Maritime Workers Are Hurt Every Year
Yearly, thousands of maritime workers are injured while working aboard a vessel in the navigable waters. Sometimes accidents occur for various reasons such as operator errors, safety hazards onboard, mechanical issues, improperly trained maritime workers, fires and explosions onboard, and failure to maintain safety standards, among other issues. However, some workers are injured or even killed because of severe weather conditions that hit the open seas while workers are traveling to and from their destinations, as was the case with a livestock ship that sank off Japan’s coast earlier this year. If you or a loved one were injured while working aboard a vessel, the experienced maritime accident lawyers at Willis Law Firm are standing by to help you with your case.
Maritime Workers Killed When Gulf Livestock 1 Sank
In early September 2020, Typhoon Masak hit Japan’s coast, causing very rough seas and dangerous weather conditions. Only days later, a ship known as Gulf Livestock 1 carrying approximately 6,000 head of cattle and 43 maritime workers sank. The livestock ship departed from New Zealand and was headed to China with cattle. On September 2, only days after the typhoon hit, a distress call was received from the ship just off Japan’s coast. Unfortunately, only a few survivors were rescued by the Japanese coast guard from the distressed ship. One survivor told officials that the ship had lost an engine and then capsized after a wave hit the ship.
It is essential for shipowners and operators to follow applicable maritime laws, regulations, and guidelines to ensure a vessel is safe for the operator. Especially when a vessel is in distress during a storm, as was the case with Gulf Livestock 1, a vessel needs to be in proper working order with a crew who is adequately trained to deal with such treacherous working conditions. When a shipowner and operator does not correctly follow legal regulations and guidelines and sufficiently maintain a vessel, they may be held liable for injuries sustained by maritime workers. Shipowners and operators must provide seamen with seaworthy vessels and trained crewmembers. Under general maritime laws, a seaworthy ship is suitable and fit for its intended use. This means the vessel must be in proper working order and have the safe and adequate equipment needed to make a safe voyage. The maritime accident attorneys at Willis Law Firm seek to hold vessel owners and operators accountable for unseaworthy vessels.
A Maritime Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one were injured while working aboard a vessel, like Gulf Livestock 1, you are encouraged to contact an experienced maritime accident lawyer who can advise on the legal rights available and the compensation to which you or a loved one may be entitled. Special laws apply to maritime workers, such as the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). An experienced Jones Act attorney at Willis Law Firm can help you determine what compensation you may be eligible to obtain, which may include, but is not limited to:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages,
- Costs associated with rehabilitation, and
- Other economic losses to the injured worker.
Refer to our Jones Act Information Center for more information on your rights under the law for your maritime injuries.
If You Were Injured Aboard A Vessel, Contact a Maritime Accident Lawyer at Willis Law Firm Today
Were you or a loved one injured or killed while working aboard a vessel in dangerous conditions? If so, help is available. Contact an experienced maritime accident lawyer at Willis Law Firm today. Our experienced attorneys can advise you on maritime laws that may apply to your case. Contact our firm today at 1-800-468-4878 or email us through our online webform to find out more about your legal rights and options.
Share This
