Barges and tugboats are vital for moving many types of goods on the inland waterways. Unfortunately, working on a large vessel does not come without risks, and crew members face daily hazards when they complete work duties. Barge and other water vessel accidents on marine waters fall under nautical law or the Jones Act, which requires the counsel of an experienced maritime injury attorney.
While workers within the United States are typically eligible to collect workers’ compensation when they sustain injuries on the job, seamen and crew members are not. Most seamen are entitled to collect maritime benefits after suffering injuries, but the process is complex, and missing just one step could result in a delay or denial. A Southaven barge accident lawyer can help you navigate this challenging process and collect the compensation you need for recovery. Contact Elissa M. Coombs from the Law Office of David E. Gordon today for more information.
Common Barge Worker Injury Causes
Barge accident injuries are common and can happen for any number of reasons. Some of the most common causes of injuries while working on navigable waters include:
- Falling from heights such as ladders and scaffolding
- Parted tow lines
- Damage from defective machinery or equipment failure
- Tow winch
- Injuries sustained because of the negligence of other crew members
- Stress injuries from handling heavy lines or shackles
- Slip and fall injuries because of a slippery desk
There are countless ways a crew member could sustain injuries while working on a barge. When there is evidence of negligence, maritime law entitles them to recover compensation. Even when negligence is not involved, injured seamen and crew members may be eligible to collect payment. An experienced barge accident attorney in Southaven can provide more details on the requirements for filing a claim.
Collecting Compensation after a Barge Accident
If a crew member suffers injuries, maritime law can entitle the injured party to collect compensation for maintenance and cure under the Jones Act. This covers payment for required medical treatment related to the incident as well as a daily allowance to make up for the benefits they would have received on the vessel if they had not been injured.
Pain and Suffering
If negligence is successfully proven on behalf of an employer, a seaman could also be able to pursue non-economic damages or losses that do not carry a specific dollar amount. This might include emotional trauma, mental anguish, and a loss of enjoyment of life.
The benefits that a barge worker is eligible to collect will depend on the injuries they sustained and the details surrounding the incident. An attorney in Southaven skilled in barge accident compensation claims can analyze the details of a specific event to determine the best way to pursue compensation and what type of damages might be available.
Meet With a Southaven Barge Accident Attorney to Learn More About Your Rights
Crew members and seamen on barges and tugboats face more hazards than most other offshore jobs. While you are likely eligible to collect benefits after an accident and injuries, the system is challenging to navigate.
A trusted Southaven barge accident lawyer can help you through the process and advocate on your behalf so you can focus on recovering. Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon today to schedule a free initial consultation and find out how Elissa M. Coombs can help with your situation.
