Boats are Not the Only Maritime Danger

While boats are the obvious source of maritime risk, they are not the only source. Many people can be unprepared to hear that a helicopter can be a maritime risk. However, they are frequently used to transport workers to and from offshore drilling stations. An incident earlier this year proves that they can be just as deadly to maritime workers ad boats can.

The incident took place in October and left one person dead and three others badly injured. While it is still being investigated as to the cause, it is more than probable that company issues such as malfunctioning equipment or inappropriate training may have cause the crash. If this is the case, the company will need to be held accountable for the injuries sustained by its workers. While this won’t immediately cure them or bring back the man who was lost, it can improve conditions for workers in the future.

When companies are called out on poor safety policies, they frequently change them, either by choice or due to being required by the government. By raising injury claims or by families demanding compensation for lost loved ones, such cases can actually help change legislation or at least bring recognition to an issue that the government and the company may not have even realized was a safety hazard.

Kirkendall Dwyer LLP is on hand with a Texas maritime lawyer ready to handle any injuries suffered on platforms or through other company negligence. If you or a loved one has had to suffer due to unsafe offshore conditions, do so no more. Instead, fight these conditions with both court cases and legislation. Only by using these legal tools can change truly be effected and the injured parties properly compensated for the hardship they have endured.

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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.

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Types of Maritme Accidents

There are many types of maritime accidents. Of these, the most dangerous, and the type with the most potential for injuries or death, is a collision at sea. There are a number of different ways a collision can take place. All of them present hazardous conditions for those aboard the vessels. Serious accidents, with injuries, can occur quickly. A victim of such an accident will want to discuss it with an experienced maritime injury lawyer.

Bow-On: This type of collision occurs when two ships collide front to front. It can be compared to a head-on collision in a vehicle. In many cases, the bow-on accident may be caused by an inability to brake or slow the vessel. Maritime rules call for vessels that are approaching each other in this manner to pass to the starboard, so both ships avoid a collision course. Failure to take action is almost always attributed to human error.

Stern Collisions: This type of accident happens when one vessel hits another near the rear. This can cause extensive damage. Stern collisions are most likely to happen when passing another vessel. Maritime rules provide that a vessel that is being passed should stay out of the way of the other vessel. It is possible to run into the other vessel, which is commonly caused by crew members who are not paying attention.

Side Collisions: A side collision is similar to a T-bone accident in a vehicle. One vessel crashes into the side of another vessel. Sometimes an accident of this type could be caused by adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or waves that make it difficult to gain control of the vessel.

Allison Accidents: These are accidents that occur when a moving vessel runs into a stationary object. A common Allison accident may happen when a vessel hits a bridge or seawall. In cases such as this, the moving vessel is presumed to be at fault.  These accidents, while often close to shore, can be dangerous to both crew members and passengers. Talk to a maritime injury lawyer to learn what steps to take if you have been injured.

Maritime accidents can be hazardous and can result in injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, contact a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible.

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Maritime Accidents Along Mobile River Increasing

The Mobile River is a busy place for maritime activity.  Ships are always docking, loading, and unloading, making it a popular place for those looking for employment.  However, in the past year, there have been a string of maritime accidents, bringing attention to the dire need for attention to workplace safety.

The most recent accident took place on September 7, 2013, and resulted in the death of Dustin Rogers, a dockworker working various maritime jobs along the river.  He was killed when a marine crane that was loading railroad tracks dropped one of the 3,000 pound tracks.

In April of this year, there was a huge barge explosion that seriously injured three people.  In the same month, a guard shack was blown into the water, killing one worker.

Over all, there have been 12 very serious maritime accidents, including two fatalities.  Each time, there has been an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) inspection.  Despite the fact that each company must follow safety regulations, it is each company’s individual responsibility to implement and enforce these regulations.

When companies do not follow safety regulations and fail to put worker safety above all other concerns, accidents become more commonplace and workers can lose their lives.  Whether you are a worker in a commercial fishing boat, a barge, a dredge, or a marine crane, the offshore accident attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP can help you hold the parties responsible for your accident accountable.  With an experienced attorney on your side, you will be more likely to recover complete compensation for your injuries.

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