Maritime Injury Blog

Injured AB Seaman hires VB lawyer for tugboat injury claim against G&H Towing

Able bodied seaman aboard tugboat "Jupiter" injures groin and low back while handling tangled headlines on the job with G&H Towing Company.

Back and neck injuries are wild cards in the OSG Salary Continuation Plan

Back and neck injuries can often begin as dormant volcanoes without producing debilitating pain until months later. If OSG and other companies have their way, you will be SOL—shot out of luck—without recourse to receive adequate medical treatment after they convinced you to take a temporary raise instead.

Shipping companies trying to buyout seamen’s Jones Act rights

Seaman need to beware of industry efforts to get them to sign away their Jones Act protection in exchange for a temporary raise.

OSG Attempts to get Seaman to Release “Jones Act” Rights

OSG, a tanker company makes an attempt to get a seaman to sign an arbitration agreement that would release his rights to files a Jones Act or unseaworthiness suit.

Lawsuit Against Wood Group & Chevron

Maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom hired by employee for claims against Wood Group and Chevron following on-the-job injury.

Federal court stops company’s Jones Act assault

The U.S. District Court of Southern Illinois has ruled against a shipping company’s attempt to limit its liability in a vessel sinking.

Even at fault mariners can be compensated

Under the doctrine of comparative negligence, a seafarer can receive a jury award even if his or her own actions contributed to an injury.

When Jones Act justice turns to greed

The Jones Act is designed to grant fair compensation to mariners injured in the workplace. It is not intended to manipulate the system, ala “ambulance chasing on the water."

Deckhand slips on wet glove, blames captain in Jones Act claim

A deckhand lost his slip and fall appeal after it was discovered he never disclosed a significant injury history.

Port worker files claim after wet paint slip and fall

A federal court recently made a ruling on a suit filed by a shipyard employee who was injured on a vessel after slipping on wet paint.

Washington State Ferries not liable for selling a violent drunk a ticket

A Washington appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit from a man injured by an obnoxious drunk passenger aboard a Washington State Ferry (WSF) vessel.

Art Catering Settles Injury Case Brought By Injured Employee

We are pleased to announce a settlement against Art Catering on behalf of one of our clients, a former employee of Art Catering who was injured on the job.

Seaman Sues Towing Companies Over Unseaworthy Vessel

Read this blog to learn of a recent case involving a seaman who was allegedly injured on an unseaworthy vessel. Contact a maritime attorney at our office if you have been hurt in an offshore accident.

Your Rights When Your Employer Won't Pay Maintenance & Cure

Seamen can become injured at anytime while on-the-job. Employers are requited to pay maintenance and cure. If your employer fails to do so you might be able to seek punitive damages. If you have been injured offshore, you should contact an experienced maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800.

Offshore Oil Rig Workers Protected by the Jones Act

Offshore oil rig workers are protected under a federal law, known as the Jones Act. Read this blog to learn more about injured oil rig workers' rights.

The Insurance Company May Try to Lower the Value of Your Maritime Injury Claim

The insurance company will look for ways to minimize your maritime injury claim. Read this blog to learn more about insurance company tactics.

Have You Been Injured in a Tanker Accident?

If you have been injured on a tanker, you need to understand your legal rights. Read this blog to find out your protection under a federal law known as the Jones Act.

Seaman’s Rights in a Tugboat Accident

A tugboat accident can result in life changing injuries. Read this blog to find out your rights as an injured seaman.

What You Should Know if your are Injured in a Barge Accident

Barge accidents can lead to serious maritime injuries. If you have been injured in a barge accident, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.

A Knee Injury may be Covered Under the Jones Act

If you have suffered a knee injury offshore, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.

Cauda Equina Syndrome & the Jones Act

Cauda equina syndrome is a medical condition that can lead to serious problems. If you are a Jones Act seaman, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.

Misconduct by Crew Can Lead to Injuries

Within the maritime industry, there is something known as barratry.  Barratry can be defined as a fraudulent act or misconduct by the ship’s master or crew and can lead to injuries.  What does that mean for you?  If you are a seaman and were injured by negligence on the part of the captain or crewmembers, you can pursue compensation for your injuries.

Some examples of barratry in the context of maritime include deserting the ship, illegal scuttling, theft on the vessel and cargo theft. 

The Jones Act is a federal law that provides legal protection for injured seamen.  Under the Jones Act, you can pursue monetary damages for your injuries if negligence caused your maritime injury.  Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and other damages.

There are deadlines as to when you can file a Jones Act claim for your maritime accident or injuries.  It is imperative that you contact an experienced Houston maritime attorney right away.  You should not sign anything or give a recorded statement regarding your injuries until you speak with a maritime lawyer.

Contact the maritime attorneys at the law offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for a free legal consultation.

Court upholds mariner's right for payment in neck injury

In a case recently before a federal court, an employer was ruled to be responsible for the cost of a neurosurgeon consultation.

Mark Eldridge, plaintiff, injured his neck while lifting a flagpole on a dock on November 8, 2007.

In a settlement conference two years later, it was ruled that the extent of Eldridge's injuries must first be determined by a neurosurgeon.

Star Line, the employer, argued that it was not liable for the cost of the consultation, only for reimbursement of actual medical care.

The court disagreed, ruling that the Jones Act requires an employer to make sure that a seaman receives complete care and treatment.

Proposed Jones Act changes worries offshore industry

The U.S. offshore sector is scrambling to replace foreign crews with Americans in light of proposed changes to the Jones Act.

The U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) announced in July plans to significantly amend interpretation of rules for vessels transporting offshore oil and gas equipment. This would revoke current Jones Act exemptions in areas including diving support work, cable and pipe-laying.

Presently, over 80-percent of this work is carried out on non U.S. flagged vessels.

According to the International Marine Carriers Association, at least five years would be required to provide an adequate number of U.S. vessels to meet the new CBP standards.

“Foreign crews are being shifted away from the US and replaced with American citizens, said Craig Johnson, President of Faststream's U.S. operations. "We think that around 70 vessels could be affected by these proposals, but there still remains a good deal of uncertainty as to how far these proposals will go."

Faststream is an international recruiting agency.

A public comment period expired on August 17th and a decision is pending.

Read more here.

Offshore company liable for aggravating employee’s back condition

A roustabout on a drilling vessel has prevailed in his back injury claim against his employer.

A Louisiana federal court recently ruled in favor of Keith Townsend, the plaintiff, awarding him $100,000 plus prejudgment interest, in his claim against his employer, Diamond Offshore Drilling. Diamond maintains a fleet of drilling vessels.

Originally, Townsend was hired by Diamond contingent upon passing a physical examination and drug screen. Even though an MRI indicated two potential herniated discs and a nerve root issue, Townsend was cleared for employment by Dr. Khan, the physician assigned by the company.

While on the job, Townsend complained of back and thigh pain to his private chiropractor, who he saw during his time off. Though he never disclosed the condition to Diamond, he did use the company’s insurance plan to cover the visits.

In May of 2006, Townsend alleged he suffered a back injury on the job while pulling on a cable, leading him to undergo lumbar disc surgery.

Townsend brought legal action against Diamond, seeking past and future compensation for pain caused by the lumbar surgery.

Diamond countered that there were no witnesses to the alleged accident and that they were not responsible because they had relied upon the doctor in Houston who had cleared Townsend for employment.

The court agreed with the plaintiff, ruling that even though he had a pre-existing back condition, the company was liable because the physician was an agent of the company.

Read the entire case here.