Maritime Accidents Caused by Faulty Equipment
Working with machinery can be very dangerous, especially in the maritime industry where many jobs are mechanized. Due to such a high-risk environment, maritime workers depend on their employers to equip them with not only the proper equipment but with equipment that will function properly under the conditions of the job. In addition, that equipment needs to be properly maintained. If not, seaman and maritime employees suffer preventable injuries and sometimes even death.
Dangerous Conditions
- defective equipment or machinery
- improperly maintained equipment or machinery
- workers not provided the correct equipment for their job
- workers not provided with protective gear
- workers not properly trained
By neglecting these precautions, your employer places you and your co-workers in great danger. Faulty, unsafe equipment can result in injury or even death. Employees can fall from unstable ladders, cut or burn themselves on sharp edges or broken pieces of machinery or receive an electrical shock from a broken appliance or tool. In some cases, faulty equipment can cause permanent or long-term damage such as a traumatic brain injury or amputation.
Cranes and Winches
Ships and vessels often feature cranes and winches as part of the equipment. These machines are used to transport and move heavy cargo and other kinds of equipment. If they are not maintained properly, however, then they can buckle or their cords can snap—leading to heavy and dangerous cargo being dropped on unsuspecting workers. The results can be disastrous and even fatal.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment also contains plenty of wiring, which needs to be kept in top shape. If a wire is exposed, or if the wiring of a machine is not up-to-date and safe, then workers can receive debilitating electrical shocks and electrocutions. A lack of warning signs in electrical rooms or other areas can also lead to serious injuries. Such injuries include severe burns, cardiac arrest, and death.
Serious Injuries & Death
All of these accidents can lead to severe disabilities, amputations, paralysis, and death. Sadly, these kinds of awful events happen far too often. There is no excuse for faulty equipment causing such injuries; vessel operators and ship owners simply have to make sure that equipment is up-to-date and well-maintained. They also need to ensure that their crew is properly trained and qualified to use the equipment.
Jones Act & Maritime Attorney Richard Serpe
Maritime accidents are governed under a distinct set of laws, and not just any attorney can handle Jones Act and maritime cases. An experienced maritime lawyer can attempt to get the results, the settlement and the financial compensation you deserve for your long-term care.
Master of Laws in Maritime
Richard Serpe gained a Master’s Degree in maritime law from Tulane University School of law after graduating law school. He has also been awarded the rank of Proctor (the highest rank available) from the Maritime Law Association of the United States and has been practicing law for over 32 years.
Contact Us for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a maritime defective or faulty equipment-related injury, you may need an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights. We offer a no obligation, consultation to go over your situation. If you decide to work with us, we offer a no free promise; no legal fees unless we settle or win your case. Call or text 757-233-0009.