Offshore Crane Injuries: When is it Time to Consider a Lawsuit?

One of the most common causes of injury in offshore jobs is working on or around cranes. When workers are injured by offshore crane installation, operation or maintenance, they must weigh their options in regard to the law.

Jones Act law grants the right of all injured seamen to bring suit for injury and damages against their employers if their employers' negligence caused or contributed to their injuries. This applies to co-employees as well.

Generally, the following questions should be asked before you consider a lawsuit:

Can you prove that your company or co-employee was negligent?
Were there unsafe or improper actions taken by your co-employee?
Was there an issue with the safety of the workplace when your injury occurred?
Was a piece of equipment unsafe to use?
Were you or a fellow employee given unsafe or improper instructions?
Could your employer say that you were partially to blame? (This does not mean you do not have a case; you can still receive a percentage of the damages.)

These general questions of law must be asked to establish if you have a case with any injury. But what are the special considerations for crane injuries?

First and foremost, your employer has a responsibility to be sure your crane work is safe. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) and The United States Coast Guard have the responsibility to regulate the use of cranes and other equipment used to move material on offshore rigs.

Their duty is to oversee the safety of the operation and maintenance of offshore cranes. Seamen working with this equipment rely on BOEMRE and the USCG to protect them. Offshore cranes should be inspected regularly and company owners are responsible for their safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an offshore crane accident, chances are your employer will try to prove it was your own fault. If you know this is wrong, you must take steps to protect yourself. Call The Young Firm, Louisiana maritime law specialists right away toll free at 866-938-6113 for a free case review.