It is not uncommon for vessels to collide, whether in a river, lake or ocean. Vessel collisions can lead to serious injuries and sometimes death.

Within a few weeks span of time, two separate accidents involving vessel collisions occurred. One incident took place in the Mississippi Sound, approximately 2 ½ nautical miles southwest of Bayou Caddy. The incident involved a towing vessel, known as Velma C., and a sailing vessel, known as Sound Advice. At the time of the accident, the towing vessel was pushing three empty barges. Even though the vessel collision could have resulted in severe injuries, luckily no one was hurt.

Another vessel collision occurred in Tampa Bay when a fishing trawler and barge collided, which resulted in a fuel spill of approximately 1,000 gallons into the water. The 80-foot-long fishing boat, the Maranatha, and a 95-foot-long barge, the Coastal, hit each other just two miles northwest of Manbirtee Key near the Skyway. The vessel collision caused a 4 by 8 inch gash in the Maranatha’s fuel tank.

When vessels collide, it can result in objects shifting and in some situations, falling debris. Vessel collisions can cause an immense impact, which can lead to injuries among those onboard both vessels. Vessel collision injuries often include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injury
• Head trauma
• Brain injury
• Rib fractures
• Severe lacerations
• Death

If you have been injured in a vessel collision, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. There are various laws that protect vessel workers, including the Jones Act. The Jones Act protects the rights of injured seamen. When a vessel accident is caused by negligence or unseaworthiness, you have the right to recover damages for your injuries, which may include the following:

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

Sometimes injuries are permanent and can affect you for the rest of your life. As an injured seaman, you can obtain compensation that will help you during your recovery and for years to come. Maritime law is complex and there are deadlines as to when you can file a claim for vessel injuries. Contact our law firm today if you have been injured in a vessel collision. Our maritime lawyers are experienced in handling these types of cases. The initial legal consultation is free and confidential.

There are too many dangers faced by maritime workers to even count. Every day on the job for a seaman is a day at risk. One of the less publicized injuries suffered by seamen is hearing loss. Loud noises, especially in the engine room, can result in serious, or even permanent loss of hearing. If your hearing has been affected from working on a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation.

Various laws exist that protect maritime workers, including the Jones Act. Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman can pursue compensation for injuries and may be able to file an action against the vessel owner if negligence was involved in the injury. Also, a vessel that is considered unseaworthy could entitle the injured maritime worker to compensation.

Hearing loss that results from maritime work can often be avoided. The use of hearing protection or personal protective equipment can help prevent hearing loss or other damage to the hearing, such as buzzing in the ear. Employers are responsible for keeping their employees safe, under the law.

If you have suffered hearing problems or hearing loss from a maritime accident or from your work aboard a vessel, you should contact a maritime attorney at our law firm. There are deadlines as to when you can file your claim, so you shouldn’t wait long to contact a maritime injury lawyer.

Picture this scenario – a seaman falls on a broken ladder aboard a vessel. His employer’s insurance company offers a settlement for his injuries that appears fair, only to find out later that the amount offered was way below what the seaman’s injuries were worth. Unfortunately, this scenario is not uncommon and happens to many injured maritime workers.

If you have been injured in a maritime accident while working aboard a vessel, such as a tug, tow, barge or rig, you should contact a maritime injury lawyer. An attorney will ensure that your rights are being protected and that you are treated fairly. If you try to go it alone, you face an uphill battle with the insurance company. It is important to remember that the insurer does not have your best interests in mind.

After a maritime accident, you may be contacted by an investigator or insurer who will want to get your recorded statement. Do not give one. They will try to catch you saying something that they can use to lower your settlement offer. Also, don’t sign any papers without consulting with a maritime attorney.

If you have been injured offshore, you need to talk with a maritime injury attorney immediately. There are deadlines as to when you can file your claim and you do not want to miss out on collecting your deserved compensation. Contact our law firm today for a free legal consultation.