Types of Accidents
Though the rate of maritime accidents aboard ships and portside has greatly decreased since people first started exploring the seas and capitalizing on shipping, the nature of the ocean means there will always be a certain degree of risk that can’t be controlled. Even the best crews and ships encounter sea conditions they can’t handle or emergencies they aren’t prepared for. However, there are safety factors that can be implemented to reduce these risks.
Vessel operators have a duty of reasonable care to the people who work on and around their ships, especially when it comes to increasing safety and reducing risks. This duty of care includes hiring competent supervisors that will exercise that same duty of care and use proper equipment that meets industry safety standards. Failure to provide measures and services that another reasonable vessel owner would provide, thus violating that duty of care, is known as negligence and can result in serious injury and even death.
Types of Maritime Accidents in Washington, Oregon, Alaska & California
Due to the unsteady surface, violent weather, wet conditions, and heavy equipment involved, the ocean is a dangerous place to work. According to the National Safe Boating Council, over 750 people are killed each year as a result of maritime accidents. Maritime accidents also injure thousands of seafarers every year in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, California, and along the coast. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are preventable with the utilization of appropriate equipment, safety gear, and safety training.
Some of the most common types of maritime accidents include:
- Hypothermia and drowning
- Unsafe working conditions
- Slip and falls
- Cargo operation accidents
- Accidents due to inadequate training or safety measures
- Explosions
- Exposure to dangerous gasses
- Collisions
- Factory processing accidents
- Defective and unseaworthy equipment
- Unsafe ladder / gangway accidents
- Crane accidents
- Oil platform accidents
If you have experienced an injury from an onboard or portside accident due to the negligence of your employer or vessel unseaworthiness, you are entitled to pursue compensation and justice by law. Your employer may offer you a settlement to address your losses, but be cautious. While the number may be enticing, it may not address all of your long-term losses related to the accident. It’s in your best interests to review your options with an experienced maritime lawyer. More often than not, a maritime lawyer can double the value of your claim.
When seeking compensation from a maritime company, keep in mind that they are likely a large company with many legal resources. Additionally, the general statute of limitations controlling maritime injury claims is only three years— possibly shorter, depending on other factors. It is important to be well-equipped with a team of experienced lawyers specializing in maritime law to fight hard and fast for your claim against such a formidable opponent.
Let BoatLaw, LLP Fight for You
The maritime injury lawyers of BoatLaw, LLP have over 80 years of combined experience with maritime law. They have pursued damages for crew members, officers, passengers, fishermen, longshoremen, dockworkers, and other mariners in hundreds of cases coast-to-coast against maritime companies of all sizes.
Whether the best strategy for your maritime case is resolution through settlement or taking it through the trial and judgment process, the experienced maritime injury attorneys of BoatLaw, LLP will fight for the most favorable outcome. We have offices in Bellingham and Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, CA. For more information and to schedule your free initial consultation, call 1 (800) 262-8529 today.
