Vessel Injuries and Status
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Working aboard an offshore vessel can be extremely dangerous. Vessel injuries frequently occur due to negligence, inattention, fatigue, defective equipment or failure to follow proper safety standards. If you have been injured aboard a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.
Under the Jones Act, companies are required to maintain a “seaworthy” vessel. A seaworthy vessel is one that is fit for travel across the sea. A seaworthy vessel must be equipped with proper tools, equipment and a competent crew. Unfortunately, vessels are often “unseaworthy” because they lack these basic requirements. A vessel can be unseaworthy for the following reasons:
- Insufficient number of crew members
- Defective equipment
- Slippery deck
- Faulty ladders or ladders that no longer work
- Improperly maintained tools
- Failure to inspect equipment of machinery
- Equipment or tools that violate coast guard regulations or OSHA requirements
- Failure to follow company safety policies or procedures
- Improper supervision of crewmembers
- Inadequate training of crewmembers
- Obstructions on gangways
- Lack of proper safety equipment
Common Vessel Injuries
Accidents commonly occur aboard an unseaworthy vessel and can lead to injuries. The most common vessel injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries – Falling on a slippery deck or gangway can lead to painful back and neck injuries. Transporting heavy machinery or equipment from the deck can lead to back strains and herniated discs.
- Lacerations/Amputations – Given that much of the work aboard a vessel involves manual labor, hand or finger lacerations are common. Defective equipment or falling debris can crush fingers or hands requiring painful surgeries and even amputation.
- Electrocution – If machinery or equipment is improperly maintained, it may result in electrocution or electric shock.
- Burns – If the vessels are transporting oil, gas or other chemicals, fires or explosions can occur which may results in painful burns. These burns often require skin grafts but may cause permanent scarring.
Vessel Injury Lawyers
If you or a family member was injured on a vessel, please contact a lawyer at Pierce | Skrabanek. We have extensive experience with maritime injuries. We will provide a free case evaluation. We handle all cases on a contingency basis, meaning that we don’t get paid unless we win or settle.
Our experience inside the Courtroom has garnered several awards, including induction into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and SuperLawyers by Texas Monthly Magazine. Please contact us for more information on vessel injuries.
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Status
What Is a Vessel Under the Jones Act?
Under the Jones Act, a vessel refers to both tradition vessels and modern vessels. Essentially, a vessel is anything that is used to transport goods or people across navigable waters. In fact, platforms or drilling units that are easily transportable can also be considered “vessels” under the Jones Act. Some cases have also held that floating docks or platforms which are subjected to the perils of the sea can also be construed as “vessels” under the Jones Act. This case law has broadened what constitutes as a “vessel” under the Jones Act thereby enabling seaman to recover from injuries incurred upon navigable waters.
The Supreme Court in Stewart v. Dutra Construction Co.543 U.S. 481 (2005) recently held that the term vessel “includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water.” This decision meant that floating docks, platforms, dormitories or rigs fall under the definition of a “Jones Act Vessel.”
What are Examples of Vessels Under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act applies to virtually every vessel or boat on navigable waters, these include:
- Tugboats
- Towboats
- Barges
- Cruise Ships
- Floating Platforms
- Dredges
- Jack-up Rigs
- Oil Rigs
- Tankers
- Freighters
- Crew Boats
- Supply Boats
- Semi-submersible Rigs
- Push Boats
- Fishing Vessels
- Casino Boats
- Floating Docks
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If you have been injured on navigable waters aboard one of these vessels, contact one of the experiences Jones Act and Maritime Lawyers at Pierce | Skrabanek. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle your case.
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Real Results for Real Challenges
We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.
$1.25 Million Verdict In Offshore Injury Case
Summary: Served as first chair trial attorney on plaintiff’s case regarding a near drowning accident, which caused the vessel captain to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. After a bench trial, the court awarded plaintiff $1.25 million, which was more than three times greater than the defendant’s highest pretrial settlement offer.
$1.03 Million Settlement for Injured Seaman
Summary: The seaman, a resident of Arkansas, worked as a roustabout on a jack-up vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. He suffered severe injuries when a drill pipe rolled onto his foot while he was assisting the crane in transferring the pipes to another deck on the vessel. As a result of the injury, the seaman had to undergo two surgeries that ultimately resulted in the amputation of his big toe.
