Slip and Fall Accidents Offshore

Slippery decks seem like just part of the work environment when you are an offshore worker,  but did you know that the vessel owner is required to provide a safe work environment for seamen, which includes taking steps to prevent fall accidents?  If a vessel owner knew, or should have known, of a dangerous condition on the vessel, including a slippery deck, and did nothing to correct it, they can be held liable for your injuries. 

When you work with heavy equipment and machinery on a slippery deck, your risk of being injured in a slip and fall accident increases.  As a seaman, you have legal rights if you are injured on the job.  A law known as the Jones Act provides protection for injured seamen, including compensation for their injuries.  If the accident was caused by negligence on behalf of the vessel owner or other responsible party, you can pursue monetary damages for your injuries, which may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, past and future lost wages, past and future medical expenses and disfigurement.  You may also be entitled to these damages if it can be proven that the vessel was unseaworthy and caused your injuries.

Injuries resulting from slip and falls on deck can be serious.  There have been many cases of maritime workers sustaining a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, neck injury, back injury and broken bones.  In more serious cases, the injuries can lead to paralysis or even death.

If you have been injured while working on a vessel, you should not hesitate to contact a maritime attorney.  Your employer will be contacting their attorneys and insurance company and you should not face them alone.  An experienced maritime lawyer will be able to review your injury case to determine if negligence was involved and if the vessel was unseaworthy.  Contact Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C.  at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800 for a case evaluation.  

The article, Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident on Deck, has more information on this topic.