Fishing for a living is the single most dangerous occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). History has shown that fishermen have a 20 to 30 times greater risk of suffering a fatal job injury than all of the other occupations. Every year, there are 50 to 100 fishing fatalities on average.

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.

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.

Work as a seaman, longshoreman or harbor worker can be dangerous. Frequently, duties must be performed even though the floors are slippery, the vessel is worn down or the equipment is not functioning properly. All of these factors can cause serious injuries for the maritime worker. When an employee falls or is struck in the head, it can result in a traumatic brain injury. Maritime workers may also suffer from heat strokes, heart attacks, frost bit and hypothermia when forced to work in extreme cold, hot or humid conditions on boat without the proper ventilation, equipment, gear and relief.

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.