The fishing boat accident near New Jersey added to the hundreds of deaths among fishermen across the country. In 1991, the Andrea Gaildisappeared on its journey home to Gloucester, taking the lives of six fishermen. In 2001, the Arctic Rose sank in the Bering Sea, claiming the lives of 15 fishermen.

Commercial fishermen are protected under the law and can pursue compensation when they suffer injuries. An injured fisherman has certain legal rights under the Jones Act and is entitled to seek damages when injuries are caused by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel.

A Jones Act lawsuit can result in compensation for pain and suffering, past and future lost wages, disfigurement, mental anguish and other costs associated with the injury. In some cases, negligence by a third party, such as a contractor, is to blame for the fishing boat accident, which can lead to a third party claim.

If you have been injured on a fishing boat, you should contact an experienced fishing boat accident lawyer. Contact our law firm as soon as possible, the initial consultation is free and confidential.

By Tuesday night, only one survivor had been found. Two of the three crew members were pulled from the icy water by a Coast Guard helicopter, but both later died.

More than 100 commercial fishermen have died at sea off the New Jersey coast, since reliable records started being kept in1931.

One of the worst accidents happened in 2001 when the Artic Rose sunk in the Bering Sea, which killed 15 people. The Aleutian Enterprise also sank in the same location in 1990, killing nine people.

All seven crew members in the recent accident off the New Jersey coast were wearing cold-water survival suits, according to the Coast Guard. However, a national search and rescue expert said that chances are not good for survival in 40-degree water.

The survivor, Jose Luis Ariese, told authorities that the members had lifesaving suits and abandoned ship, although he didn’t give a specific reason as to why they left the boat. Ariese had spent at least two hours in the icy water and was treated and released from the hospital.

A traumatic brain injury, also called a head injury or TBI, is caused by a sudden trauma which ultimately results in damage to the brain. These injuries can occur when the head is hit violently by an object or when something pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the main causes of traumatic brain injury is falls, which accounts for 28 percent of all cases. It is estimated that 1.4 million people are victims of traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States and among those individuals, 50,000 will die and 235,000 will be hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

A head injury can cause a wide range of problems affecting thinking, language, learning, emotions, behavior and sensation. It can also result in epilepsy and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders. Symptoms of a brain injury can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the damage to the brain. Someone who has a mild injury may have a headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears and may or may not lose consciousness. A person with a moderate to severe brain injury may show the same signs, but may also experience the following:

• Headache that gets worse or won’t go away
• Vomiting or nausea
• Seizures
• An inability to awaken from sleep
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Increased confusion

Little can be done to reverse the initial brain damage caused by trauma, but medical treatment should still be sought immediately after the injury occurrs. Doctors will work on stabilizing the patient to prevent further injuries. The medical personnel will focus on ensuring that proper oxygen is being supplied to the brain and the rest of the body, adequate blood flow is being maintained and blood pressure is controlled. Imaging tests will most likely be conducted to determine the extent of brain damage. Surgery is sometimes required for workers with traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the injury, the patient may have long-term disabilities.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a traumatic brain injury caused by working on a barge, tug, ship or other vessel, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a maritime attorney for advice regarding your case.

According to a recent study of occupational exposures to lead in shipfitters cutting and riveting lead-painted iron plates aboard an iron-hulled sailing vessel, many of the samples taken were above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s standard. Even more frightening was the fact that researchers found that workers who wore respirators had the same level of lead exposure as workers who wore no protective gear.

Lead can be found in the air, drinking water, food, soil and dust. One of the main sources of lead today is old lead-based paint. When lead-based paint is improperly removed by dry scraping, sanding or burning, it can cause harmful exposure. Older vessels that have lead-based paint can result in high concentrations of airborne lead particles. Workers may inhale lead dust and can increase the probability of lead ingestion if they eat, drink or smoke near contaminated areas.

Harmful Health Affects of Lead Exposure

Lead can affect all systems within the body, but symptoms do not surface until the level of lead in the body is very high. High levels of exposure can cause convulsions, coma and even death. Lead has also been known to cause:

• Poor muscle coordination
• Nerve damage
• Irreversible brain damage
• Renal disease
• Cardiovascular effects
• Reproductive toxicity
• Increased blood pressure

The earlier lead exposure is detected, the better the chances of avoiding permanent damage. Treatment of lead exposure usually includes medication that will remove the lead from the body. Unfortunately, not all of the damage caused by lead exposure can be reversed.

Who is liable for lead exposure?

Workers on ships, barges, rigs, tugs and other vessels are protected under the Jones Act. If the employer, vessel owner or other responsible party was aware of the lead exposure and did not take steps to rectify the situation or protect the crew, then they can be held liable. The Jones Act provides legal protection for seamen and can result in compensation for the injured worker.

The Willis Law Firm is experienced in representing Jones Act cases. If you have been exposed to lead when working on a vessel and have serious health problems as a result, contact our law firm immediately.

The Jones Act regulates the maritime industry and ensures that injured seamen receive adequate compensation for their injuries. As a cruise ship worker, you are also eligible to receive “maintenance” to cover your living expenses and “cure” to assist with your medical bills. You are entitled to this compensation no matter who was at fault. Maintenance is generally anywhere from $15 to $30 per day and is paid during the time it takes for you to recover. In addition, reasonable medical care must be given to you until you reach the maximum medical cure, meaning your injury cannot improve any further.

There are many events that can lead up to an accident or injury on a cruise ship. A poorly maintained ship, slippery surfaces or a falling object can result in serious injuries. Some of the other common causes of cruise ship injuries include:

• Falls
• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Food poisoning
• Exposure to harmful chemicals

Additional compensation may be available if negligence on behalf of the employer, vessel owner or crew member caused the injury. An unseaworthy vessel can also constitute a Jones Act lawsuit. Under the Jones Act, an injured worker may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, both past and present, medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement and mental anguish. The amount of money you can be awarded for a Jones Act lawsuit is substantial.

As an injured cruise ship worker, you may be unsure of your legal rights. Occasionally, employees are misled about what they are entitled to and their rights. It is not uncommon for an employee to be encouraged to file a workers’ compensation claim, which could hurt their ability to pursue a Jones Act lawsuit. If you are unsure of your legal rights following a cruise ship injury, contact the Willis Law Firm. We are experienced maritime attorneys who will review your case, free of charge.

Do not wait to pursue legal advice. There are deadlines as to when you can file a Jones Act claim.

If you were a passenger on a cruise ship and were injured, you are protected under general maritime law. Contact our law firm for a free case review to discuss your legal options.

Back, Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back injuries, spinal cord injuries and neck injuries can range in symptoms and severity. A serious back or neck injury can leave a maritime worker with chronic pain and limited mobility. Back injuries can include lumbar or lower back sprain or strain. This type of injury can be difficult to diagnosis, especially if there is an underlying disc injury that has not been identified. A back or neck injury can include sciatica, a bulging or herniated disc or fractured vertebrae.

A spinal cord injury caused by working on a vessel can be life altering. It is common for a spinal cord injury to result in permanent disability, paralysis, quadriplegia or paraplegia. The symptoms of a seaman’s spinal cord injury can range depending on where the injury is located on the spine and the severity. Victims of spinal cord injuries frequently experience pain in the spinal cord, loss of movement, loss of sensation, difficulty breathing and trouble walking. Spinal cord injuries must be treated immediately to help the victim achieve the best possible recovery.

Injury Treatment

Medical treatment for back and neck injuries can include bed rest, pain medication, cold therapy, heat therapy and immobilization. Depending on the injury, physical therapy may be recommended. A seaman who received a back injury or neck injury while onboard, may take a while to fully recover. Recovery time can last a few days to several weeks. In some instances, a back injury can cause chronic back pain for years to come.

Spinal cord injuries require more extensive treatment and damage to the spine can never be fully reversed. A maritime worker with a spinal cord injury will need immediate medical treatment and ongoing care. Immediate medical treatment may include pain medication, immobilization of the spine and possibly surgery. Ongoing care will be needed to prevent further problems such as bed sores, blood clots, muscle contractures and de-conditioning. Rehabilitation is usually recommended and a patient may be prescribed medicine for the pain and to control muscle spasms.

Legal Representation for Injured Seamen

A maritime worker with a back injury, neck injury or spinal cord injury may be entitled to compensation. An injured seaman can recover damages for:

• Lost wages, both past and present
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish

If you or a loved one have suffered a back injury, neck injury or spinal cord injury while working on a vessel contact our law firm immediately. Discuss your case with a maritime attorney for free and learn what legal options are available to you and your family.

Violent behavior by workers aboard a ship can constitute an unseaworthiness or negligence claim against the owner. Compensation for injuries can be pursued if the employer or vessel owner knew or should have known about the violent or aggressive tendencies of the crew member. Employers and vessel owners are required to take necessary steps to prevent assaults. When they fail to do so, the injured crew member can file a Jones Act claim.

A large number of assaults on ships go unreported, which may have to do with the fact that many crew members are unaware of their rights. Assaults often include the following:

• Stabbings
• Sexual assault or rape
• Use of weapons
• Fights

Injuries from crew member assaults can be extremely painful and could require a lengthy recovery. Assault injuries can be both physical and psychological and may include:

• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries or head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Lacerations
• Severe bruising
• Mental anguish

As a victim of assault on board a ship or other vessel, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. You can be awarded damages from the assailant, vessel owner or other responsible party for the injuries you have suffered as a result of the assault. Compensation from a successful Jones Act case can cover the costs of your medical expenses, lost wages, both past and present and other costs associated with your injuries.

After an assault on a vessel, you may be confused and embarrassed. The Jones Act attorneys at the Willis Law Firm understand the pain and stress of dealing with an assault. We can review your case to determine if you should file a Jones Act lawsuit. The legal consultation is free and kept strictly confidential.

Every year, thousands of people are injured by falls and unfortunately some of those injuries are fatal. In 2007, there were 835 deaths caused by fall accidents in the United States. Within the maritime industry, slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries among workers.

As a maritime worker, you regularly walk on surfaces that are wet and often slippery. When proper maintenance has not been done on a vessel, broken or worn down stairs, ladders or decks can create a hazard for workers. Defective platforms, machinery or equipment can also cause serious fall accidents offshore. Vessel owners can decrease the chances of fall accidents by using non-skid coatings on the areas where seamen regularly work. However, often times vessel owners do not take safety precautions to protect workers from fall accidents, which can make them liable for damages associated with the injuries.

Some of the common injuries resulting from fall accidents that occur offshore include the following:

• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury or head injury
• Neck injury
• Back injury
• Death

If you have been injured in a fall accident that occurred on a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. Vessel owners can be held responsible for not taking appropriate measures to protect workers and for not properly maintaining the vessel. A successful Jones Act case could enable you to recover monetary damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, both past and present, mental anguish and other costs associated with your injury. Contact an experienced maritime attorney today to find out if you have a case for your fall injury.

Commercial fishermen have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Injuries on fishing boats usually fall under the Jones Act. When a crew member is injured on a fishing boat, he or she is entitled to compensation, known as maintenance and cure. This compensation is provided while the injured fisherman recovers from the injuries incurred while working on the vessel. The Jones Act also allows workers to collect damages for injuries caused by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel.

A Jones Act lawsuit that claims negligence or unseaworthiness can result in compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish and damages associated with the injury. The amount of damages available in a Jones Act case depends on the details of the accident and should be discussed with a fishing boat injury attorney.

Fishing boat injuries can vary and may include burns, head injury, spinal cord injury and neck injury. There are many causes of fishing boat injuries, including slippery decks, bad weather and defective equipment. Mistakes are often to blame for fishing boat accidents, which can lead to serious injuries, even death. Sometimes fishing boat injury cases involve the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor or someone who works for a different employer. A third party claim can be made in addition to a Jones Act claim.

Fishing boat accident cases can be complex and require the expertise of a Jones Act attorney. Contact our law firm today if you have been injured on a fishing boat. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The legal consultation is free and confidential.

Be aware that there are deadlines to file injury claims and if you wait too long, you could miss your opportunity. Therefore, don’t delay in pursing legal advice regarding your fishing boat injury.

Why is commercial fishing so dangerous?

Fishermen face certain perils that are unique to the occupation. Fishing vessels usually travel great distances, far out on the sea. These vessels sometimes encounter “rogue waves,” which are over 100 feet high. Rogue waves are often leftover waves from previous storms or a collection of ordinary waves and can hit even in relatively calm seas. A rogue wave is powerful and can easily destroy a commercial fishing vessel.

There are other hazards associated with commercial fishing. Electrocutions, homicides, being caught in winches or other machinery and aircraft crashes are all among the numerous causes of fishing fatalities. A maritime accident can occur when a fishing vessel hits a submerged rock or collides with another vessel in the fog. In fact, vessel casualties are one of the leading causes of fishing deaths.

Falling overboard is also a danger faced by commercial fishermen. A small wave can be strong enough to wash a worker overboard. Fishermen have also been known to go overboard after tripping on a tightened line or falling from a slippery deck.

Commercial divers account for a significant number of fishing fatalities each year, as they encounter challenges while working offshore. Crewmembers who have little training or experience are sometimes required o dive below water to untangle nets or lines, which places them in danger. Other hazards, such as adverse sea and weather conditions, murky water, unexpected shifts in underwater currents, air lines that have become entangled, malfunctioning scuba equipment and decompression problems can all lead to fatal diving injuries.

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, contact an experienced maritime lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.