Houston Cargo Ship Injury Attorneys

Working on a container ship can be adventurous. However, it is a career full of everyday hazards. And a container vessel accident can cause devastating, life-altering injuries to crew members.

At Pierce Skrabanek, our Houston cargo ship accident lawyers have helped protect the rights of maritime workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries. Our maritime law attorneys have the skills, experience, and resources to handle complex cargo ship accident claims.

If you have been injured in a container vessel accident, call Pierce Skrabanek to discuss the details of your case. You can schedule a free consultation by clicking here or calling 832-690-7000.

Types of Accidents Houston Cargo Ship Accident Lawyers Handle

If you are a maritime worker injured on a container ship, you have the right to seek compensation for lost wages and receive coverage for your medical bills. You may also be entitled to additional benefits if your injuries were caused by negligence, or if the vessel you worked on was unseaworthy. An attorney experienced in maritime law can help protect your rights.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we have dedicated our careers to helping hurt maritime workers recover losses and get compensation for their injuries.

“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

Raymond H.

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Injuries from cargo ship accidents and container ship accidents are often serious. Cargo ships and freight containers are massive. Container ships are among the biggest ships ever built. This combined strength and mass means marine workers frequently endure potentially life-threatening hazards on the job.

According to an RMI report on marine casualties and incidents, these are the most common types of cargo accidents:

• Electrical accidents: Electrical system defects, such as shortages, have caused electrocutions, fires, and shut down major internal systems.
• Crane accidents: Crane accidents can happen when loading and unloading large cargo vessels. While human error and lack of training have been cited, most crane accidents are due to improper maintenance.
• Slip and fall accidents: Large container ships are several stories tall. Falls are the leading cause of worker injuries, accounting for nearly 33% of all maritime fatalities and injuries.
• Machinery explosions and fires: The most investigated incidents on vessels are explosions and fires. Machinery explosions are largely attributed to a lack of maintenance and safety management. Fires are often caused by faulty electrical wiring.
• Hazardous material exposure accidents: Large cargo ships may carry hazardous materials. When there is a spill, a failure to contain it can cause injuries.‍
• Sliding cargo accidents: When shipping containers break loose, they can slide all over the ship, injuring crew members and potentially damaging the entire vessel.‍
• Enclosed space entry: Entry into a shipboard enclosed space can be dangerous. Improper entry and rescue was the second leading cause of maritime employee deaths.‍
• Collisions: There were 61 container vessel collisions in the last reporting year. Container vessel accident collisions happen due to difficulty steering in crowded waterways, lack of training, inclement weather, and equipment failures.

Safety precautions should be put into place and upheld at all times. When protocols are not followed or when they are overlooked, it endangers everyone involved.

What Can Cause a Cargo Ship Accident?

Cargo ship crew workers must be prepared for a multitude of possible container vessel accidents. The Houston container ship accident lawyers of Pierce Skrabanek understand the stress and grueling nature of cargo ship work. There is a considerable amount of pressure on the job to work long hours and constantly be wary of your surroundings.

Cargo ship accidents can happen due to:

• Improper maintenance and safety measures
• Equipment malfunction or defects
• Negligence on the part of managers or coworkers who fail in their safety duties
• Lack of training or improper training
• Failure to enforce safety policies or safety protocols

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.