There are some cases in which maritime workers can file legal claims against a vessel owner if they have been injured as a result of unsafe working conditions on the vessel.
The Jones Act allows these unseaworthiness claims to be filed against only the owner of the vessel, not the worker’s employer. In some instances though, the employer may also be the vessel owner, and can be named in the claim.
What are unsafe working conditions? This can refer to a number of things the raise the risk of maritime worker being hurt on the vessel in question. These factors include but are not limited to the physical structure and the competency and safety of crew members. You may be able to file an unseaworthiness claim against the vessel owner if your injuries were as a result of any of the following:
- Vessel structure instability.
- Slippery decks
- Bad vessel design
- Vessel lacks life-saving equipment (life preservers, life rafts) or does not have the proper amount of life-saving gear
- Life-saving gear is not well-fitted
- Vessel lacks proper firefighting equipment
- Lack of training or competence among crew members
- Machinery, tools and equipment are unsafe or defective
- Work procedures are defective, increase accident risk
- Vessel lacks adequate nutritious food
While any of these factors can cause serious injuries to the workers on a vessel, there may be other conditions that also can cause harm.
If you suspect unsafe conditions on a vessel led to your injury, contact the maritime law lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. to find out your rights and determine if you have a case.
There are some cases in which maritime workers can file legal claims against a vessel owner if they have been injured as a result of unsafe working conditions on the vessel.
The Jones Act allows these unseaworthiness claims to be filed against only the owner of the vessel, not the worker’s employer. In some instances though, the employer may also be the vessel owner, and can be named in the claim.
If you suspect unsafe conditions on a vessel led to your injury, contact the maritime law lawyers at Maintenance and Cure to find out your rights and determine if you have a case.
