Our Maritime Injury Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Rights if You Are Injured Working on a Ship Deck
As a deckhand, you are an essential part of how your ship works. It is you who handles the lines and assists dock workers as you come to and from port, it is you who lowers lifeboats in an emergency and helps with watching for dangers at sea, and it is you who notices safety violations and conducts repairs deck. But what if it is also you who gets hurt while performing your duties?
If you've been hurt while working on a ship deck, our New York maritime injury attorneys understand what you're going through and can guide you on how to protect your rights.
Common Ship Deck Accidents and Injuries
Deckhands should be aware of the following dangers:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents on Slick Surfaces
Working on a ship deck means dealing with constantly changing conditions. Water, oil, and other substances can create slippery surfaces, making every step a risk for even the most experienced deckhands.
Injuries from slip and fall accidents often include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
2. Incidents and Near-Drownings
One of the scariest risks for deckhands is falling overboard. Rough seas, unexpected ship movements, or a misstep near the edge can lead to this life-threatening situation.
Overboard accidents can result in:
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Hypothermia
- Injuries from hitting the water or the ship
- Psychological trauma
3. Machinery-Related Injuries on Deck
Ship decks often have various types of machinery, from winches and cranes to power tools. Working with or around this equipment comes with risks. Despite taking the necessary precautions, machinery accidents can happen.
Machinery accidents can lead to:
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Lacerations
- Burns from hot surfaces or steam
4. Struck-by Incidents Involving Cargo or Equipment
Loading and unloading cargo is a dangerous task for deckhands. Swinging loads, falling objects, and shifting cargo can cause serious injuries.
Struck-by injuries commonly include:
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
5. Repetitive Motion Injuries From Daily Tasks
Not all injuries on a ship deck occur suddenly. The repetitive nature of tasks like tying knots and handling ropes can gradually lead to chronic injuries, often unnoticed until they become severe.
Ship deck repetitive motion injuries often affect:
- Shoulders
- Wrists and hands
- Back
- Knees
6. Chemical Exposure Risks on Ship Decks
Deckhands may handle various chemicals, such as cleaning agents, paints, and fuel.
Without proper PPE, chemical exposure can lead to:
- Skin irritation or burns
- Respiratory problems
- Eye injuries
- Long-term health issues
Protecting Your Rights After a Ship Deck Injury
If you've been injured as a deckhand, it's important to know your rights. Maritime law offers specific protections for ship workers, but the legal process can be confusing. If you are injured, take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
- Report the accident. Do not delay reporting your injury to your supervisor immediately.
- Seek medical attention. It is important to get medical attention, even for minor injuries.
- Keep records. Document everything related to the ship deck accident and your injuries, such as medical records, receipts, and photos of the accident scene.
- Consult an attorney. Contact an experienced maritime attorney at Hofmann & Schweitzer who can help you understand your rights and what type of compensation you could recover under the Jones Act.
We encourage you to visit our website and explore our case results and testimonials. While every case is unique, our proven track record speaks volumes about our dedication and success in helping injured workers like you.
Our experienced maritime lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer have helped many a deckhand get fair compensation. In the past year, we have secured deckhands awards of $2.25 million and $1 million, plus numerous similar awards over the years. We also helped secure a $450,000 settlement for an injured tug boat deckhand with a shoulder injury who returned to work after a reasonable period of recuperation. We like to keep the names of our clients confidential for their protection, and we will do the same for you!
