Were You Hurt Working On The River?
Thousands of people make their living working on the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, the Tennessee River, the Cumberland River and other area rivers. They work long days on towboats, tugboats, barges and other vessels, or on the docks and shipyards to keep the river industry running. This work can be dangerous, and on-the-job injuries are common. However, when those who labor so hard to do this important and dangerous work get hurt and seek benefits, all too often they are ignored, denied or treated unfairly.
At Katz Law, our lawyers stand up for the rights of injured river workers. Because this work is done on navigable waters, a unique set of laws applies. If you have been hurt while working on the river, our goal is to get you all the benefits to which you are entitled. We have over 30 years’ history of standing up to towboat companies and river-based employers to get meaningful results for people who work in the river industry.
From our law office in Paducah, Kentucky, we help people from throughout the United States who work on the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, the Tennessee River, the Cumberland River and other major rivers. We represent mates, deckhands, leadmen, captains, pilots, masters, engineers, cooks and anyone else who works on a river vessel, as well as anyone else involved in the river industry in any capacity.
Is This A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Many river workers believe that if they are hurt on the job, they have a workers’ compensation claim. In reality, these cases fall under a completely different set of laws than state-based workers’ compensation claims. Most injured river workers will have claims under the Jones Act. In some cases, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) will apply. When a third party caused the injuries, a maritime tort claim may also be appropriate.
In these cases, it is important to work with a lawyer who knows the laws that apply in river work injury cases and understands that these cases cannot be handled like typical workers’ comp claims. For example, injured workers should be granted maintenance and cure payments, which is a unique benefit available for river and maritime employees.
Handling river work injury cases in partnership with attorney L. Jeff Bloomfield as Bloomfield & Katz, we have helped many river workers nationwide get the benefits to move forward. We have experience and skill specific to these matters, so you can be confident that nothing will be overlooked, and you will get the strong legal representation you deserve.
Claims Arising From River Injuries
A plaintiff in a typical maritime personal injury suit has three separate claims available — a general maritime law maintenance and cure claim, a general maritime law claim for breach of the warranty of seaworthiness and a statutory claim for negligence under the Jones Act. In simple terms, if a seaman is injured or becomes ill, in the service of the ship, for any reason, he is entitled to maintenance and cure, and wages, under the general maritime law. If a seaman is injured because of an unseaworthy vessel, or an unseaworthy condition on a vessel, he also has a claim for damages under the general maritime law. Finally, if a seaman is injured because of the negligence of his employer, he has a claim for damages under the Jones Act. Therefore, an injured seaman is almost always entitled to maintenance and cure, but may, depending upon the circumstances, also be entitled to damages under the doctrine of unseaworthiness or the Jones Act, or both.
Compensation In All River Worker Injury Claims
Our lawyers represent anyone who has been hurt in any way while working in the river industry. We handle claims involving:
- Ship collision injuries
- Sinking vessel injuries
- Ship explosion and fire injuries
- Cargo loading or unloading injuries
- Fall and falling objects injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Occupational illnesses
- Toxic exposures
- Lifting injuries
- Injuries due to broken wires, lines and other faulty equipment
- Injuries getting on and off vessels
- Injuries getting to and from vessels
We frequently serve victims of head injuries, back injuries, broken bones, burn injuries and other serious river work-related injuries. We also represent families of drowning victims and other river workers who lost their lives on the job.
PRACTICE AREASOverview
Free Consultations For Injured River Workers
Our law firm handles river injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about the cost of hiring an experienced attorney. You will not be required to pay any fee unless we get you compensation. Furthermore, you can reach out to us and discuss your case for free to find out more about what we can do for you.
Call 270-908-2872, or send us an email.
