Houston Attorneys for Accidents On Barges
A barge off the coast of Texas.
If you have been injured while working on a barge, Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers’ barge accident lawyers can help. There are many ways that serious injuries can be incurred by working aboard a barge. Some of these include:
- Explosions, asphyxiation, and/or Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to dangerous and harmful vapors and gasses can build up in the headspace.
- Crushing injuries while lightering with an oil tanker or docking with a tugboat.
- Tow lines can part and/or tow winches can fail.
- Trip and falls due to cluttered decks and workspaces.
Any number of hazards can imperil barge crew members. If you or someone you love has been injured while working on a barge, call Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. for a free consultation. (713) 932-0777.
The Law Governing Barge Workers
Under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, injured barge workers are entitled to receive maintenance and cure benefits. That is your employer must pay for the cost to maintain housing and for your medical care when you are injured while aboard a vessel until you are fit for duty or you have reached maximum medical improvement. Furthermore, if your employer was negligent, it can also provide compensation for pain and suffering and other economic and non-economic losses suffered due to your injury.
Seaworthiness of the Barge
Barge owners have a duty to provide a seaworthy vessel for you to work aboard. Failure to do so may result in the employer being liable for the full extent of your pain, suffering, and losses occasioned by your employer’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, call us today for a free consultation. If we take your case, we charge no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. (713) 932-0777.
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