What Compensation Can Houston Cargo Ship Injury Attorneys Seek?
The Houston container ship injury attorneys of Pierce Skrabanek will work tirelessly to recover the damages you deserve. We can help you use medical records and accident reports to obtain compensation for your injuries. And studies show victims who work with legal counsel often receive fairer compensation than those without.
While several laws are in place to protect your right to financial compensation, consult our cargo ship accident lawyers about filing a Jones Act claim. Under the Jones Act, most maritime workers can recover the following damages:
- Compensation for medical expenses
- Coverage of physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages if unable to work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Damages for pain and suffering
If you have lost a loved one in a container ship accident, a maritime wrongful death claim can recover compensation for funeral expenses and loss of future income.
While no amount of monetary damages can ease the pain of your loss, it may help with any unforeseen expenses. Call our compassionate maritime wrongful death attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek to discuss the circumstances of your loss.
Are There Inherent Hazards to Working on Container Ships?
A cargo ship accident typically happens because of the negligence of the company in hiring the crew. If you feel you’ve been harmed by a lack of safety precautions in your profession, reach out online or by phone at (832) 690-7000.
Cargo ship crew members can face an array of dangerous working hazards. According to studies produced by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), container ship workers are exposed to:
Physical Hazards
Cargo ship crew members face various physical risks that can affect their safety:
- Excessive Noise Levels: Can lead to hearing damage without proper protection.
- Back & Skeletal Injuries: Heavy lifting can cause strains, sprains, and herniated discs, especially when lifting improperly.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet or oily decks increase the risk of severe injuries, including fractures and head trauma.
- UV Exposure: Working outdoors can lead to skin damage and increased skin cancer risk.
- Line Handling Risks: Entanglement can cause lacerations, amputations, or crush injuries.
- Narrow Passageways: Limit mobility and can worsen injuries during emergencies.
Chemical Hazards
Cargo ships pose significant chemical risks, including:
- Fuel Spills: Can cause respiratory issues and skin burns.
- Toxic Cargo: Spills can lead to chemical burns or poisoning.
- Chemical Irritants: Strong cleansers can cause skin irritation, eye damage, and respiratory distress.
- Diesel Fumes: Prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory problems.
Biological Hazards
Close quarters on cargo ships increase the risk of:
- Infectious Diseases: Rapid transmission of illnesses due to shared facilities and international travel.
- Pandemics: The global movement of ships can facilitate disease spread, as seen with COVID-19.
Psychosocial Risks
Crew members face various mental health challenges:
- Sleep Disorders: Irregular work hours disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to fatigue and cognitive decline.
- Social Isolation: Extended time at sea can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
- Communication Barriers: Language differences can increase stress and misunderstandings.
- Substance Abuse: May arise as a coping mechanism for stress and isolation.
- Fear of Piracy: Heightened anxiety in high-risk areas can significantly impact mental health.
If you are a maritime worker and suffer any of these injuries, take the necessary steps to protect your rights and health.
Are Container Ship Accidents Common?
Container ship accidents occur more often than people might think. Working on a container ship in docks, piers, or out at sea poses a significant risk for injury.
According to the latest data from the Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents, 1,422 total casualties an incidents aboard cargo ships resulted in:
- 48 serious casualties
- 36 fatalities
- 258 injured persons
- 3 ships lost
Every person working at sea faces certain dangers. Serious injuries can have long-term physical and financial implications. So if you've suffered a catastrophic injury, don't hesitate to contact our Houston cargo ship accident attorneys. Debilitating injuries may prevent you from returning to work at full capacity.
When your livelihood is on the line, you deserve to have representation from the dedicated legal team of Pierce Skrabanek. Call 832-690-7000 today to speak with a skilled maritime accident attorney.
What Steps Should You Take if You Have Been Injured in a Cargo Ship Accident?
If you are injured in a container vessel accident, there are important steps to take:
Immediate Steps After the Accident
- Notify Your Employer: Immediately report the accident to your employer or supervisor, preventing disputes over the timing and details of the accident.
- File an Accident Report: If your employer requires a written report, complete it promptly and accurately. Include all relevant details, such as the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident. This report serves as an official record and can be vital evidence in your case.
- Get Immediate Care: Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. This ensures that your injuries are documented by a healthcare professional, which is important for proving the extent of your injuries. Timely medical care can also prevent complications and provide a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
- Keep Medical Records: Retain all medical records, including treatment plans, prescriptions, and bills. Detailed medical documentation strengthens your claim by demonstrating the need for ongoing care or compensation.
Documenting the Scene and Preserving Evidence
- Capture the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any hazards, equipment, or environmental conditions that contributed to the accident. This visual evidence can be powerful in showing the unsafe conditions that led to the incident.
- Photograph Injuries and Equipment: Document any visible injuries immediately after the accident and as they progress. These images can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries and provide a timeline for your recovery. Consistent documentation of injuries can also counter any claims that the injuries were pre-existing or not related to the incident. Also, take detailed photos of the equipment, highlighting any damage or defects that led to the accident.
- Gather Witness Statements: Identify witnesses who saw the accident. Ask them to provide written or recorded statements describing what they observed. Witness statements can corroborate your account of the accident and provide additional perspectives that support your case. Ensure you collect their contact details in case further testimony is needed down the line.
Keep All Communications
- Emails, Text Messages, or Letters: Save any communication related to the accident with your employer, colleagues, legal representatives, or insurance companies. These communications can provide insight into the employer’s knowledge of hazardous conditions or their response to the accident. They can also reveal any attempts to influence your account of the events and set the record straight about what was said or agreed upon.
When you are able contact a maritime attorney who can review your records and advise you on the best legal course of action.
This especially holds if you have lost a loved one to a cargo ship accident. A maritime attorney can help alleviate the stress and confusion of filing a Jones Act claim, allowing your family space to heal. Let our container ship accident attorneys help you secure the monetary damages your family needs to move on.
Awards We've Won for Our Clients
We at Pierce Skrabanek have secured landslide verdicts on behalf of our clients. Headquartered in Houston, the largest port city in Texas, and on the Gulf Coast, we represent Jones Act claims and other maritime cases for our community. Our maritime law attorneys fight aggressively for the compensation injured workers deserve due to the negligence or liability of others.
Below are just a couple of the impressive victories our Houston cargo ship accident lawyers have recovered for our clients:
- $16.9 Million Jones Act Verdict: We represented a seaman who contracted pneumonia from contaminated potable water while working on a Persian Gulf jack-up rig.
- $14 Million Jones Act Settlement: We led the team that settled a Jones Act case against Hercules Offshore for $14 million, just two days before trial, for a plaintiff who suffered severe head and orthopedic injuries from a falling drill pipe.
Proudly Representing Houston Residents
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