Barge Accident Attorney – Houston, TX

Kolodny Law Firm’s barge accident attorney team, based in Houston, has successfully represented barge workers, and have done so by utilizing years of maritime and Jones Act law experience. The Jones Act is a part of the Merchant Marine Act, and is in part specifically meant to cover barge crew members and other seaman that are injured while on the job.

Actions under the Jones Act for seaman injured in barge accidents can be brought in a federal or state court. Seaman have 3 years to file their suit from the time the accident occurred, due to the inherent statute of limitations of the Jones Act. If the suit is not filed within 3 years of the injury, the case can be dismissed as time-barred.

Although barge accident deaths accounted for anywhere from a dozen to 20 deaths per year before 2000, peaking at 29 in 1997, the overall fatality rate has steadily gone down. Unfortunately for the families of the workers involved in current day barge accidents, these statistics do very little to ease the pain of injured seaman or their families.

WHAT TYPES OF ACCIDENTS OCCUR ON BARGES?

Barge accidents can happen in various ways, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities for crew members. Common types of barge accidents include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet or uneven surfaces on barges frequently lead to dangerous falls, resulting in broken bones, head injuries, or sprains.
• Falling Overboard: A lack of proper safety equipment or barriers can lead to crew members falling into the water, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Collisions: Accidents involving other vessels or structures, such as docks or bridges, can cause severe injuries to workers on board.
• Equipment Malfunctions: Defective or poorly maintained machinery, such as cranes, winches, or engines, can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Heavy Machinery or Cargo Accidents: Mishandling or shifting of heavy cargo can crush, pin, or severely injure crew members.
• Explosions and Fires: Although less common, hazardous materials or poorly maintained fuel systems can result in devastating explosions or onboard fires.

Injuries from these accidents often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Severe burns or disfigurement
• Amputations caused by crushing or entanglement

At Kolodny Law Firm, our experienced barge accident attorneys in Houston are dedicated to helping injured barge workers and their families navigate the complexities of maritime law and the Jones Act. We fight tirelessly to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering, ensuring that justice is served.

WHAT ARE COMMON CAUSES OF BARGE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES?

Barge accidents often stem from a variety of causes, many of which are preventable and tied to negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Negligent Crew: Inadequate training, failure to follow safety protocols, or careless behavior by crew members can lead to dangerous situations.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery, such as winches or cranes, can result in catastrophic injuries.
• Heavy Lines and Ropes: Improperly secured or fraying lines can snap under pressure, causing severe injuries like amputations or crushing accidents.
• Falling Overboard: A lack of proper safety equipment, such as harnesses or railings, increases the risk of workers falling into the water, which can lead to drowning.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Slippery decks, poorly lit workspaces, and exposure to extreme weather are all hazards that can contribute to injuries.

At Kolodny Law Firm, our Houston-based barge accident attorneys have extensive experience investigating these and other causes of barge injuries.

By thoroughly analyzing the circumstances of each accident, we work tirelessly to hold negligent employers or vessel owners accountable. With a deep understanding of maritime law and the Jones Act, we aim to secure justice and fair compensation for injured seamen and their families.