If you work in the maritime industry, you likely know that there are both positive and negative aspects to this line of work. It can be exciting, and you can make good money, but at the same time, there are many risks and dangers present. Accidents are frequent, and in some cases, they even lead to death. If you are concerned about maritime injuries or have experienced one, it would be a good idea to consult with an attorney to see what your options are.
There are certain types of injuries that are very common in the maritime industry.
One of these categories is accidents that involve equipment. There are many types of equipment on ships that are capable of causing grave harm to workers, including large container cranes, forklifts, and more. If these are not maintained or used incorrectly, the risk of accidents goes up substantially.
Another category of accidents involves workers not being adequately trained. Since a lot of heavy equipment is used, workers who are inadequately trained can pose a great amount of risk to themselves and other workers as well.
Commercial fishing accidents are quite common in this industry as well. In fact, it is considered to be the most dangerous of all maritime jobs. Commercial fishermen are often working on small vessels in rough waters and having to deal with inclement weather, and they often have to work very long hours. This results in many injuries due to fatigue, mistakes that are made with equipment, and falls overboard that are a result of poor weather.
Falls overboard themselves are very common all over the maritime industry, and they more frequently lead to fatalities than other types of maritime accidents. When workers fall overboard, they often drown or die of hypothermia, and the bodies are often never found.
If you have a legal issue involving a maritime accident, you may be interested in looking into contacting our offshore injury attorneys in Opelousas, LA.
Our workers compensation lawyers will be able to answer any questions that you have about your situation and potentially be able to help you as well.
