Alexander Dwyer – Page 16 – Offshore Injury Lawyer – Maritime Attorneys – Houston Maritime LawyersOffshore Injury Attorneys

Dec 29, 2013

NTSB Member Testified About Maritime Transportation Safety Issues

NTSB member Mark Rosekind testified in October before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on coast guard and maritime transportation safety issues. The USCG and NTSB work together closely to evaluate maritime accidents that meet the criteria for review. The NTSB takes the lead on investigations of accidents with major marine casualties. It will determine the facts and circumstances of the event and will determine what likely caused the accident.

In some instances, the USCG may lead the investigation with support from the NTSB. Additionally, the NTSB oversees and investigates all major marine casualties that happen during the year, which is typically about 30 to 35 occurrences. It is clear that the two agencies are planning to work together to support each other as they move forward in the review of maritime incidents.

One of the main areas of concern is safety for large passenger vessels. This is becoming more important after the Costa Concordia accident in 2011. After that accident there have been several well-publicized incidents of power loss and fires aboard large passenger cruise ships. These incidents are under investigation by the USCG. Incidents that happen in international waters are still investigated by the USCG with help from the NTSB as needed.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has representatives from many countries. The U.S. official representative to the IMO is the USCG. Other countries that have representatives include the UK, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, and Finland among others.

Maritime safety is certainly an important issue. A Texas maritime attorney is experienced in all maritime matters and will review any case to determine how to proceed. Every case is different so it’s important to have an experienced Texas maritime attorney look at the accident. These accidents can be complex and require a Texas maritime attorney with a strong knowledge of the maritime laws and how they apply to your situation.

Dec 28, 2013

Common Types of Offshore Injuries

Offshore work is physically demanding and workers must be in good condition in order to work in this field. Offshore workers are required to work in a number of adverse weather conditions and in many different situations, many of which can be dangerous.

Unfortunately, injuries in this line of work are all too common. Some injuries are serious and others can be life threatening. Some injuries could recur under certain circumstances. If you have been injured, consider speaking to an experienced lawyer, such as a Port Arthur maritime injury attorney.

The most common types of offshore injuries are back injuries, injuries to the head, burns, limb injuries, crush injuries, fractures, and electrical shock. Other injuries can be fatal and of course there is also a high risk of drowning. Keep in mind that you are protected with rights to allow you to seek compensation for medical expenses that have occurred as the result of an offshore injury.

Some injuries may heal rather quickly while others can take a long time. Some injuries may never fully heal. For example, a serious back injury may require surgery and you may not be able to perform the same type of job in the future. When an injury occurs, it is important to speak to a Port Arthur maritime injury attorney as soon as possible after it happens. This will help the attorney better gather the information needed for your case.

Keep in mind that you are entitled to be compensated for medical costs and other expenses that have been incurred due to the injury. If you can’t work for a period of time, a Port Arthur maritime injury attorney can help you receive money that is necessary for you and your family to live. While these types of jobs are dangerous, rest assured that if you do suffer an injury while on the job you’ll be able to seek money until you can return to work.

Dec 27, 2013

Spain Oil Disaster Crew Acquitted

A judge in Madrid has acquitted the crew members as well as a major official, of causing a large oil spill off the coast of Spain in 2002. While the crew was cleared of charges, the captain of the oil tanker was sentenced to 9 months in prison. The captain was found guilty of trying to stop the wreck from being towed before the oil spilled.

The oil tanker was wrecked due to a storm. Afterwards, the tanker lost its oil, creating a massive oil slick. The ship actually broke apart which caused it to unload more than 60,000 tons of fuel into the sea. The spill coated beaches in France, Spain, and Portugal with thick, black oil. The oil also accounted for killing tens of thousands of sea birds. After the incident, hundreds of thousands of volunteers turned out to help with cleaning the beaches.

According to reports, the tanker may have had structural damage before it left to sea. The captain was sentenced because he failed to comply with Spanish officials who ordered him to tow the tanker out to sea to reduce the possible environmental hazards.

Every country has maritime laws in place; many of the maritime laws are universal. In cases such as this, or where any injuries have occurred, the victims should discuss the accident with an experienced Pasadena maritime attorney. A maritime lawyer specializes in handling these types of accidents and has the experience and expertise to successfully resolve serious matters and protect your rights.

Offshore workers have rights. One of the most important of these rights is to seek legal assistance in the event they suffer an injury. Any time an injury occurs it is important to talk to a legal team, such as a Pasadena maritime attorney. The best time to talk to an attorney is as soon as the incident happens. Talk to a Pasadena maritime attorney to learn more about your rights.

Dec 26, 2013

Maritime Lawyer: Suspect Charged in Boating Accident

JoJo John, the accused in the case of a fatal boating accident on the Hudson River this past July, was formally charged in court on Thursday, November 7^th. His boat hit a barge, and two people, a young woman about to be married and her fiancé’s best man, were killed on impact.

Although most drunk driving accidents are associated with cars, the prosecution in the case is emphasizing John’s high blood alcohol content as the chief factor in this case. They maintain that he was unable to properly operate his craft under the influence of that much alcohol and was responsible for the collision that caused two deaths and left three others seriously injured.

The defense claims that the collision was an accident and that it was in part caused by the barge not being well-lit enough to be seen at that late hour.

Although the trial will be ongoing, it is clear that the incident was an utter tragedy. The families of the bride, groom, and best man have all been devastated during what should have been a very happy time for them. The suddenness of the incident and the fact that few people anticipate such a serious accident while boating has only made things harder for them.

Unfortunately, tragedies like these happen all too often, and catch grieving loved ones completely by surprise. If you or someone you love boats frequently or has already been involved in an injurious boating accident, you should seek legal counsel from people specializing in this area. The best solution is to hire a team of maritime lawyers. If you want the best team, call Kirkendall Dwyer LLP. The lawyers there are well-versed in maritime law and want to help you get the closure and recompense you deserve for your maritime mishap.

Dec 25, 2013

Philippine Embassy Questions Gulf of Mexico Safety Conditions

Early November marked the tragic death of a Filipino offshore worker in the Gulf of Mexico, the fourth such death this year. With that many fatal accidents in so short a time, the embassy is understandably concerned about safety issues on offshore oil platforms in the area.

The embassy has called on the U.S. to examine policies and on the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to conduct an investigation into whether all safety measures are being properly implemented by all companies. While the embassy is representing Filipino workers in particular, they are urging that safer conditions be put into effect for all workers.

Three other Filipino workers died almost a year ago in an explosion on a different Gulf oil platform that also injured eleven other workers. Investigations in that case showed that it was the company’s fault and that the conditions on the platform were unsafe, so it is very reasonable for the embassy to be concerned in this case as well. Employers of offshore workers need to be held responsible for creating conditions that are as safe as possible. While some risks are simply part of offshore work, there are many policies and procedures that can be used to keep workers safe.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in offshore work and you believe it is due to company negligence, you should immediately hire an offshore injury lawyer. Kirkendall Dwyer LLP offshore injury lawyers are standing by to take your case. Don’t hesitate to hold companies responsible for services they should be providing. By calling such practices to the attention of the law, you don’t only help yourself or your injured loved one, but also other offshore workers who will subsequently get improved safety conditions.

Dec 24, 2013

BP Website Response to Deep Horizon Oil Spill

Oil Rig Injury Attorney: BP has launched a new website designed to defend its response to the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill. The oil spill left 11 people dead and spilled almost 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. In the new website, the company defends its actions after the horrific accident. In part, the website says “The Deepwater Horizon blowout and explosion was a tragic accident, and BP, alone, among all involved parties, stepped up from the beginning and acknowledged its role”.

BP does not admit negligence, stating that it was not “grossly negligent in its actions leading up to the spill”. In response to lawsuits that were subsequently filed after the accident, BP replies that gross negligence has not been proven.

Additionally, BP says that the estimate of spilled oil is too high. The estimate may be important when it comes to fines. Under the Clean Water Act, BP may be fined $1,100 for each spilled barrel. The fine jumps to $4,300 each barrel if BP were to be found grossly negligent.

When determining penalties using the Clean Water Act, the courts must determine the parties’ responsibility as well as how much oil was spilled. They court may also take other factors into consideration such as the company’s actions after the spill occurred. Certainly an oil rig injury attorney will work to prove the gross negligence.

In cases such as this one, the culpability is likely quite clear. The resolution will be based on whether the court feels the case for gross negligence has been proven. An experienced oil rig injury attorney gets involved in these types of cases. If involved in an accident of this type it is best to seek counsel from an oil rig injury attorney as soon as possible. The lawyer will review every aspect of the case to help resolve the case in a favorable manner.