Common Maritime Accidents and How a Maritime Attorney Can Help
Maritime accidents remain a serious concern across Louisiana. As a St. Mary Parish maritime attorney, I often speak with injured workers who have questions about how these accidents happen and what legal options they have afterward.
This guide explains the most common maritime accidents, why they occur, and how a maritime attorney can help you recover compensation.
Common Maritime Accidents
Working in the maritime industry offers rewarding opportunities. However, it also comes with significant risks. Many injuries happen during routine tasks aboard vessels.
Some of the most common maritime accidents include:
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Slips, trips, and falls caused by wet or cluttered decks
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Falls from heights while working on elevated surfaces
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Falls overboard, which often lead to drowning or hypothermia
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Repetitive motion injuries from repeated physical tasks
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Overexertion and strain injuries caused by heavy lifting
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Injuries during dangerous tasks due to poor training or missing safety gear
Why Maritime Jobs Are So Dangerous
Maritime work involves heavy equipment, hazardous environments, and long hours. As a result, injuries can occur even when workers follow safety procedures.
High-risk maritime tasks often include:
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Chemical handling, which may cause burns or toxic exposure
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Cargo loading and unloading using cranes and forklifts
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Welding and repair work, which can result in burns or eye injuries
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Engine room duties, where heat, noise, and machinery increase danger
Compensation Options After a Maritime Accident
After a maritime injury, workers often worry about medical bills and lost income. Fortunately, maritime law provides several paths to compensation, depending on the circumstances.
Common avenues for recovery include:
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The Jones Act
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The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness
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Maintenance and Cure
The Jones Act
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to pursue negligence claims against their employers or other responsible parties. To succeed, the worker must show that employer negligence played a role in the injury.
A Jones Act attorney can help determine eligibility and build a strong claim.
The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness
Shipowners must provide vessels that are reasonably safe and properly maintained. If unsafe conditions cause an injury, the shipowner may be liable under the doctrine of unseaworthiness.
This claim focuses on the condition of the vessel itself, not the employer’s conduct.
Maintenance and Cure
Maintenance and cure require employers to cover:
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Medical treatment related to the injury
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Basic living expenses while the seaman recovers
This benefit applies regardless of fault and continues until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement.
Additional Risks in the Maritime Industry
Maritime accidents occur in many settings, including offshore platforms, ports, docks, and vessels at sea.
Equipment Accidents
Heavy machinery such as cranes, winches, and forklifts can cause serious injuries when poorly maintained or improperly operated.
Inadequate Training
Lack of proper training often leads to preventable accidents. Employers bear responsibility for ensuring workers know how to use equipment and safety gear.
Commercial Fishing Accidents
Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous maritime jobs. Rough seas, fatigue, long hours, and small vessels increase the risk of serious injuries and fatalities.
Onshore and Dock Accidents
Port workers face hazards such as:
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Equipment collisions
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Falls into the water
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Chemical exposure
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Fires and explosions
Common Maritime Injuries
Maritime accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
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Head, neck, and back injuries
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Lost limbs or amputations
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Chemical burns or respiratory damage
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Fire and electrical injuries
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Repetitive use injuries affecting joints and muscles
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Shoulder injuries, such as dislocations and fractures
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Minor injuries, including sprains, cuts, and tendonitis
Even minor injuries can worsen over time if left untreated.
Negligence and Maritime Accidents
Negligence often plays a role in maritime injuries. Common examples include:
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Failure to inspect or repair equipment
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Poor communication policies
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Excessive work hours without rest
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Unsafe deck or dock conditions
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Poor judgment during dangerous weather
When negligence contributes to an accident, injured workers may have strong legal claims.
What to Do After a Maritime Injury
If you suffer an injury at sea or onshore, the impact can be overwhelming. You may face:
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Medical expenses
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Lost wages and future earnings
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Long-term physical limitations
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Emotional and psychological trauma
Maritime laws exist to protect injured workers. A maritime attorney can use accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Speak With a Maritime Attorney Today
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we offer free case evaluations for maritime accident victims. We handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no upfront fees.
If you were injured in a maritime accident, don’t wait to get help. As a St. Mary Parish maritime attorney, I am here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
