Maritime accidents and injuries are an unfortunate part of life for those who work in such a high-risk industry. However, although some accidents can’t be helped or prevented, there are a myriad of other instances in which employer negligence causes seamen to get hurt, sometimes leaving them with lifelong medical issues and disabilities.
If you’ve been injured due to employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation and benefits. Employers are obligated to protect their workers by providing a safe working environment, and if they fail to do so, they should be held liable for damages.
If you or a loved one have been injured while on the job, we can help you determine if employer negligence caused your injuries.
Fill out our form today for your complimentary Maritime Injury information about compensation that may be available. Our comprehensive information will help guide you through your rights and options and help you understand what you may be entitled to.
In such a dangerous occupation, the risk of succumbing to an accident is present every day in a maritime worker’s world.
Some of the most common accidents include:
Slip and falls, Collisions, Pollution, Swinging and/or falling objects, Chemical burns and inhalation, Winch failures, Fishing accidents, and Diving accidents.
It’s estimated that over 70% of all maritime accidents occur due to negligence. For instance, even when a mechanical error is present that puts a seaman at risk, lack of employer observance and failure to repair the situation before a worker gets hurt is one of the most common reason for injuries and accidents. In addition, overworked seamen who are expected to continue working prolonged hours are at a much higher risk of accidents and injuries when compared to those who are given enough breaks and rest time to properly do their jobs.
Other accident reasons include:
- Broken winches and coiled cables
- Broken equipment
- Cargo handling failure, such as broken bundle straps and other defective parts
- Falling overboard or slipping due to unkempt work areas and wet surfaces
- Electrical and power generation issues
- Lack of safety gear and equipment
- Lack of required safety training
- Lack of ventilation in enclosed spaces