The maritime industry plays a critical role in global commerce, transporting goods and materials across waterways. However, working in this sector comes with significant risks, especially for those in high-stakes roles like tankermen and barge workers. If you’ve been injured in a maritime barge accident or while performing your tankerman job duties, it’s essential to understand your options for recovery and compensation.
What Is a Tankerman?
The term tankerman refers to a specialized maritime professional responsible for the safe loading and unloading of liquid cargo, such as oil, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, on tank barges.
Offshore tankermen must be highly trained and certified to handle volatile substances, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and environmental regulations. Tankerman jobs often involve long hours, strenuous physical activity, and high-pressure situations.
What Is a Barge Worker?
Barge workers are essential personnel in the maritime industry, responsible for a variety of tasks on barges—flat-bottomed vessels used to transport goods and materials along rivers, canals, and coastal waters. Their duties often include loading and unloading cargo, maintaining equipment, securing the vessel, and ensuring the safety of operations on board.
Unlike tankermen, who focus on handling liquid cargo, barge workers may deal with a wider range of materials, including bulk goods like coal, grain, or construction supplies. Barge workers must be physically fit, as the job often requires strenuous manual labor, including handling heavy equipment and securing large loads.
The Dangers of Tankerman and Barge Work
Both tankerman and barge workers face numerous risks on the job. Dangerous conditions such as slippery decks, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and unpredictable weather make these roles particularly perilous. Offshore tankermen often work in isolated locations, where immediate medical assistance may be challenging to access in case of an accident.
Inadequate training, poorly maintained equipment, and employer negligence can amplify these risks, leaving workers vulnerable to life-threatening injuries or worse.
Common Accidents and Injuries in Maritime Barge and Tankerman Jobs
Accidents in the maritime industry are unfortunately common and can result in severe injuries. Some of the most frequent incidents include:
- Slips and Falls: Wet or oily surfaces on barges are a leading cause of injuries. These can result in broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage.
- Chemical Exposure: Tankermen often handle hazardous substances that can lead to burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health problems.
- Equipment Failures: Malfunctioning cranes, pumps, or other machinery can cause crushing injuries or amputations.
- Fire and Explosions: Working with flammable cargo increases the risk of catastrophic events that may result in severe burns or fatalities.
The injuries sustained in these accidents can be debilitating. Common maritime personal injuries include traumatic brain injuries, back and neck injuries, chemical burns, and even permanent disabilities. In severe cases, these injuries can lead to long-term medical treatment, loss of earning capacity, and significant impacts on the victim’s quality of life.
Legal Options for Injured Tankermen and Barge Workers
Maritime law offers robust protections for injured workers. If you’ve suffered an injury while performing your barge worker or tankerman job duties, you may be entitled to compensation under laws like the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These laws cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for maritime workers injured due to negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Filing a claim under maritime law can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge of the legal system and industry regulations. This is why working with an experienced barge injury lawyer is critical.
The Importance of an Experienced Maritime Lawyer
Navigating the intricacies of maritime law is not something you should attempt alone. An experienced maritime injury lawyer understands the unique challenges faced by tankermen and barge workers and can build a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we have a proven track record of advocating for maritime workers’ rights. With over $1 billion recovered for thousands of victims nationwide since 1964, our team is well-equipped to handle even the most complex cases.
Injured Maritime Workers—Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured in a maritime barge accident or while working as a tankerman, don’t wait to seek legal help. The team at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris has the experience and expertise to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
