I am a licensed deck officer on a coastwise tanker. All the mates on board are told we must perform routine maintenance on cargo tank valves. This is a duty that is supposed to be done by the pumpman, who belongs to the engine department. However, on this ship, the chief engineer (who seems to have more authority than the captain) does not let the pumpman work on these valves, so the mates are forced to do it. I do not have any training in working on valves nor do I feel comfortable doing so. Three weeks ago, I severely fractured my right wrist while overhauling a stuck valve on the Number 3 port side tank. Do I have a cause of action against the company?

 

A: From the circumstances you describe, it appears that you may very well have cause for a Jones Act lawsuit on several grounds including negligence for lack of employee supervision, providing an unsafe working place, failure to properly supervise or train the crewmember and failing to equip the vessel with the proper equipment to perform certain operations.

You may also be entitled to damages for personal injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and punitive damages.

Learn your rights as a seaman by ordering free copy of The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case written by Jones Act and maritime accident injury lawyer Brian Beckcom.

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