Injured on Deck? Deckhands May File Jones Act Injury Claims.
A deckhand is an essential member of a vessel’s crew. Deckhands perform a variety of tasks that keep the vessel on course and in ship shape. However, many of these duties are dangerous and deckhands face a variety of hazards that can cause injury, including:
• Overexertion • Slip and falls • Line snapbacks • Defective equipment • Bad weather conditions • Lack of proper training • Lack of proper equipment
These hazards can lead to serious maritime injuries, including:
• Head injuries • Back injuries • Shoulder injuries • Spine injuries • Hand injuries • Arm injuries • Leg injuries
Injured deckhands are covered under a federal maritime law known as the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows deckhands and other seamen to recover damages if they sustain injuries due to the negligence of the ship owner, the captain or other crew members. Jones Act damages may include compensation for:
• Maintenance and cure • Past and future medical care and costs associated with your disability • Past and anticipated future lost income • Pain and suffering
A deckhand injury may seriously impact a seaman’s ability to earn a living and support his family. There are steps anyone working aboard a vessel can take to avoid injury.
Here is a list of precautions to take when working aboard a vessel:
1. Stretch before doing physical work. Stretching warms your muscles and reduces the risk of sustaining a soft tissue injury. 2. Lift the right way. When you lift heavy objects, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and squat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with unusually heavy loads. 3. Watch out for slick and wet surfaces that can cause dangerous slips and falls. 4. Make sure that you understand how to safely use all equipment necessary for your job. 5. Review emergency safety procedures.
Deckhands have inherently dangerous jobs. Even the most careful of workers may be injured in an offshore accident. If you have been injured while working offshore, don’t sign anything. You don’t want to give up your rights. Contact the New Orleans maritime attorneys at The Young Firm to discuss your claim.
