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Mississippi, located in the deep south region of the United States, is bordered by Tennessee, Alabama, Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, and is primarily defined on its western border by the Mississippi River. The various waterways allow for water transportation within the state and throughout the country. In fact, Mississippi is connected to both national and global markets through its ports, waterways, and the Gulf of Mexico.  Below, our Mississippi tugboat accident lawyer highlights some of the state’s main ports, as well as some of the common causes of tugboat accidents and injuries that occur each year. Mississippi’s 16 Ports and Waterways Mississippi has 16 main ports that are on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. These ports allow for vessels, such as tugboats, to travel up and down the Mississippi River daily. The 16 ports include the following: Yellow Creek State Inland Port Port Itawamba Port of Amory City of Aberdeen Port Raymond D. Lucas Memorial Port Lowndes County Port Port of Rosedale Port of Greenville Port of Vicksburg Port of Claiborne County Port of Natchez-Adams County Yazoo County Port Port Bienville Port of Gulfport Biloxi Port Division Port of Pascagoula These busy ports offer numerous services such as barge-truck-rail unloading and loading, tugboat services, container shipping, warehousing, import and export assistance, barge fleeting, mooring assistance, and bare loading and unloading, among other services.  Mississippi also has other waterways available for water transportation such as the Gulf of Mexico and various rivers, in addition to the Mississippi River, such […]

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New Orleans, a city in the southeastern region of the state of Louisiana, has both inland and coastal waterways available for vessels, such as tugboats, to travel on various work-related missions such as the Mississippi River, Port of Louisiana, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between Mississippi and Texas.  With its many waterways, including a port, New Orleans is an economic and commercial hub for the Gulf Coast region. Tugboats are a common type of vessel used in New Orleans waterways each year.  A Louisiana tugboat accident lawyer explains the various types of tugboats commonly used, as well as common injuries sustained by individuals working on and coming into contact with a tugboat. Three Common Types of Tugboats in Louisiana A tugboat is a specialized vessel that helps maneuver other vessels (such as barges, rigs, and other boats) by towing or pushing them.  There are three main types of tugboats, including: Seagoing tugboats (also known as sea tugs) are often larger vessels that are used for deep-sea or ocean towing.  Sea tugs are designed to operate out in the sea for longer periods of time. Harbor tugboats are multipurpose vessels that are usually smaller than the seagoing tugboat and have a higher width to length ratio.  These tugs are highly maneuverable as they are used to aid other vessels in and out of ports.  A lighter tugboat is a smaller type of harbor tug that helps tow barges (also known as lightering) in and out of the harbor. River tugboats, also […]

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Although Arkansas is mostly landlocked by other states, some people may be surprised to know that various waterways are available for vessels such as tugboats to complete a variety of maritime-related jobs and assignments. In Arkansas, popular waterways that are used for shipments of cargo and river transportation include the Port of Little Rock, the Port of Pine Bluff, and various Arkansas river terminals. The Port of Little Rock provides a central location and encompasses thousands of acres of industrial property, employs several thousand people, and maintains its own railroad. This bustling port is busy with maritime activity each day.   Located at the Port of Pine Bluff is a 375-acre harbor industrial district with a terminal facility developed by the Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Port Authority, which provides access to low-cost water transportation services.   Arkansas also has various river terminals easily accessible for water transportation services, such as tugboat services, at the following locations: Arkansas City Dardanelle Dumas/Pendleton Linwood Morrilton North Little Rock Pine Bluff Van Buren Tugboats Are Commonly Used in Arkansas Waterways Tugboats are a popular vessel used in many Arkansas waterways that help maneuver other vessels by towing or pushing them. Although they are often used to move other vessels, operating a tugboat that is towing another large vessel is often a dangerous maneuver that sometimes causes accidents and injuries to tugboat workers, passengers, and bystanders. An Arkansas tugboat accident lawyer explains below common accidents and injuries sustained by individuals working on or near an Arkansas tugboat. Accidents […]

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The Mississippi River is the second-longest river on the North American continent bordering or passing through Arkansas, Mississippi, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisiana.  This famous river can be divided into three main sections: the Upper Mississippi, the Middle Mississippi, and the Lower Mississippi.   Unfortunately, although the Mississippi River is a popular source of transportation for cargo on barges, it has experienced significant pollution and environmental problems over the years.  Additionally, many dangers lurk below and above this waterway, causing dangerous perils for thousands of voyagers traveling up and down the Mississippi each year. Below, our Mississippi barge injury lawyer discusses three tips to avoid dangerous perils that await Mississippi River voyagers.  Beware of Hazardous Twists and Turns on the Mississippi River The Mississippi River has stretches of high and low water that have made the passage up and down this river treacherous for travelers.  Especially when the river floods, it can create an aquatic obstacle course for travelers, creating current traps and sandbars that cut into the main navigation channel. Mississippi voyagers should be prepared for these twists and turns along their trip.  Watch for Dangerous and Rapid Currents Sometimes the Mississippi River’s current is traveling at a high velocity.  Dangerous currents can cause vessels to lose control and collide with other boats or even bridges and embankments, severely damaging vessels and causing injuries to workers, passengers, and even bystanders.  Be Prepared for Changing Water Levels The Mississippi River’s water levels can frequently change, causing changes in […]

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Millions of Americans either work aboard a vessel or enjoy recreational boating each year.  While doing so, it is important to take certain safety precautions to prevent serious injuries, including death.  Below are four tips to decrease injuries while aboard a vessel in Louisiana.  Wear U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets  Barge workers and individuals enjoying recreational boating activities should wear life jackets while aboard a vessel that are appropriately-sized and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.  You should always make sure your life jacket is in good condition before departing on your voyage.   Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before or During Working on a Barge or Recreational Boating Outings Vessel operators and passengers should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages before or during working or recreating on a boat or vessel.  Alcohol has been proven to impair cognitive abilities, affect judgment, and compromise balance, which can cause injuries such as falling overboard, slipping and falling, or even colliding with another vessel.   Use the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron’s Vessel Safety Check Service Before departing on a voyage, the operator of a vessel (and/or vessel owner) should use the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron’s Vessel Safety Check Service.  This service encourages checking items such as display numbers, registration documents, personal flotation devices, visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and more.  Below are some additional safety resources from the U.S. Coast Guard and OSHA: U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division OSHA Deck Barge Safety  OSHA Safety and […]

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Contact Our Arkansas Tugboat Injury Lawyer to Find Out How These Laws May Impact Your Claim Accidents that occur on or near the navigable waters are governed by a unique set of federal laws, and, in some states, special state maritime laws. Maritime workers who perform work on and off vessels near navigable waters may be covered under either the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).  The Jones Act and LHWCA are complex federal laws that provide compensation to various maritime workers who are injured from the work they performed aboard a vessel (such as a barge) or in loading, unloading, or repairing a vessel offshore.  The Jones Act The Jones Act provides compensation for certain maritime workers.  Specifically, the Jones Act covers crew members, also known as “seamen.”  It is not required for a vessel’s employee to aid in the vessel’s actual navigation to be considered a seaman.  The employee must be doing work on the ship and contribute to the vessel’s function or the accomplishment of the vessel’s mission.  The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) The LHWCA is a federal law that also provides protection in the form of compensation to employees injured on the job that occur on or near the navigable waters.  This act may provide compensation to workers in the form of payment for medical care, rehabilitation services, and survivor benefits to dependents of injured workers who are killed from their maritime work.  Workers covered by the LHWCA […]

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“Tennessee is one of the nation’s leading states offering recreational waterways,” according to state government officials.  Many people either work aboard a vessel (such as a barge) or enjoy recreational boating in Tennessee ports and waterways each year.  Unfortunately, some engage in a very dangerous activity known as “boating under the influence” or BUI, which can cause serious bodily injuries to those impacted by it. It bears mentioning that all 50 U.S. states have laws regarding alcohol consumption and operating a boat.  Below is some important information that our Tennessee barge accident lawyer wants you to consider regarding boating (or, in some cases, barging) under the influence.  What Do Most State Laws Say About Boating Under the Influence (BUI)? In several states, the laws that regulate drinking and operating a boat or vessel are similar to those associated with drinking and driving a motor vehicle. It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater in most states. The same limit is usually true for operating any other vessel. This is partly because, in 1998, President Clinton advocated for the establishment of a federal standard to define what is considered legal intoxication, recommending .08% BAC level as the standard.   Following President Clinton’s initiative, several federal bills were passed, some of which would cut funding for states that did not adopt this measure.  Accordingly, all states have formally adopted .08% BAC as the standard to identify legal intoxication.  Some states have adopted additional, more […]

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About the Port of South Louisiana The Port of South Louisiana extends along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, centering at the Port’s headquarters at LaPlace, Louisiana. This busy port is especially critical for grain shipments from the Midwest. Additionally, according to the Port of South Louisiana, this port is the largest tonnage port district in America and the western hemisphere. It is the premier gateway for export and import traffic in the United States.  Additionally, this bustling port, along with Louisiana’s other ports, including the Port of New Orleans and the Port of Baton Rouge, is important for the nation’s economy. These three ports each rank high in total trade by port as compared to all world ports. Thousands of vessels carrying large amounts of tonnage pass through these ports each year. With such high maritime traffic coming in and out of these ports each year, unfortunately, severe injuries to maritime workers, tourists, and even local residents are inevitable.  Read below for information on common injuries sustained by port workers, travelers, and the legal remedies available to compensate victims for such injuries.  Common Maritime Accidents and Injuries Sustained in Louisiana Ports Common examples of maritime accidents, such as from boats, barges, or other watercraft, that may occur in Louisiana ports include but are not limited to: collisions with other vessels, fires, slips and falls from wet surfaces, and equipment malfunctions. Injuries sustained from these types of accidents can cause serious injuries such as: Drowning Fractured and […]

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If you were injured working on a vessel or offshore, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. The Jones Act is a federal maritime law that provides special protections to maritime workers, many of whom face dangerous job-related risks on a daily basis. However, while the Jones Act’s protections are clear, employers rarely (if ever) voluntarily pay their injured workers the full compensation they deserve. In fact, many employers will dispute their employees’ Jones Act claims, and some even have policies and procedures in place designed to prevent employees from asserting their rights under the Jones Act. On top of these concerns, you may have additional claims for compensation outside of the Jones Act, and if you only pursue a claim against your employer you might not recover the full compensation you deserve. As you can see, securing just compensation after an offshore or maritime accident gets complicated quickly. As a result, the best way to protect your rights (and maximize your financial recovery) is to consult with an experienced Jones Act lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Common Maritime Injuries for Jones Act Claims The Jones Act does not identify specific types of injuries that are eligible for compensation. Instead, it establishes rights for eligible workers (those who qualify as “seamen”) that apply regardless of the harm they have endured. As a result, the following are all examples of common offshore injuries that may entitle injured workers to file a Jones Act lawsuit: Bone […]

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As someone who works offshore or in the maritime industry, there are laws that protect you when you get injured at work. But, knowing which laws apply – and how to use them to maximize your financial recovery – can be a challenge. The following is a brief overview of the laws that provide for compensation when offshore and maritime workers get hurt or injured on the job: 1. The Jones Act Who It Covers: The Jones Act applies to offshore workers who qualify as “seamen.” This includes workers onboard tankers, freighters, tugboats, barges, fishing boats, supply boats, crew boats, jackup rigs, and other vessels. It also includes crewmembers on floating oil rigs and jack-up drilling rigs. Compensation Available: Under the Jones Act, injured seamen can potentially file two different claims for compensation: (i) a claim for no-fault “maintenance and cure” benefits, and (ii) a claim for full financial compensation based the negligence of the employer or others. 2. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Who It Covers: The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) applies to offshore workers who do not qualify as “seamen” under the Jones Act. This includes workers on fixed oil platforms and oil rigs, as well as certain longshoremen, harbor workers, dock men and other maritime employees. Compensation Available: Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, injured workers are entitled to certain benefits regardless of who is to blame for their injuries. These include benefits for disability (lost income), medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses and retraining […]

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