The Great Lakes are one of the most popular places in America for maritime work, and for good reason. The vast expanse of the Great Lakes, as well as their optimal location for shipping goods to various points throughout the United States, call vessels from all over America to work on the Great Lakes including freighters, tankers, tugboats, dredges, and even pleasure boats and ferry boats.
However, any region with that high a concentration of water traffic means accidents are a sadly common occurrence. Collisions between boats, sub-optimal sailing conditions, and negligence on the shipowner’s part can all contribute to accidents, injuries, and even death on the Great Lakes. Accidents like this can have a great impact on the livelihood and life of an injured maritime worker, but you’re not without options – the Jones Act protects workers injured on the Great Lakes the same way it protects any worker onboard a vessel in navigation on the waterways of America.
What Are Some Common Causes Of Great Lakes Boat Accidents?
Accidents can be caused anywhere at any time, but some of the most commonly-seen causes include:
- Co-employee negligence
- Equipment malfunction
- Inadequate equipment
- Inadequate manpower
- Improper work procedures
- Inclement weather
- Line handling
- Dock accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Boarding and departure accidents
- Failure to provide a safe place to work
and many more. Worse yet, many of these accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the shipowners by failing to provide safe conditions for their workers. These are the exact situations the Jones Act is designed to protect against, and if you’re the victim of a Great Lakes maritime injury you are entitled to seek compensation under American maritime law.
What Can I Do If I Am An Injured Great Lakes Seaman?
If you have been injured while working on the water in the Great Lakes, you need to contact the services of an experienced maritime injury lawyer immediately. Don’t let the shipowners try to bargain you down into less money by taking a settlement – let O’Bryan Law fight for every penny you deserve.
