Maritime Accidents

Archive for the ‘Seamans’ Injury/Death Claims’ Category

How Fatal Was Commercial Fishing in 2009?

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Last week the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its preliminary findings regarding fatal workplace accidents during 2009. According to the BLS statistics, 57 fishing and hunting workers were killed in workplace accidents during 2009. That is equivalent to 1 percent of the workforce.

Fishing and hunting is part of a the larger agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry sector category. While overall the industry saw an 18% decrease in fatalities, the number of fatalities in the fishing industry actually rose. This is significant since many industries saw a decrease in fatalities due to the down economy and fewer hours worked in the industry.

If you lost a loved one in a commercial fishing accident or another other type of maritime occupational accident, please contact an experienced maritime injury lawyer for a free consultation about your legal rights.

Posted in Commercial Fishermen Injuries, Maritime Injury Law, Seamans' Injury/Death Claims

Is it Legal to Use Your Cell Phone While Operating a Boat?

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Distracted driving is an important and popular topic right now – at least on our nation’s roads. Many states have passed laws regulating how a cell phone can be used by a driver, but so far no similar rules have been enacted by the Coast Guard for boat operators.

Now, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is encouraging the Coast Guard to do get to work developing those rules.

While the NTSB has not yet determined the cause of a fatal San Diego accident last December during which a Coast Guard vessel collided with another boat killing a child and injuring four others, it has said that crew members on that Coast Guard vessel were using cell phones for personal reasons.

What do you think? Should the Coast Guard develop a policy about cell phone use while boating? How broad – or narrow – should it be?

Posted in Maritime Injury Law, Passenger Injury Death Claims, Seamans' Injury/Death Claims, Seamen Injuries

Learn What Happened Aboard the Captain Bligh

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Last Wednesday, a 22 year old commercial fisherman fell and hurt his shoulder on the 69 foot fishing vessel, Captain Bligh. The accident happened about 40 miles south of Nantucket. The crew of the Captain Bligh contacted the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca responded to the call.

The fisherman was transported from the Captain Bligh to the Coast Guard vessel and ultimately to local EMS in Provincetown.

The Captain Bligh had been out on a 3 day lobster fishing trip from its home port in Port Judith, RI. It is the same vessel that has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s show “Lobstermen.”

Posted in Commercial Fishermen Injuries, Maritime Injury Law, Seamans' Injury/Death Claims

Which Doctor Should I See if I’m Hurt in a Maritime Accident?

Friday, July 30th, 2010

If you have been hurt in a maritime accident then you want to be sure that you get the best possible care. Often maritime employers will try to require injured workers to see company doctors or company approved doctors.

Federal maritime law does not require injured workers to see a company (or company approved) physician. If a maritime employer is insisting that you do, it may be because the employer has identified doctors who will get you back to work before you are ready or who will fail to diagnose a legitimate injury.

In order to protect your health, you should see a doctor whom you trust. Your medical care is you’re your decision – not your employer’s decision. If your employer disputes that or fights against your right to seek your own medical treatment, contact an experienced maritime lawyer for help.

Posted in Maritime Injury Law, Passenger Injury Death Claims, Seamans' Injury/Death Claims

What Happens After You Hit the Deck?

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Whether you are a commercial fisherman, a tug boat operator or another type of seaman, you face a common danger. Slippery deck conditions, crowded work areas and big equipment make falls on the deck commonplace. While many falls result in, thankfully, minor injuries, other falls can have catastrophic results.

A fall on the deck can result in a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and even death. After you hit the deck, a colleague should immediately radio for help and you should be seen by a qualified physician. Then you should contact a maritime injury lawyer to discuss how to proceed with a damages claim because you may be entitled to damages for your injuries.

Posted in Maritime Injury Law, Seamans' Injury/Death Claims