1-800-MARITIME (1-800-627-4846)
Towboat, tugboat and barge workers are generally protected by the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. Contact the Willis Law Firm, located in Houston, TX, immediately after an injury to learn your rights. The Willis Law Firm will review your case to determine if you have a claim and if you are entitled to monetary compensation. The consultation is free and confidential. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tugboat and Barge Workers’ Injuries

An injury that occurred while working on a tugboat, towboat or barge can be devastating, especially if you are unable to return to work in the same capacity.  A long recovery or permanent disability can keep you from earning the money that you and your family need to survive.  If you have been injured on the job, you have rights under the Jones Act and should immediately seek legal advice from an experienced maritime attorney.  You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries.

Tugboat & Barge Workers’ Injuries
Since tugboats are used to tow or push barges, the nature of the work is dangerous.  The list of possible injuries is extensive and there are many causes for these incidences.   Accidents are often a result of negligence of the employer, crew members or operators.  An inexperienced, tired or reckless crew can lead to an injury of a maritime worker and is considered to be negligence.   

After an injury, your employer will try to persuade you to get medical attention from the company doctor only, which is not advisable.  You should choose a doctor that you feel comfortable with, who isn’t associated with your company.  Your employer may also try to force you to finish your shift before getting medical treatment.  Continuing your shift could worsen your condition and make it harder to prove that the initial injury was caused from negligence or unseaworthiness of the vessel. Employers and vessel owners know that you have rights under the Jones Act and they want to avoid a costly lawsuit.

The Willis Law Firm, at 1-800-MARITIME, has helped hundreds of tugboat, towboat and barge workers receive adequate compensation for their injuries.

Damages
An injured barge, tug or towboat worker is able to receive maintenance and cure based on the Jones Act.  However, you can also sue for damages if there was negligence involved or if the vessel was unseaworthy at the time of the accident.  An unseaworthy vessel is one that does not provide a safe working environment.  

Some of the most common factors that contribute to serious accidents include:

  • Old and worn out stairs
  • Chemical and asbestos exposure
  • Missing gangway
  • Wet or oily surfaces
  • Dangerous transfers
  • Poor lighting
  • Defective equipment
  • Dangerous weather conditions
  • Collisions with other vessels
If you have been injured, it is important to understand that your employer will encourage you to settle for maintenance and cure, which is just a small compensation that runs out as soon as your injury has reached maximum medical improvement.  The Jones Act allows the injured maritime worker to recover lost wages, medical expenses, and damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement and mental anguish.  You could potentially be awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars.

There are certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify for protection under the Jones Act. You have to prove seaman status, which is defined as an individual who works on a vessel or fleet of vessels.  Most barge, towboat and tugboat workers fit into this definition, but an experienced maritime lawyer should be consulted to confirm your status.

To have a successful case, you should take action immediately after an accident.  There are deadlines as to when you can file a claim and it is very difficult to recover damages if these deadlines are missed.  In addition, preliminary steps need to be taken, such as getting the names of witnesses and filling out an accident report.  

If you file a Jones Act claim, the party you are suing is going to have a lawyer and you should too.  Contact the Willis Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.  They will walk you through the necessary actions to achieve a favorable outcome for your case.  If you wait to get legal advice and file your claim, you stand to lose out on a huge cash settlement.

The Willis Law Firm helps maritime workers, just like you, win their Jones Act lawsuits.  David Willis is an experienced maritime lawyer with over 25 years in admiralty law.  He has helped hundreds of tugboat, towboat and barge workers throughout the years.  The Willis Law Firm will review your case and give you straightforward and honest advice.  Call 1-800-MARITIME 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!  

Library for Tugboat and Barge Workers’ Injuries:

  • What Happens After an Accident on a Barge or Tugboat?   
    Description: After an accident on a barge or tugboat, the employer, vessel owner or other responsible party will take immediate action to prove that they were not at fault. The Willis Law Firm reveals the events that will most likely take place following a serious injury. Contact us today at 1-800-MARITIME if you have been injured while working on a tugboat, barge or other vessel.

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Willis Law Firm
1221 McKinney Street
Suite 3333
Houston, TX 77010

Toll Free: 1-800-MARITIME