Commercial Diving Accidents in New Orleans
Commercial diving is a specialized and demanding profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial divers work below the surface of the water using scuba or other equipment. They inspect, repair, remove, or install underwater structures and equipment. In addition, divers may conduct experiments, rig explosives, or photograph marine structures and wildlife.
Commercial divers often use heavy tools such as drills, welding torches, and hydraulic hammers. As a result, the work environment can be extremely dangerous.
Because of these risks, accidents can happen. However, many commercial diving accidents are preventable when proper safety procedures are followed.
If you were injured while working as a diver, the experienced attorneys at Cueria Law Injury Lawyers may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Commercial Diving Teams
A commercial diving operation typically includes several trained professionals. Each team member plays an important role in maintaining safety and completing the dive successfully.
For example, a commercial diving team may include:
- Diving supervisor
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) supervisor
- Diver
- ROV pilot or technician
- Standby diver
- Tender
- Life support technician
Together, these individual help ensure that diving operations are performed safely and efficiently.
Why Commercial Diving Is Dangerous
Commercial diving is inherently dangerous. Divers often work in deep water, strong currents, and low visibility environments. In addition, they rely heavily on specialized equipment and strict safety protocols.
When safety procedures are ignored or equipment fails, serious accidents can occur.
Furthermore, diving accident cases can be legally complex. Most commercial diving injuries fall under federal maritime law. Therefore, it is important to speak with an experienced maritime attorney who understands these laws.
Our Louisiana maritime injury lawyers can help evaluate your case and determine your legal options.
Commercial Diving Industries and Types of Divers
Commercial divers are in high demand, especially in Louisiana. For example, many divers work in the Gulf of Mexico servicing offshore oil and gas platforms.
These divers often perform tasks such as:
- Inspecting offshore rigs
- Repairing underwater pipelines
- Performing underwater welding
- Conducting structural inspections
In addition, some offshore divers perform HAZMAT or nuclear diving involving hazardous materials. Because of the high risks involved, proper training and equipment are essential.
If a diver is injured because of unsafe conditions or employers negligence, they may have the right to pursue compensation.
Types of Commercial Divers
There are several types of commercial divers working across different industries. These include:
- Offshore divers
- Inland divers
- HAZMAT and nuclear divers
- Scientific research divers
- Media or documentary divers
- Military divers
Each of these roles involves unique responsibilities and safety risks.
Saturation Diving
Many divers working in the Gulf of Mexico perform saturation diving. This type of diving allows workers to operate at extreme depths for extended periods of time.
For example, divers may work at depths greater than 150 feet (50 meters). During this process, divers live in pressurized chambers to keep their body tissues saturated with breathing gases.
While saturation diving can be profitable, it also carries serious risks. As a result, strict safety procedures must be followed at all times.
Commercial Diving Industries
Commercial divers work in many different industries across the United States. For instance, common industries include:
- Architectural and engineering services
- Museums and historical institutions
- Local government agencies
- Support activities for water transportation
- Nonresidential building construction
- Heavy and civil engineering construction
- Industrial support services
Because these industries involve underwater work, divers must often operate in hazardous conditions.
Causes of Common Diving Accidents
Many commercial diving accidents occur because of employer negligence. For example, accidents may happen when divers are not properly trained or when equipment is poorly maintained.
In such dangerous environments, even small mistakes can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Common causes of commercial diving accidents include:
- Inadequate training
- Poor equipment maintenance
- Incorrect decompression tables
- Use of improper dive tables
- Improper gas mixtures
- Twisted or damaged air supply limits
- Differential pressure hazards
- Vessel negligence
- Offshore explosions or fires
- Equipment failures on vessels
- Working outside safe five limits
When these safety failures occur, divers may suffer severe injuries or fatalities.
Common Commercial Diving Injuries
Commercial diving accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries. For example, injured divers may experience:
- Drowning
- Gas narcosis
- Hypothermia
- Decompression sickness
- Dysbaric osteonecrosis
- Barometric pressure injuries
- Brain damage
- Gas toxicity
- Underwater welding burns
Because these injuries can be life-threatening, immediate medical treatment is critical.
Safety Considerations for Commercial Diving
Before any dive begins, several safety factors must be evaluated. Proper planning can help reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Important safety considerations include:
- The location and mode of the dive
- Environmental hazards in the water
- Thermal protection for divers
- Oxygen supply levels
- Quality of diving equipment
- Emergency treatment procedures
- Decompression planning
- The experience and competency of the diving team
When employers fail to address these safety concerns, divers may face unnecessary risks.
The Jones Act and Diving Accident Claims
Many commercial diving injury cases fall under the Jones Act, a federal law that protects maritime workers.
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to seek compensation when their injuries result from employer negligence.
To qualify under the Jones Act, a diver must generally meet the legal definition of a seaman. This usually means:
- The diver contributes to the work or function of a vessel, and
- At least 30% of the diver’s work takes place on that vessel.
If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Laws and Regulations Governing Commercial Diving
Commercial diving is heavily regulated to protect worker safety. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards for commercial diving operations.
These regulations include:
- 29 CFR 1910 – Generally industry standards
- 29 CFR 1915, 1917, and 1918 – Maritime standards
- 29 CFR 1926 – Construction standards
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor provides safety guidance and training resources for commercial divers.
Why Hire a Diving Accident Attorney?
Commercial diving accident cases often involve complex maritime laws. As a result, it can be difficult to understand your rights without experienced legal guidance.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our legal team thoroughly investigates commercial diving accidents. We examine safety failures, employer negligence, and violations of maritime law.
Then, we work to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages related to your injury
We understand that recovering from a diving accident can be overwhelming. Therefore, our goal is to handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Request a Free Case Review
If you were injures in a commercial diving accident, you may have legal options. The experienced attorneys at Cueria Law Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review. Our team will evaluate your case and explain your rights under maritime law.
