Whether you are working on a ship or unloading cargo at a port, collisions can cause serious injuries. These injuries could leave you unable to work and some could even plague you for the rest of your life. What can you do in this situation? You can seek out compensation, and a Snohomish County port & pier injury lawyer from our firm can help you with that.
What Are Common Types of Vessel Collisions?
There are a few kinds of vessel collisions that often cause injuries and fatalities. Common accidents include:
Bow-On: This is when two vessels collide head-on.
Allision: This is when a ship collides with a stationary object, like a bridge or dock.
Stern collision: When one ship crashes into the rear of another ship, the primary danger is damage to the cargo and how any hazardous materials could react to all of that force.
Side collision: This can be especially dangerous because the reinforced bow of a ship can easily tear through the side of another vessel. This can flood the sleeping quarters and other areas of the ship where the workers spend their downtime, resulting in a large number of casualties and serious injuries.
What Can Cause Collisions and Injuries at Sea or at a Port?
There are many factors that can contribute to vessel collisions, ranging from human error to bad weather. Some common safety issues include:
- Not communicating in high-traffic areas
- Mechanical failures
- Navigational issues
- Failure of technology, like radar
What Are Some Common Types of Injuries in These Accidents?
It should not be a surprise that ship collisions can result in serious injuries. Workers can fall down due to a crash, risking broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and concussions. If people get knocked overboard they can drown or end up with hypothermia, which can result in additional health problems if it’s not promptly treated. Dangerous cargo can cause additional injuries and fires can cause burns or medical problems related to smoke inhalation.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recieve After Being Injured?
Maritime workers who get injured are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits no matter who is at fault. These help workers pay their living expenses and medical bills while they recover.
If negligence was a factor, you may be able to sue for additional benefits. You could be covered under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Our lawyers can help you figure out if you can make a claim and pursue compensation through one of these avenues.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are a maritime worker and you have been hurt on the job, you could be owed benefits. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC and ask to schedule a consultation with our team. If there is a way that we can help you pursue the compensation that you deserve, we will help you find it.
