Barge Worker Severely Injured in Barge Accident
A recent barge accident off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia severely injured a barge employee, leading to workplace safety investigations. In this case, barge workers were in the process of raising a small crane onto a larger barge when the mishap happened. What allegedly caused the injury was actually lack of proper training for the young barge employee, who was only 22 years old.
Allegedly the young worker was trying to shift a loose load on the smaller barge while helping a crane operator using a lift. The employee was holding onto the load, which was raised because of the crane, and when the crane was released the employee was thrown into the air over 30 feet. He was rushed to the hospital and sustained back and leg injuries.
After this barge accident led to workplace safety investigations, it was uncovered, allegedly, that the young employee only had 90 minutes of training before beginning barge employment. Extensive training prior to barge employment is typically required of barge employees because barge work is dangerous by nature and may involve several hazardous situations.
Barge employment accidents range from “slip and fall” incidents to chemical exposure and accidents between other sea vessels that cause injury. Under American law, when a barge employee is injured during the course of employment workers compensation is not provided as with other forms of employment.
Instead, barge employees working in America must prove employer negligence and allege a Jones Act Claim in order to recover. The Jones Act allows barge accident victims to collect damages for injuries arising through employer negligence; the Jones Act is classified under the sect Maritime (sea-related) Law administered by the federal government.
Not all attorneys are familiar with the relatively small area of Maritime Law, which is why it is important to contact a Jones Act attorney if you or a loved on is affected by a barge accident. A barge accident lawyer with previous knowledge in dealing with sea-related employment claims will have the acquired skill and experience to successfully litigate your claim.
As an experienced Missouri personal injury law firm experienced in Maritime Law, Page Law is familiar with sea-based employment regulations and standards. We are dedicated to aggressively representing those injured during sea-based employment and am more than happy to discuss your case with you.
The call and consultation are free. We can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call us and we will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you. You can also email Attorney John Page at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.BargeAccidentLawGroup.com for more information.
