7 Barges Break Free in Arkansas River
In Muskogee, Oklahoma seven barges broke free allegedly due to equipment failure. The barges drifted into the US. 62 bridge over the Arkansas River after the rope holding the barges unraveled, and the lines between the barges gave way. Each barge was connected to another, which started a chain reaction in that the wire cables in between each barge that were supposed to hold them all together, allowed all seven barges to break lose.
Officials say the cables were new and should have held the weight of the barges, which led some to suspect that there may have been human error in connecting and securing the barges together with the cables. A Coast Guard spokesman said the cause of the Barge Accident is unknown and is still pending investigation. There was no significant damage to the bridge.
The United States Coast Guard has implemented a program in order to prevent or at least reduce human error in the course of employment. The Prevention Through People (PTP) program addresses operating safely in the maritime, focusing on human and organizational influences on maritime safety and system performances.
PTP requires constant and balanced interaction between the management, the work environment, the behavior of people, and the appropriate technology. PTP specifically addresses the human errors of inattention, failure to follow procedure, improper maintenance, inadequate training, and fatigue.
Such programs addressing risk management and awareness, along with the implementation of new training policies are frequently in response to deadly barge accidents that not only cause injury and monetary damages, but also create liability issues. Often, accidents occurring in the course of employment require legal assistance because the question of liability is difficult to discern.
As is seen in the case above, there are issues involving the product in regards to equipment failure, the employee in regards to correctly tying the lines, and the employer in regards to several issues, including training and supervising. In many instances, employees blame employers or product deficiencies, and employers rebut the employee claims or assert that other third parties are liable, such as product manufacturers. This is where experienced legal aid is not only helpful, but also necessary.
As an experienced attorney in Maritime Law, I am happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. If requested, I will immediately and aggressively take action in your defense.
The call and consultation are free. I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
If you don't want to call or you can't call, you can email me at john@pagecagle.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times. You can also visit www.BargeAccidentLawGroup.com for more information.
