Proper maritime training can be important to avoid accidents or to properly respond to dangerous conditions to reduce risk of serious injury. Workers may be required to undergo training courses prior to beginning employment. If a worker does get injured, though, maritime law may allow recovery of benefits. A Louisiana maritime attorney can help workers handle these claims or lawsuits.
Because so many accidents may be related to human error, having the skills to prevent accidents or respond to dangerous events is crucial to seamen. A basic safety course can help professional mariners prepare for these situations. The course should meet standards provided by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
Seamen may be taught basic techniques for administering CPR and first aid while at sea. General safety training should educate seamen about their various responsibilities and duties when aboard a ship at sea, too. Emergency procedures are covered in these courses. Seamen may also be educated regarding how to extinguish fires should they occur onboard the vessel.
Maritime training may also cover specific instruction for using maritime equipment depending on the particular industry or type of vessel on which the seaman will work. Understanding how to use the equipment not only protects the particular worker, but can also help avoid mistakes that lead to accidents that endanger others onboard the vessel.
Survival training covers proper use of life jackets, life rafts and other flotation devices. It should provide instruction to maritime workers so they may survive in the event of an accident that may leave them stranded at sea.
Such accident training may be very important in the event of:
Under maritime law, workers are entitled to recovery of maintenance and cure benefits if injured while at sea. These cover basic living expenses as well as medical costs while the worker is recovering from injury and in need of treatment to reach what’s known as ‘maximum medical cure.’ This refers to the point at which the worker’s condition may no longer improve with treatment.
The Jones Act, meanwhile, allows workers to file a lawsuit against an employer if the employer’s negligence is to blame for the accident and resulting injuries. If the employer allows untrained workers to operate dangerous machinery, for example, the employer may be considered negligent.
In cases of serious injury involving significant damages, a Louisiana maritime attorney may be necessary to navigate maritime law. This may also be the case if an injured worker has trouble recovering maintenance and cure benefits, or if the worker wishes to pursue a Jones Act claim.
A Louisiana maritime attorney at The Young Firm can help maritime workers with potential claims against an employer or if they would like to discuss whether employer negligence – such as requiring seamen without proper maritime training to perform dangerous operations – may warrant a lawsuit under maritime law.
