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Injured in a Barge Accident? Know Your Rights
Barges are big and cumbersome and typically lack mobility. As boating traffic has increased over the years, it has only made the dangers of a barge accident even greater.
Many things can go wrong as a barge travels through a river, canal or other body of water. Negligent crewmembers, miscommunication and even poor safety measures can all lead to a catastrophic barge accident. If you or a family member has suffered a significant barge injury, you need to become familiar with maritime law.
Jones Act & Barge Accidents The Jones Act is a federal law that provides protection for barge workers who are considered seamen. Basically, to fall into this classification, you must spend the majority of your working time on a vessel in the water. Most barge workers meet this qualification.
Under the Jones Act, you can pursue maintenance and cure. Maintenance is designed to cover your living expenses during your recovery and is based on a per day amount. Cure is supposed to cover your medical care associated with the barge accident. Even though the company is required to pay maintenance and cure, collecting these benefits is not always easy.
When the Company Refuses to Pay If your company is refusing to pay maintenance and cure or if negligence caused your barge injuries, further legal action may be taken. It is important to understand that you may be up against a lot after a barge accident – from a company that doesn’t want to be held liable for your injuries to an insurance company that will be using every trick of the trade to deny your claim. You need to make sure that your rights are protected under the law.
To talk with an experienced maritime lawyer, contact the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom today at 877.724.7800. We represented injured barge workers throughout the country.
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, we recommend that you do your research. All too often, the company will try to trick you into signing away your legal rights, ask you to give a recorded statement that will hurt your case, force you to see company doctors, or steer you in the wrong direction. Below is a list of resources we provide to injured maritime employees for FREE. Free Book Written By Board Certified Injury Attorney Brian Beckcom
