Dredge Accidents – Page 3 – Offshore Injury Lawyer – Maritime Attorneys – Houston Maritime LawyersOffshore Injury Attorneys

Jan 16, 2014

Using a Baytown Personal Injury Attorney to Sue for Lack of Equipment

Maritime work can involve a number of different tasks for any one job. Each of these tasks can carry an exhaustive amount of variables when it comes to doing the job right and doing it safely. The work maritime employees carry out is some of the most dangerous in the world, thanks in large part to each employee having so many of these variables to keep track of. That’s why sustaining an injury because of an employer’s negligence is simply unacceptable.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most prevalent hazards maritime workers face in the workplace are falling, heat, drowning, fatigue, and hearing loss. For the most part, the risk of suffering these dangers can be greatly reduced by having the right equipment.

If you feel your employer is dropping the ball when it comes to outfitting you with necessary equipment, contact a Baytown personal injury attorney today. They can help guide you through the steps necessary to bring this matter to your employer’s attention in order to receive the safety measures you deserve.

Unfortunately, it may be past that point. If you were recently injured because the right equipment was not afforded to you, a Baytown personal injury attorney can certainly file suit on your behalf and seek compensation for the injury you sustained.

Some injuries, however, are less dramatic. For example, if you’ve developed hearing loss from the loud noises at your job and were never given the proper ear protection, you may not have recognized it right away. Nonetheless, you can still be entitled to damages. Contact a Baytown personal injury attorney immediately, and don’t wait another day for what might be yours.

Maritime work is hard enough as it is without your employer undermining your safety. The law office of Kirkendall Dwyer LLP understands this and knows what you’re entitled to in terms of precautionary measures. Contact them today, and they’ll begin looking into your personal injury case.

Jan 15, 2014

The Importance of a Good Jones Act Lawyer in Houston

If you’re a maritime lawyer, you probably have at least some understanding of the Jones Act. Also referred to as the Merchant Marine Act, it was passed in 1920 with the goal of protecting maritime workers aboard commercial vessels in national waters. However, just because the bill is there, that doesn’t mean you’ll always get the most out of it. For that, you need a Jones Act lawyer in Houston for representation.

For one thing, the Jones Act is not automatic. You have to invoke your rights in order to take advantage of them. A maritime worker’s attempt to do this is sometimes squelched, however, by the very people they work for. Sadly, greed can overtake an employer’s sense of morality, resulting in pressure on a worker to take far less than they’re owed.

When in doubt, contact a Jones Act lawyer in Houston if you’ve been injured or have any questions. In fact, if you’ve been hurt, speak to a lawyer before you say anything to your employer or their insurer. Any statements you make could otherwise be used against you later.

There are many ways a qualified Jones Act lawyer in Houston could invoke that law to get you compensation. If your employer failed to provide you with a drug free environment, for example, they can be held accountable. Your employer is also to blame if the equipment they provide, or the ship itself, is not in good working order. Even if you become injured for no other reason than simple human error on the part of one of your coworkers, the Jones Act says you have a case.

The Jones Act is a powerful piece of legislation that stands between you and further repercussions from suffering an injury on the job. Call Kirkendall Dwyer LLP today if you have any questions or if you’ve been recently injured.

Jan 13, 2014

Ship Sinking? Crew Members Should Call A Houston Jones Act Lawyer

For maritime workers, there is no simple task. Every objective they have is connected to the lives of everyone else onboard. Of course, this works both ways. More often than not, a maritime worker is put in jeopardy because of the actions of their fellow crewmembers or even their employer. These events serve to highlight the value of a Jones Act lawyer in Houston.

One such case happened recently off the coast of the Solomon Islands. On December 18^th, a ferry left port to transport 390 people over the water. The problem? The Francis Gerena was only licensed to carry 80. It didn’t take long for the added weight to take effect. When the ferry’s pump failed, the ship began sinking.

At this time, all we know is the ferry was carrying far too many people and hadn’t been cleared to leave the harbor. But someone made a decision and as a result nearly 400 people were put at risk. Thankfully, everyone survived.

A qualified Jones Act lawyer in Houston would look at a situation like this and know their client was due for compensation if they had been injured. If the captain of the ferry made the decision to leave port, the Jones Act demands that crewmembers not be held responsible for others’ negligence. Had the pump failed for some other reason, a Jones Act lawyer in Houston would look to see if the owner of the ship was responsible for operating the vessel without proper equipment onboard.

In any case, maritime workers must have proper representation if they hope to get what they’re due under the Jones Act. A law firm like Kirkendall Dwyer LLP is a great option for maritime workers in Houston. While every incident is different, they can provide the kind of representation a crew member needs.

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 21, 2013

Numerous Accidents Reported after Typhoon

As expected, the Philippine Coast Guard has been receiving many reports of maritime accidents since the typhoon hit. The typhoon is considered to be one of the most powerful storms ever known to man so it is no wonder that many ships were impacted as a result. High winds create huge waves which can cause even some of the most seaworthy vessels to become damaged or disabled.

Unfortunately, when a ship goes down at sea there are often no survivors. This is especially true when there is a major storm in the area. A small lifeboat or life preservers or vests are no match for the powerful waves and wind that the typhoon produced.

Thus far, 13 maritime accidents have been reported to the coast guard. However, many more are likely expected. If entire ships went down with no survivors, it could take weeks or longer to learn of the accident. One of the worst accidents reported so far is the Andrea Princess, a cargo ship. It was taking shelter as best it could in Ando Island when the typhoon hit. The rough seas caused it to drift and eventually run aground. Of the crew members aboard, 2 have died, 5 are missing, and 15 have been saved.

The full extent of the disaster has not yet been realized. Many ships sunk, and many more drifted until they came to shore. Piles of debris including many ships must be gone through. It is likely that there were many maritime fatalities that are not yet known. While the typhoon was a natural disaster, many maritime accidents are the result of negligence. A Texas City personal injury attorney has experience dealing with all types of maritime accidents and injuries.

If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to a Texas City personal injury attorney to learn what you should do after an accident occurs. Your attorney will answer any questions you may have and guide you through the legal process. It’s best to call a Texas City personal injury attorney as soon after the injury occurs as possible.