The maritime industry is very large, including over a million maritime workers across the world. Because seamen work aboard vessels in confined spaces and close quarters to each other, such conditions are favorable for the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19. It is easy for germs to spread aboard vessels, especially those not kept in the highest sanitary conditions during a global pandemic. Unfortunately, maritime workers worldwide are struggling to stay safe due to the rampant spread of the highly contagious COVID-19. If you or a loved one became seriously ill from working aboard a vessel, suffered damages, and don’t know where to turn, contact an experienced maritime injury lawyer at Willis Law Firm. Our attorneys put clients first and are dedicated to protecting injured or ill workers from hazardous and unsanitary work conditions.
Extended Contract Periods Cause Maritime Workers to Become Fatigued, Sustaining Serious Injuries
In addition to the challenges of staying safe from COVID-19 while working, some maritime workers are being forced to remain on ships past their contract period. This causes workers to become tired and mentally exhausted, making them no longer fit to safely perform their maritime work duties. Tired crew members and overextended work trips can, unfortunately, lead to serious accidents and injuries, such as:
- Slip and falls from oily deck surfaces,
- Falling off defective ladders,
- Injuries from lifting heavy cables and lines,
- Fractured and broken bones,
- Drowning from falling overboard,
- Amputated limbs,
- Burns from fires and explosions onboard,
- Exposures to toxic chemicals, and
- Death.
For more information on maritime injuries and applicable laws, see our Jones Act Information Center and article on Maritime Legislation that Protects You.
Maritime Workers Have Legal Rights
Injured maritime workers have a right to receive compensation for injuries they sustained at work, including, in some situations, catching a disease while working aboard a vessel. Certain state and federal laws, such as the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), protect maritime workers injured on the job by providing them with remedies such as maintenance and cure, which will cover some costs of daily living and medical expenses. If you are a maritime worker suffering from an injury or illness sustained from working aboard a vessel, an experienced Jones Act attorney will be an excellent resource to advise you of your legal rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Did You Get COVID-19 While Aboard a Vessel? Contact Our Office Today
Did you become seriously ill from COVID-19 or any other infectious disease while working aboard a vessel? If so, contact the experienced maritime accident lawyers at Willis Law Firm. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for injured maritime workers, and we put our clients first. Contact a Jones Act accident attorney at Willis Law Firm at 1-800-468-4878 or email us through our online webform to find out more about your legal rights and options.
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