Maritime Laws and American Waterways Operators
The American Waterways Operators (AWO) requires its members to follow general maritime laws and practices regarding marine operations, maintenance, and safety.
The AWO's program requires that companies, who belong to their organization, comply with certain safety regulations and obtain a third party audit to verify compliance with those AWO guidelines. Such regulations include adequately training workers, providing adequate lighting, and keeping the barges free of debris or gravel. An employer's failure to do such can lead to a finding of “unseaworthy" or negligence.
Laws specific to the maritime industry, such as the Jones Act, govern marine workers' rights. The Jones Act is somewhat similar to workers' compensation laws (although they follow different paths in the legal system) because it provides injured marine workers with payment of lost wages and medical expenses after a work-related injury. It allows marine workers to obtain damages from their employers for negligence of the ship-owner, captain, or fellow crewmembers.
As a law firm with experienced Missouri maritime lawyers and personal injury attorneys, Page Cagle is happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. If requested, we will immediately and aggressively take action on your behalf.
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.
