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Dredge Accidents

A dredge is a vessel that is used to gather sediment in bodies of water and move them to other areas.  Dredges perform critical work that enables all other types of maritime activity.  However, as with all maritime activity, it is risky work for the crew members operating the vessel and the machinery.

There are many types of dredges.  Some use a scoop attached to the end of a rope or a pole, but now many work with a motorized crane which can be mounted on a barge or on land.  Other dredges use suction as the main means to gather sediment.

Regardless of what type of dredge is involved, there are numerous ways accidents and injuries can occur:

• A dredge may run aground, causing crew members to suffer falls if proper guardrails are not installed
• A dredge may unintentionally rupture an underwater gas line, causing an explosion and a fire
• The crane boom of the dredge can strike a crew member

In addition to these types of accidents, dredge equipment generally is heavy and can cause crush injuries, leading to amputation.

The Supreme Court has held that a dredge is a to be considered a vessel, therefore crew members injured in the course of their duties are covered by the Jones Act.  This is a huge advantage for injured workers, as the Jones Act provides broader remedies than traditional workers compensation schemes.

Contact an Attorney Today.

Crew members at work on a dredge take great risks everyday.  If you have been injured on the job, you need aggressive, experienced lawyers that can defend your rights and recover the money necessary to compensate you for your injuries.  Contact Kirkendall Dwyer LLP today.
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