The general purpose of tugboats is to transport goods and tug large vessels which may be stranded for one reason or another. In doing so, heavy duty winches and cables are used to secure the cargo and/or vessel. Huge amounts of horsepower and weight is at play in these endeavors and as such, the risk for injury is ever present. The Kolodny Law Firm knows the kinds of accidents that can arise from insufficient training and human error, and we also know what vessel owners and operators are liable for should an unfortunate tugboat accident occur. We have the experience in Jones Act law to make sure that the injured party is compensated for any negligence in a just and fair manner.
TUGBOAT ACCIDENT CAUSES
Collisions can oftentimes play a part in tugboat accident injuries. If not careful and experienced, tugboats can collide with other tugboats, maritime vessels and docks while pursuing their purpose.
Transitioning from one vessel to another, or to a dock, can also prove problematic. External conditions, such as rain, or general slipperiness can make for very dangerous conditions to navigate, resulting in injury.
Tow lines and winches can cause major bodily harm if they break. Given their weight and length and tension, if one breaks, it can sweep across the deck of a tugboat at very high speeds, causing back injuries and other bone fractures, depending on its point of impact.
Understaffing can also be a major factor in injuries suffered on tugboats. If not adequately staffed, the workforce can be overworked, leading to fatigue and lapses in judgement. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe working environment, which includes having enough staff on hand.
The tugboat accident lawyers at the Kolodny Law Firm understand the ins and outs of maritime law as it pertains to tugboats, barges and various other maritime vessels. Holding employers accountable to the rights of maritime workers is what we have years of experience doing, and we will aggressively fight for your rights if you or a loved one has been injured. Call us today.