Resources

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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