Injuries on Barges Can Change Your Life Overnight
Barges are among the most dangerous workplaces in the maritime industry. Whether you work aboard a hopper barge, deck barge, crane barge, material barge, or spud barge, one mistake, unsafe condition, or equipment failure can result in devastating injuries.
Unlike many land-based workers, injured barge workers often have important rights under the Jones Act, the general maritime law, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Determining which law applies can significantly impact the compensation available.
At Gilman & Allison, LLP, we represent maritime workers throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast who have suffered serious injuries while working aboard barges.
Common Barge Accidents
Our maritime attorneys frequently investigate claims involving:
- Slip and falls on wet decks
- Crane accidents
- Winch and capstan injuries
- Broken tow wires
- Falling cargo
- Hatch cover failures
- Unsafe rigging
- Mooring line accidents
- Crush injuries
- Deck collapses
- Equipment failures
- Explosions and fires
Many of these incidents occur because vessel owners failed to maintain a reasonably safe vessel or failed to provide an adequate crew.
We Know Maritime Law
Unlike general personal injury firms, Gilman & Allison focuses on maritime litigation. We understand Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness claims, maintenance and cure, vessel negligence, and complex admiralty litigation.
If you were injured working aboard a barge anywhere in Texas or the Gulf Coast, contact our maritime attorneys for a free consultation.