If you are a maritime worker, you know that your workplace can occasionally be dangerous. You should not have to worry about being assaulted by your co-workers though. If you were attacked at work, you may be owed compensation. A maritime injury lawyer from our firm can help you fight for what you deserve.
Is Being Assaulted a Common Concern in the Maritime Industry?
Many of the working conditions facing maritime workers can be tough to deal with. Workers can feel isolated and depressed because they have been taken away from their families for long periods of time. Unfortunately, there are also still some major gender disparities in jobs like these and that can also lead to issues. When the mental health of employees is not properly addressed, it’s even easier for assaults and other violent incidents to happen.
Crew members can end up harming each other in a number of ways. Common issues include:
- Fights between workers
- Sexual assault
- Forced confinement
- Assaults using tools or work equipment
- Hazing
- Bullying
Many of these incidents go unreported, but you should come forward if you were assaulted while you were at work. Your workplace should be a safe place.
What Kinds of Effects Can Being Assaulted Have on Victims?
Assaults do not just cause physical harm. Employees who have been attacked may no longer feel safe at their workplace, and understandably so. In addition to physical wounds, workers who have been assaulted may also suffer from:
- Psychological trauma
- Social isolation
- Emotional distress
- Other mental health issues
A worker who is traumatized is not going to do their job well. This can cause safety issues in an industry like this. Even if no one gets harmed, the employee’s poor performance can hurt their own future job prospects. This is why violence between crew members needs to be properly addressed and victims need proper support.
Can an Employer Be Blamed For Violence Between Crew Members?
Sometimes every precaution can be taken and every preparation can be made, but someone gets hurt anyway. This isn’t always the case though. If an employer does not take steps to make their workplace safe for employees, then they may be blamed when violence between crew members occurs. An employer that does not take reports seriously or have staff to address conflicts between employees is not doing all that they can to keep workers safe.
In a situation like this, a worker who was assaulted may be able to sue their employer under the Jones Act. This is how you can recover damages for things like lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you were assaulted at work, we want to hear from you. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation. There’s no obligation. Tell us more about what happened to you, and we can tell you more about your potential legal options.
