Deck Accidents

Texas Maritime Injury Attorney

Working on the deck of any type of commercial boat or offshore rig can be hazardous, particularly in heavy weather or when the deck is not properly cleaned and maintained. Negligence on the part of other workers can also increase the risk of an accident. If you or someone you know was injured in any type of deck accident while working offshore, it is crucial that you discuss your legal rights with a Texas offshore injury attorney. An accident of this kind may leave you with expensive medical bills and unable to work for a time. A lawyer who is skilled in handling Jones Act and other maritime law claims can seek the compensation that will help you provide for your family, pay your medical bills and rebuild and move on with your life.

Types of Offshore Deck Accidents

Some of the types of deck accidents that affect offshore workers in Texas and along the Gulf Coast may include:

• Falls – the sudden movement of a ship or offshore platform may cause a deck hand or any worker on deck to lose his or her footing and fall. If the person is working from a height, this type of fall may be particularly dangerous. The worker may experience spinal cord injuries, head trauma, broken bones and other serious injuries in this type of deck accident.
• Falling objects – improperly secured cargo, equipment or tools may fall on and injure maritime workers who are working on the deck of a ship. Swinging cargo may also pose a serious hazard. A worker struck by swinging cargo or a falling object may experience traumatic brain injuries from trauma to the head or may suffer from other life-changing injuries.
• Rigging, cable and winch accidents – winch drums, hoists, cables and rigging under pressure may trap a deck worker's hand, finger, foot or other body part, putting the worker at risk of sustaining serious crush injuries or losing the body part from the extreme pressure.

At Arnold & Itkin LLP our offshore injury lawyers are fully committed to preserving the rights of seamen, deck hands and all types of maritime workers throughout Texas and the entire U.S. We realize what is at stake for an injured offshore worker and therefore fight for fair compensation in every claim we handle.

A worker injured in a deck accident may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act if the ship owner or employer was negligent in any way. The worker may also be entitled to benefits under general maritime law, regardless of who may have been at fault in causing the accident. We can review the particular circumstances of your case to determine what applies for you.

Contact a Texas offshore injury lawyer at our firm to discuss your deck accident claim.