Fishing vessels can be a dangerous place to work. There are many chances to get hurt each day, and when that happens you may need the assistance of a Snohomish County commercial fishing injury lawyer. We have experience helping clients with all sorts of injuries, including conveyor belt injuries, and we can help you secure the benefits that you deserve.
What Are Common Causes of Conveyor Belt Injuries?
Conveyor belt injuries can happen at any time. Common causes of these injuries include:
Lack of guards: Conveyor belts can be dangerous and your employer knows it. There should be guard railings and other barriers that can help keep employees away from the belt and out of a potentially dangerous situation.
Poor maintenance: These belts are like any other machinery. If they aren’t well cared for, they can become dangerous. Ensuring that all conveyor belts are properly maintained and that all parts are installed correctly should be a top priority.
Inadequate training: All employees should know how to safely deal with these types of equipment. Conveyor belt injuries should not happen because someone did not get the training that they were supposed to receive.
What Are Some Common Types of Conveyor Belt Injuries?
Conveyor belts used in the fishing industry can cause all kinds of injuries. Cargo can fall off and hit people. Clothing can get stuck in the equipment. It can be difficult to stay completely out of danger when working around such machinery.
Arm and hand injuries are probably the most common. People can end up with broken or fractured bones or even missing fingers after an encounter with these belts. Some people have even died from their injuries.
What Should I Do After Getting Injured?
Your injuries need to be reported right away. You should be eligible for benefits that can help you pay your bills and recover. These are called “maintenance and cure” benefits and they are awarded to seamen who get injured regardless of negligence. Maintenance benefits help with your day-to-day expenses, like your food and rent, while cure benefits are intended to help you pay for all of the medical care that you need.
In some cases, these benefits are not enough. This can be especially true if you were hurt and feel like your employer’s negligence played a role in your accident. Was there a lack of safety equipment? Were you and your fellow employees not properly trained? Then you may be entitled to more compensation. An experienced maritime injury lawyer can tell you more about your options, like claiming benefits under the Jones Act.
Contact Our Law Firm
Do not leave any potential compensation sitting on the table. If you get hurt at work, you should receive benefits. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC and ask to schedule a consultation. We can tell you more about your options.
