Industrial boats carry significant amounts of cargo and passengers on the Mississippi River and other navigable waters. While there are many chances for maritime employment in this area, the work can also be hazardous as crew members are often tasked with being around dangerous heavy machinery and equipment.
Workers that suffer injuries aboard these vessels have options for pursuing compensation after an accident. If you need help recovering for your losses, contact a Southaven industrial boating accident lawyer. Seasoned maritime injury attorney Elissa M. Coombs from the Law Office of David E. Gordon is highly trained in this complex area of the law and can help you protect your rights.
Common Industrial Boating Injury Causes
Accidents and injuries aboard an industrial boat can happen for numerous reasons. Many of them occur because of a lack of safety equipment or training. Some of the most common causes of maritime injuries include:
- Trip and fall accidents due to spills or slippery conditions on deck
- Falling from elevated heights
- Falling overboard
- Overexertion strains from repetitive motion
- Boat collisions
A qualified Southaven industrial boating accident attorney can investigate the cause of an accident and help build a solid case to recover compensation for damages.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Crew members on these vessels are not the only workers protected. Federal laws also provide compensation to cover medical care, including emergency and surgical services and vocational rehabilitation to dock workers after sustaining injuries on navigable waters. According to the rules of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act § 903, maritime workers, including longshore employees, vessel or shipbuilders, repair crew, and harbor construction employees, can collect benefits after sustaining injuries while completing their job duties.
The accident and resulting injuries may occur on piers, loading or unloading cargo, terminals, docks, or ports. Non-maritime workers could also be eligible to collect under the act if they perform some of their duties in navigable waters and the accident occurs during that time.
Benefits Under Federal Maritime Acts
Under these acts, the injured worker could be eligible to collect payments for permanent disability and all medical treatment, including surgeries and other hospital services. The amount of benefits and compensation will depend on the nature of the injuries and recovery time.
Additionally, these laws allow the injured maritime worker to pick an approved physician of their choice for care. Seeking legal assistance is not a requirement. However, a seasoned industrial boating accident attorney in Southaven can ensure the injured worker receives the total amount of payments the act entitles them to without unnecessary delays.
Schedule a Meeting with a Southaven Industrial Boating Accident Attorney
The maritime industry is essential for transporting goods in the country and worldwide. While the work is vital, it can also be dangerous for the crew members and put them in hazardous conditions. If you were working on an industrial boat in navigable waters and sustained injuries, federal laws could entitle you to collect compensation.
While most maritime workers are eligible to collect benefits, the process is complex and can be challenging to navigate without the help of a qualified legal professional. A successful settlement for benefits could cover all necessary medical costs and expenses to help you get back on your feet. For help after an injury, contact a hard-working Southaven industrial boating accident lawyer to schedule a consultation.
