Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Paige LeJeune
Working offshore is dangerous; seamen face weather hazards, slippery decks, cold temperatures and other extreme conditions. And working on a tugboat is especially risky.
These small but hardworking vessels are able to pull much larger ships and barges. While powerful, the small size of tugboats puts them at risk. If a tug needs to stop suddenly, the ship or barge being towed may continue to travel until it collides with the tug. In addition, tugboats often need to travel a considerable distance in order to do their job, so tugboats are designed to carry a lot of fuel. A lot of fuel means there is a high risk of a tugboat catching fire after a collision. This can result in severe injury, and, in some cases, wrongful death.
There are many risks presented by negligent conduct on tugboats. In order to protect yourself from injury, or from wrongful death, it can help to understand just how risky life on a tugboat can be. Suffering after a tugboat incident is often caused by such accidents as:
Tripping or slipping
Falls overboard
Falls off ladders
Broken ladders
Getting caught in tow lines
Tow lines parting
Parted mooring lines
Broken tag lines
Large diameter mooring lines
Tow winch failure
Defective equipment
Undermanned vessels
Crew negligence
Broken ladders
Lack of training in safety procedures
Inadequate maintenance
Fortunately, in the case of injury or wrongful death, tugboat workers are usually covered under the Jones Act.
How the Jones Act Can Help Victims or Surviving Family Members After a Tugboat Accident
The Jones Act is a federal law that allows an injured seaman to sue his employer if it is determined that his injuries were caused by negligence. The definition of negligence can range from broken equipment to lack of safety gear to improper training. Since the burden of proof falls on the victims, thorough understanding of negligence under the Jones Act is crucial in helping you to prove your case to the judge.
Besides employer negligence, vessel owners can also be held liable for injury or wrongful death. Failure to maintain a vessel is a violation of maritime safety laws and could result in compensation for either the victim or their surviving family members in the wake of a tugboat accident. If a vessel is determined to be unseaworthy, meaning that the vessel is not safe for the crew, then a Jones Act lawsuit would need to prove negligence of the vessel owner, rather than the employer.
Whether the negligence was enacted by an employer or the tugboat owner, the Jones Act gives the victim a wide array of compensation pathways.
Compensation Under the Jones Act
Under the Jones Act injured seamen or their surviving family members can get a variety of damages to compensate them for their full injuries and losses. These damages include compensation for pain and suffering which is for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. Injured seamen can also get damages for lost income, past and future, for the income lost during recovery and any long term impact on earning capacity.
Medical expenses are another type of damage under the Jones Act. These include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and other medical treatment. In some cases injured seamen may also be entitled to future medical care if the injury results in long term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing treatment.
In contrast, workers compensation benefits generally provide financial and medical support but are less comprehensive. For example, injured workers can’t get pain and suffering damages. It typically covers medical expenses, doctor visits, hospital stays, medications and rehabilitation services. These benefits get medical care to the injured worker without out of pocket expenses.
Steps to Take After a Tugboat Injury
If you’ve suffered an injury while working on a tugboat, take the time to learn what you should do next. Taking the right steps can help protect your health and your rights under the Jones Act.
First, get medical help right away.
Your health is the most important thing. Even if you think your injury isn’t that bad, it’s better to have a doctor evaluate your condition. Some injuries might seem minor at first but can get worse over time. Tell the doctor exactly what happened and how you got hurt.
Next, tell your boss about the injury as soon as you can.
On a ship, this might mean telling the captain or your supervisor. Make sure they write down what happened and ensure the details of the incident are accurate based on your recollections. This report is important because it creates an official record of your injury.
Try to write down everything you remember about how you got hurt and the aftermath.
If you can, take pictures of where the accident happened and any equipment involved. If there were people who saw what happened, write down their names. All of this information can be helpful later.
Keep all the paperwork related to your injury.
This includes medical bills, reports from doctors, and any forms you fill out for work. These documents are important to show what happened and how the injury has affected you.
Be careful about what you say to your employer or their insurance company.
They might try to get you to say things that can hurt your case. It’s best not to sign any paperwork or agree to any settlements without talking to a Jones Act lawyer first. You might accidentally agree to an inadequate settlement that leaves you with few options for the future. Always have a legal professional review all settlement offers.
Speaking of lawyers, it’s a good idea to talk to a Jones Act lawyer as soon as you can.
An attorney can ensure you understand your rights and that you’re doing everything you need to do. They can also start working on your case right away, which can set you up to receive the compensation you deserve.
Remember, the steps you take right after your injury can make a big difference in how your case turns out. By getting medical help, reporting the injury, gathering information, and talking to a Jones Act lawyer, you’re doing your best to protect yourself and your future.
The New Orleans Jones Act lawyers at The Young Firm handle only maritime injury and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or wrongful death while working on a tugboat, we can evaluate your claim. Contact The Young Firm at 504-680-4100 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced maritime law attorney.