Let Simon & O’Rourke Law Firm P.C. Be Your Tanker and Freighter Accident Injury Lawyers

A seaman serving on a freighter, tanker, container ship, bulk carrier or one of the many different types of cargo ships must deal with some of the most hazardous working conditions in the shipping industry.

Heavy equipment, massive containers, severe weather and treacherous footing can make a vessel a dangerous work environment. These dangerous conditions can lead to serious injuries. Injuries so severe, they can prevent a seaman from working offshore. While there are many laws protecting seamen, the employers and vessel owners in the tanker and shipping industry often try to avoid proper liability under these laws.

The employers and vessel owners have insurance companies, safety men and teams of attorneys on their side. All hired and trained to protect their interests. Meanwhile, injured workers, who put their health and their lives on the line every day, are sitting at home, concerned about how they are going to get proper medical treatment, how they are going to pay their bills, and how they are going to get back to work so that they can support their families. This can be a recipe for disaster.

There are many laws, protecting workers on vessels, including the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. Laws that an experienced Jones Act and Maritime law lawyer can use to protect injured workers. The attorneys and staff at Simon & O’Rourke Law Firm, PC have over thirty years of experience in handling maritime injury cases.

Contact A Maritime Accident Injury Attorney Today

If you have been injured while working on a cargo ship, a freighter, tanker, container ship, bulk carrier or one of the many different types of cargo ships, you need to protect your rights. The attorneys and staff at Simon & O’Rourke have handled hundreds of cases for injured crew members. Our team stands up to maritime employers, vessel owners and insurance providers to make sure that our clients get the maximum compensation available for their injuries. Contact us today to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation session at our office and find out how we can help you.

Causes of Maritime Injuries

Even the most routine daily tasks on vessels can leave workers vulnerable to serious injuries. When there are dangerous conditions onboard, the risks for serious injury greatly increases.

Some of these conditions can include:

  • Slippery decks and ladders
  • Bent stair steps and ladder rungs
  • Shifting loads
  • Rough seas and strong currents
  • Severe weather
  • Faulty rigging
  • Poorly maintained equipment
  • Not enough crew
  • Electrical system failures
  • Operator error
  • … and much more.

Tanker, Freighter and Cargo Ship Accident Injuries

Heavy loads, poor weather conditions, and tight deadlines can lead to accidents aboard cargo vessels. Whether the vessel is a small boat or a large container ship, the margin for error is exceedingly small and the odds of serious injuries are often unbelievably high.

Some of the injuries that workers on cargo vessels encounter include:

  • Head and neck trauma
  • Low back injuries
  • Muscle strain
  • Crushing injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Ligament, tendon, and muscle tears
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Paralysis
  • … and much more

Tanker Vessel Accident Injuries

Tanker vessels make up a sizable portion of all the traffic that moves through the Port of Houston and other ports along the Gulf Coast. Tanker crew members must often face hazards above and beyond those encountered by workers on other vessels. These vessels can contain toxic hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and petroleum by-products. These substances are often highly flammable, so the risks of fires and explosion are also higher than normal.

In addition to the injuries that crews on cargo ships frequently encounter, some of the injuries that tanker crew members can experience include:

  • Burns
  • Lung damage (coughing, pneumonia, etc.)
  • Skin rashes
  • Carcinogen exposure
  • Eye irritation/blindness
  • Nervous system damage (seizures, fatigue, etc.)
  • Heart problems (arrhythmia, palpitations, etc.)
  • … and much more

Grounds for Maritime Accident Injury Lawsuits

Although maritime work has its share of dangers, maritime employers and vessel owners are still required by law to provide their workers with a seaworthy vessel and a safe work environment. When maritime employers and vessel owners fail to live up to these obligations, injured maritime workers may be entitled to pursue legal action against their both their employers and the vessel owners.

Compensation Available in Maritime Accident Injury Lawsuits

Workers who pursue legal action against employers can seek monetary damages that can cover expenses related to their injuries.

Economic damages can include:

  • Hospital bills
  • Doctor’s office visits
  • Loss of income
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of household contribution
  • Physical/occupational therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • … and much more.

Non-economic damages can include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional/mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • … and much more