Snohomish County Tug & Barge Injury Lawyer

Here in Washington State, tug and barge operations are vital to the local economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and resources crucial to both local and national markets. Workers in this sector, including fish processors, play an integral role in the success of these operations. However, the very nature of their work, often amidst challenging and unpredictable conditions, exposes them to a range of hazards that can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. If you’ve sustained an injury as a tug & barge worker, please don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC. We are here to fight for the compensation you need.

Tug & Barge Injury Lawyer | Here for Injured Maritime Workers

Amy C Brown Law, PLLC is a law firm based in Snohomish County, Washington, that is dedicated to representing injured maritime workers across Washington State and Alaska. Tug and barge injuries can be devastating, and, unfortunately, are not rare. Don’t face one on your own. Reach out to a skilled tug & barge injury lawyer here at our firm for guidance.

Common Causes & Types of Tug & Barge Injuries

Tug and barge workers face a unique set of risks on the job. Just some of the most common causes and types of injuries they sustain are as follows:

• Slip and Falls: Wet and slippery decks are common, leading to falls that can cause fractures, head injuries, and spinal damage.
• Heavy Machinery Accidents: Injuries resulting from operating or being caught in barge equipment, including winches and cranes.
• Rope and Line Snaps: High-tension lines can snap, causing whip-like injuries or severe cuts.
• Toxic Exposure: Handling or being exposed to hazardous substances, leading to chemical burns or respiratory issues.
• Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents: Falling overboard into cold and sometimes turbulent waters.
• Confined Spaces: Injuries from working in or entering tanks and other confined areas.
• Burns: From fires or explosions, common in engine rooms and kitchens.
• Hypothermia: Due to working in cold, wet conditions without adequate protection.
• Crush Injuries: Being pinned or crushed by shifting cargo or equipment malfunctions.

Laws Governing Maritime Injury Claims

In Washington State, maritime workers, including those in tug and barge operations, are protected under various federal and state laws:

• The Jones Act: Allows maritime workers to sue their employers for negligence that leads to injury or death.
• The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): Provides compensation for disabled workers or their survivors, regardless of fault.
• The General Maritime Law: Offers maintenance and cure benefits, requiring employers to cover medical treatment and living expenses until a worker has reached maximum medical improvement.

It is crucial to hire a competent Snohomish County maritime injury lawyer who can effectively assess the circumstances of your injury and determine which laws apply to your case. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you have come to the right place.

Recovering Compensation

For tug and barge workers injured on the job, various forms of compensation may be available, including the following:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to injury.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury results in a long-term disability that affects the ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with training for a new job if unable to return to previous employment.
• Wrongful Death Benefits: For families of workers who are fatally injured, covering funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

Contact a Tug & Barge Injury Lawyer Today

Don’t face the uphill battle for compensation after a serious injury on your own. Contact a skilled tug & barge injury lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC for a free consultation today. We have extensive experience handling all types of maritime injury cases, and we are prepared to put that experience to work for you in your case.