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Barge Accidents, Maritime Lawyer

$3.5 Million Virginia Barge Accident Settlement

Barge Accidents

Because of their large size and the heavy machinery used on barges, workers face dangerous conditions when lugging goods up and down rivers, canals, and inlets.

There are numerous ways in which one can be injured on a barge. This is no surprise, considering the diversity of goods shipped, the sheer weight of machinery on the barge, and the barge’s immense size. Some possible hazards include faulty or defective equipment, poorly maintained equipment, poorly trained crew, chemical exposure, fire or explosion, slip, trip and fall injuries, drowning, and wrongful death.

Dangerous Conditions

  • Falls down stairs, equipment, ladders, through holes and hatches
  • Hoists, cranes, and derricks– struck by a boom or a moving load
  • Winches – getting caught, being struck by a broken line or cable, tripping over lines and cables
  • Moving parts and heavy machinery can cause injuries to hands, feet or limb if they are caught or crushed.
  • Traumatic brain and head injuries can occur from heavy falling items.
  • Rusty airtight tanks remove oxygen from the environment, and workers can asphyxiate if they shut the door or become trapped.
  • Cranes are also potentially deadly because they can collapse under the immense weight, drop heavy or dangerous cargo onto workers below, and knock people overboard.
  • Sometimes the materials transported on barges are hazardous. These chemicals, gases, or liquids can be dangerous if not properly handled.
  • Fires and explosions can be devastating and fatal, and so it is important for employers and supervisors to maintain all electrical equipment, hazardous or flammable material containers, and tools on board.
  • Wet surfaces, mechanical problems, dangerous behavior, and missing safety equipment can all result in falls overboard and drownings
  • Collisions

Richard Serpe: Master of Laws in Admiralty

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 fight to get the results, the settlement and the financial compensation you deserve for your care.

maritime lawyer, jones act lawyerThe best personal injury attorney who devotes their practice to injuries occurring on land will be familiar with state law concepts.

Maritime matters, on the other hand, are governed by federal law. If you are injured in a maritime accident you need an attorney who understands these laws.

  • Master of Laws in Maritime: After law school, Richard Serpe obtained a Master of Laws in Admiralty law from Tulane University School of Law.
  • Proctor of Admiralty: He has obtained the highest ranking (Proctor) from the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
  • Jones Act Case Success: He has successfully prosecuted cases under the Jones Act, bringing fair and just compensation to those who were injured while performing their duties.
  • Protecting Injured Seamen: Richard Serpe has years of experience in protecting the rights of injured seamen. He knows how the insurers of commercial vessels will do everything they can to minimize their financial liability, even if it is at the expense of decent treatment for the injured.
  • Protecting Families: Richard Serpe has successfully settled cases for recreational boating victims that resulted in the death of a loved one by a maritime vessel.

Free Consultations

If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime-related accident, you should have an experienced maritime lawyer by your side. Contact us for your free, no obligation consultation. Call or text us anytime at 757-233-0009.

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