Three Common Causes of Tugboat Accidents

The maritime industry can prove dangerous, especially for maritime workers who work on tugboats. A tugboat accident can happen at anytime resulting in a serious injury leaving you unable to earn a living.

Since tugboats are designed for maximum power and fuel capacity and often times are towing or pushing large and heavy barges, the danger of a maritime injury is increased when the horsepower of a tugboat is maximized. There are many causes of tugboat accidents, including the following:

• Slippery decks are common since tugboats operate on the water and often times operate in windy and rainy weather. The combination of slippery decks and the often-sudden movements, can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents.
• Falls overboard and off ladders can also be a result of rough waters and the sudden movements of a tugboat. A tugboat worker can find himself with a serious head injury by falling off a ladder or may even drown by falling into cold and frigid waters.
• Crew negligence can come in many forms, but the results are usually the same…catastrophic. The improper handling of tow winches and tugboat machinery by other crewmembers can leave a maritime worker with a debilitating injury.

If you or someone you know has been injured while working on a tugboat, you should contact an experienced maritime lawyer at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of the book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.