Workers on tugboats, dredging vessels, and cargo barges perform demanding jobs in hazardous environments. Heavy equipment, shifting loads, tow lines, and slippery decks can all lead to serious injuries while working on inland waterways, ports, and offshore operations.
At Gilman & Allison, LLP, our maritime attorneys represent workers injured aboard tugboats, dredges, and barges throughout the Gulf Coast, including the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, and offshore Gulf of Mexico operations. Many of these workers qualify as seamen under the Jones Act, which allows them to pursue compensation when employer negligence or unsafe vessel conditions cause injury.
Common tugboat, dredge, and barge accidents include:
Slip and falls on vessel decks
Tow line and mooring injuries
Crane or winch accidents
Equipment failures
Crushing injuries from barges or cargo
Vessel collisions or allisions
Maritime employers must provide reasonably safe vessels, proper equipment, and trained crew members. When these duties are ignored, injured maritime workers may have claims under the Jones Act, unseaworthiness doctrine, and maintenance and cure obligations.
Our firm represents workers injured while:
Operating tugboats pushing or towing barges
Working aboard dredging vessels maintaining navigation channels
Performing deck work on cargo barges
Conducting vessel maintenance or cargo operations
We investigate maritime accidents by reviewing vessel maintenance records, safety procedures, and crew operations to determine what caused the injury.
If you were injured while working aboard a tugboat, dredge, or barge, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering under federal maritime law.
Injured onboard a vessel? Get the legal help you need. Call toll-free at 888-225-5767 or contact us online to set up your initial consultation.
Spanish-speaking services are available.