Military Sealift Command Lawyers

If you or a loved one was injured on a ship that is owned or operated by the U.S. military, you may need a Military Sealift Command lawyer to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

What Is Military Sealift Command?

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) controls transport and supply ships of the United States Navy. The MSC was established in 1949 as the organization responsible for all Department of Defense ocean cargo transport. It was officially named the MSC in 1970, being previously known as the Military Sea Transportation Service, or MSTS.

The MSC fleet consists of vessels owned by the US and other chartered ships on long- or short-term contracts. The Military Sealift Command workforce is made up of civilian maritime workers, serving as government employees onboard government ships in civil service positions. This fleet of government vessels is over 40 ships and growing. More than 90 percent of U.S. war equipment and supplies travel by sea.

Military Transportation Command Departments

A wide variety of skills are needed to effectively move the equipment and supplies that keep the military well supplied. The MSC employs civilians in these critical areas for recurring or special missions:

• Deck workers
• Engine room technicians
• Culinary or kitchen workers
• Communications specialists and operators
• Logistics specialists
• Medical personnel

Common Military Sealift Command Injuries

These maritime workers face the same risks and potential injuries as any others. They may be injured while working on a MSC vessel in any of these common ways:

• Slip and fall injuries, which may cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or head trauma
• Lifting injuries, resulting from moving cargo incorrectly, causing back, knee, and shoulder pain
• Struck by injuries, where an object falls or swings into a person, sometimes causing severe injuries
• Being caught up in lines or equipment, including heavy machinery, hoisting lines, or other cargo moving equipment
• Crush injuries from shifting cargo, which can cause hand, foot, or whole-body trauma
• Burns, including fire or chemical burns which can cause blindness and scarring
• Repetitive motion injuries, where joints or vertebrae can be worn down due to improper work procedures or equipment

Do You Need a Military Sealift Command Lawyer?

If you or a loved one was injured or killed on a Military Sealift Command vessel, you may be eligible for compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and future disability. Maritime law is complex, but the maritime injury lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris have the experience to navigate you and your family through these waters.

If you have been injured during working hours while aboard a ship owned by or operated on behalf of the government, contact our experienced legal team to learn more about how to pursue your claim to fair compensation. Email us at info@smslegal.com or give us a call at 800-836-5830 to discuss the details of your claim.