Houston Cargo Ship Injury Attorneys

What Compensation Can Houston Cargo Ship Injury Attorneys Seek?

The Houston container ship injury attorneys of Pierce Skrabanek will work tirelessly to recover the damages you deserve. We can help you use medical records and accident reports to obtain compensation for your injuries. And studies show victims who work with legal counsel often receive fairer compensation than those without.

While several laws are in place to protect your right to financial compensation, consult our cargo ship accident lawyers about filing a Jones Act claim. Under the Jones Act, most maritime workers can recover the following damages:

• Compensation for medical expenses
• Coverage of physical rehabilitation
• Lost wages if unable to work
• Loss of earning capacity
• Damages for pain and suffering

If you have lost a loved one in a container ship accident, a maritime wrongful death claim can recover compensation for funeral expenses and loss of future income.

While no amount of monetary damages can ease the pain of your loss, it may help with any unforeseen expenses. Call our compassionate maritime wrongful death attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek to discuss the circumstances of your loss.

Are There Inherent Hazards to Working on Container Ships?

A cargo ship accident typically happens because of the negligence of the company in hiring the crew. If you feel you’ve been harmed by a lack of safety precautions in your profession, reach out online or by phone at (832) 690-7000.

Cargo ship crew members can face an array of dangerous working hazards. According to studies produced by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), container ship workers are exposed to:

Physical hazards‍

These can include noise levels, injuries from heavy lifting or slippery surfaces, repeated ultraviolet light exposure, line handling, and injuries in narrow passageways.

Working on a cargo ship exposes crew members to numerous physical hazards, which can impact their safety and well-being. Excessive noise levels from machinery and engines lead to hearing damage if proper protection is not used consistently. 

Back & Skeletal Injuries

Heavy lifting of cargo or equipment poses a risk of musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, and even herniated discs, especially when performed in awkward positions or without proper lifting techniques. 

Slippery surfaces, common on the deck due to water, oil, or other substances, increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which can result in severe injuries, including fractures or head trauma. 

Increased Risk of Permanent Disability

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly during outdoor work, can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Line handling involves the risk of getting caught or entangled, leading to lacerations, amputations, or crush injuries. Narrow passageways on ships limit mobility and can exacerbate the severity of injuries during emergencies or collisions, where rapid evacuation is necessary.

Chemical hazards‍

These can include exposure to fuel, chemical cargo, cleansers, and diesel fumes.

Chemical hazards on cargo ships are prevalent due to the substances handled and the confined working environment. Crew members are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals such as fuel, chemical cargo, and industrial cleansers, which pose serious health risks. 

Fuel Spills or Leaks

Fuel spills or leaks can result in acute or chronic health problems, including respiratory issues and skin burns if contact occurs. The transportation of chemical cargo carries the risk of spills, which can lead to toxic exposure, chemical burns, or poisoning if not handled with proper safety protocols and protective gear. 

Chemical Irritants

Cleansers used for maintenance and sanitation may contain strong chemicals that can cause skin irritation, eye damage, or respiratory distress if inhaled or mishandled.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to diesel fumes, a common occurrence in engine rooms or when working near idling engines, can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer over time. 

The cumulative effect of these exposures can severely impact a worker's health.

Biological hazards

These can include transmission of diseases and infections like COVID-19.

Biological hazards on cargo ships primarily stem from the close quarters in which crew members live and work, combined with the international nature of maritime operations. The transmission of diseases and infections is a significant concern, particularly when crew members come into contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or water. 

Infectious Disease

Infections can spread rapidly among crew members due to the confined living conditions and the shared facilities, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Moreover, ports of call in different regions expose the crew to various pathogens, including those responsible for gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, and vector-borne diseases like malaria or dengue fever. 

Pandemics

The global movement of ships can also facilitate the spread of pandemics, as was evident during the COVID-19 crisis, where ships became hotspots for viral transmission. 

The lack of immediate access to advanced medical care while at sea exacerbates the risk, making preventive measures, such as vaccination, hygiene practices, and regular health monitoring, critical for mitigating these biological hazards.

Psychosocial risks

These can include emotional effects of social isolation, a change, or disruption to one’s circadian rhythm, isolation due to language barriers, substance abuse, etc.

Sleep Disorder or Disruption

Psychosocial risks on cargo ships are often overlooked but can have profound effects on the mental health and overall well-being of crew members. Social isolation is a major issue, as extended periods at sea away from family and friends can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. 

The disruption of circadian rhythms due to irregular work hours and night shifts contributes to sleep disorders, fatigue, and a decline in cognitive function, further exacerbating mental health issues. 

Social Isolation and Stress Disorders

Language barriers among international crews can lead to misunderstandings, communication difficulties, and increased stress, particularly in emergencies. 

Substance abuse may arise as a coping mechanism for the isolation and stress of maritime life, leading to addiction and further mental and physical health problems. 

The combination of low job control and high job demands creates a high-stress environment, where crew members may feel powerless and overwhelmed, leading to burnout. 

Additionally, the fear of piracy, particularly in high-risk areas, adds a layer of anxiety and fear for personal safety, which can significantly impact a crew member's psychological state. Addressing these psychosocial risks is important for maintaining the health and productivity of workers.

If you are a maritime worker and suffer any of these injuries, take the necessary steps to protect your rights and health.

Are Container Ship Accidents Common?

Container ship accidents occur more often than people might think. Working on a container ship in docks, piers, or out at sea poses a significant risk for injury.

According to the latest data from the Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents, 1,422 total casualties and incidents aboard cargo ships resulted in:

• 48 serious casualties
• 36 fatalities
• 258 injured persons
• 3 ships lost

Cargo ships, as defined by the report, include:

• Chemical tankers
• Liquified gas tankers
• Oil tankers
• Bulk carrier cargo ships
• Container ships
• General cargo ships
• Refrigerated cargo ships

Cargo ship accidents and container ship accidents were responsible for 70.3% of serious casualties.

Every person working at sea faces certain dangers. Serious injuries can have long-term physical and financial implications. So if you've suffered a catastrophic injury, don't hesitate to contact our Houston cargo ship accident attorneys. Debilitating injuries may prevent you from returning to work at full capacity.

When your livelihood is on the line, you deserve to have representation from the dedicated legal team of Pierce Skrabanek. Call 832-690-7000 today to speak with a skilled maritime accident attorney.

What Can Cause a Cargo Ship Accident?

Cargo ship crew workers must be prepared for every possible accident. The Houston container ship accident lawyers of Pierce Skrabanek understand the stress and grueling nature of cargo ship work. There is considerable pressure on the job to work long hours and constantly be wary of your surroundings.

When container ship accidents happen, our maritime attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time.

Cargo ship accidents can happen due to:

• Improper maintenance and safety measures
• Equipment malfunction or defects
• Negligence on the part of managers or coworkers who fail in their safety duties
• Lack of training or improper training
• Lack of consistency in enforcing safety policies or protocols.
• Hazardous cargo leakage
• Failure to secure or properly place shipping containers, causing dangerous cargo shifts

If you have been hurt due to a shipping container ship accident, turn to experienced representation you can trust. Contact Pierce Skrabanek today for a free, confidential consultation.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we have dedicated our careers to helping hurt maritime workers recover losses and secure compensation for their injuries.

What Steps Should You Take if You Have Been Injured in a Cargo Ship Accident?

If you are injured in a container vessel accident, there are important steps to take:

Immediate Steps After the Accident

• Notify Your Employer: Immediately report the accident to your employer or supervisor. This ensures that the incident is officially documented, which is important for any subsequent legal action. Prompt reporting can also prevent disputes over the timing and details of the accident.
• File an Accident Report: If your employer requires a written report, complete it promptly and accurately. Include all relevant details, such as the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident. This report serves as an official record and can be vital evidence in your case.‍
• Get Immediate Care: Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. This ensures that your injuries are documented by a healthcare professional, which is important for proving the extent of your injuries. Timely medical care can also prevent complications and provide a clear link between the accident and your injuries.‍
• Keep Medical Records: Retain all medical records, including treatment plans, prescriptions, and bills. These documents will serve as evidence of the severity and impact of your injuries. Detailed medical documentation strengthens your claim by demonstrating the need for ongoing care or compensation.

Documenting the Scene and Incident

• Capture the Scene: Use your smartphone or camera to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any hazards, equipment, or conditions that contributed to the accident. This visual evidence can be powerful in showing the unsafe conditions that led to the incident. Ensure that you capture multiple angles and any relevant details that might support your case.
• Photograph Injuries: Document any visible injuries immediately after the accident and as they progress. These images can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries and provide a timeline for your recovery. Consistent documentation of injuries can also counter any claims that the injuries were pre-existing or not related to the incident.‍
• Gather Witness Statements: Identify witnesses who saw the accident. Ask them to provide written or recorded statements describing what they observed. Witness statements can corroborate your account of the accident and provide additional perspectives that support your case.‍
• Collect Contact Information: Obtain the contact details of witnesses in case further testimony is needed. This ensures that you or your attorney can reach them later if more detailed statements or depositions are required. Maintaining communication with witnesses can be important, especially if the case goes to trial or requires mediation.

Preserve Physical Evidence

• Keep Faulty Equipment: If the accident was caused by defective equipment or gear, preserve it in its post-accident condition. This evidence can demonstrate negligence or product liability. Try to prevent evidence tampering or deterioration, which could weaken your case.
• Photograph and Store Safely: Take detailed photos of the equipment, highlighting any damage or defects, and store it securely. This visual documentation will support your claim by showing the exact condition of the equipment at the time of the accident. Secure storage ensures that the equipment remains in its original state for inspection by experts or legal teams.‍
• Record Environmental Factors: Note the weather, sea conditions, and other environmental factors at the time of the accident. This information can be critical in understanding the context of the incident and establishing the presence of hazardous conditions. Accurate records of environmental factors can help explain how these conditions contributed to the accident.‍
• Use Official Records: Obtain official weather reports, sea condition logs, or any relevant data from the vessel's instruments. These documents can provide objective evidence that supports your claims about the conditions at the time of the accident. Combining personal observations with official records strengthens the credibility of your case.

Legal Documentation and Expert Testimony

• Emails and Text Messages: Save any communication related to the accident with your employer or colleagues, especially if they discuss safety issues or the incident itself. These communications can provide insight into the employer’s knowledge of hazardous conditions or their response to the accident. They can also reveal any attempts to influence your account of the events.
• Log All Interactions: Keep a detailed log of any discussions with your employer, insurance companies, or legal representatives regarding the accident. This log will help you track the progression of your case and ensure that all interactions are documented. Detailed records of communications can be vital if there are disputes over what was said or agreed upon.‍
• Maritime Experts: Consider hiring maritime experts who can analyze the evidence and provide expert testimony on issues like vessel safety, operating procedures, or industry standards. Expert testimony can be highly persuasive in demonstrating that negligence occurred. They can also help identify additional evidence needed.‍
• Medical Experts: If your injuries are severe or complex, consider obtaining a medical expert’s opinion. They can assess the long-term impact of your injuries and provide testimony on the necessity of ongoing treatment. This can be particularly important in cases where the extent of future medical needs is disputed.

When you are able contact a maritime attorney who can review your records and advise you on the best legal course of action.

This especially holds if you have lost a loved one to a cargo ship accident. A maritime attorney can help alleviate the stress and confusion of filing a Jones Act claim, allowing your family space to heal. See our FAQ section below for more. Let our container ship accident attorneys help you secure the monetary damages your family needs to move on.

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