apply to your benefit. Mariner Law, PLLC serves injured tugboat workers in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, New York, and Connecticut.
The firm handles a wide variety of shipboard accidents common to tug operations, such as:
Two lines separating
Gangway failures
Toxic fumes
Being struck by shackles and other heavy equipment
Slippery decks
Falling overboard
Getting caught in hydraulic winches and other machinery
Undermanning
Lack of leadership
Negligently monitored or maintained equipment
Defective gear
Falling from a height
Vessel collisions and hard landings
Other accidents may result from barges working in proximity to a tug. Injuries related to tug and barge operations can range from minor to debilitating and can include:
Cuts
Bruises
Fractures
Internal bleeding
Burns
Amputations
Back injury
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal injuries
Hypothermia
Drowning
Wrongful death
Getting hurt while working on a tug or barge can be a serious event that changes the course of your future. You will be forced to make decisions about your healthcare, your income, and your ability to take care of your family in the future. Getting help from a maritime lawyer to make these decisions is always advisable. And you should probably contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the workplace tug injury.
Mariner Law, PLLC understands tug and barge operations and maritime law injury claims. If you suffer a severe injury at work, you can bet that the vessel owner and its insurance company have hired an experienced maritime lawyer to protect their interests. Their lawyer could get involved before you even know about it. The vessel owner’s lawyers, investigators, and claims adjusters serve the primary function of paying you as little as possible. Hiring a maritime lawyer is the first step in putting together a team that will fight for your best interests and maximum compensation under the Jones Act, LHWCA, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure.
Mariner Law, PLLC does not represent insurance companies or tugboat owners. The firm represents injured mariners and the surviving family of deceased seamen. Admiralty Attorney Adam Deitz cares for his injured clients and fights for their compensation. Call today for a free consultation with a Jones Act attorney: (253) 600-2531. The firm proudly serves mariner clients in Washington, Oregon, New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and nationwide.