Common Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries occur on ships, barges, tugboats, docks and other navigable waters. Working or traveling on water presents dangers that simply do not exist on land, from unstable surfaces to heavy machinery and unpredictable conditions.
At Tabak Mellusi & Shisha LLP, we represent seamen, dockworkers and maritime employees injured in New York City, New York. Our firm understands the complexities of federal maritime law, including the Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims. As experienced maritime injury lawyers, we investigate vessel conditions, employer conduct and safety failures to protect the rights of injured workers.
Types Of Maritime Injuries
Maritime environments create unique risks. Common injuries include:
- Slips, trips and falls: Wet decks, unsecured lines, poor lighting and unstable gangways often cause serious falls.
- Crush injuries and amputations: Heavy cargo, mooring lines and deck machinery can trap or sever limbs.
- Head, brain and spinal cord injuries: Falls from heights, falling objects and onboard collisions can result in catastrophic harm.
- Drowning and near-drowning: Falls overboard, capsized vessels and lack of life-saving equipment create life-threatening situations.
- Burn injuries: Engine room explosions, chemical spills and onboard fires cause severe trauma.
- Toxic exposure: Asbestos, fumes and contaminated water may lead to long-term illness.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Repeated lifting and strenuous tasks strain joints and muscles.
- Back and neck injuries: Sudden impacts and heavy lifting commonly damage the spine.
- Broken bones and fractures: Impact accidents frequently cause fractures.
- Hypothermia and exposure: Cold water immersion without protection can become fatal.
Injured workers may be entitled to maintenance, cure or damages under maritime law. A skilled maritime injury lawyer evaluates all available remedies.
Common Causes Of Maritime Accidents
Many maritime injuries stem from preventable safety failures. Common causes include:
- Unseaworthy vessels: Unsafe decks, faulty equipment or inadequate safety gear.
- Employer or crew negligence: Failure to follow safety procedures.
- Defective machinery: Malfunctioning winches, cranes or engines.
- Improper training or supervision: Inexperienced crew placed in dangerous roles.
- Fatigue or understaffing: Long shifts increase risk of error.
- Unsafe working conditions: Cluttered decks or missing safeguards.
- Navigation errors or collisions: Poor judgment or mechanical failure at sea.
Identifying the true cause is essential to holding the responsible party accountable.
Contact A Maritime Injury Lawyer In New York City
If you were injured on navigable waters near New York City, New York, contact Tabak Mellusi & Shisha LLP at 212-962-1590 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
