Recent Blog Posts

Rongsheng Enters Rig Building Field

Offshore Injury Attorney — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The Chinese ore-carrying company Rongsheng is poised to enter the rig building field, sources say. They now have orders to construct offshore rigs which is a branch out from their typical shipbuilding business. According to reports, the world could be seeing semi-submersible and tender barge rigs in approximately two years' time. This venture will likely cost about $400 million. The company is likely commencing in these operations because the demand for ships is slowing while the demand for oil is on the rise.

This switch in focus characterizes much of the offshore industry at this time. Companies must be careful delving into an industry as dangerous as the oil and gas field. Even experienced companies are prone to accidents and injuries. If you were injured in a rig accident then you can get help from a maritime lawyer at our firm. Arnold & Itkin represents all different types of offshore workers and are passionate about defending their rights. To learn more, contact an offshore injury attorney at the firm today.

Containership Blast

Offshore Injury Lawyer — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:52:00 GMT

A containership was traveling off the coast of Puerto Rico when it suddenly sustained a blast that caused it to take on water. At the time of the incident, there were 25 people on board. The crew members were not only concerned about safety, but were also concerned about pollution. No injuries were reported, but the fuel tank and cargo department took on water. The ship possessed onboard pumps to prevent the water from sinking the vessel. The accident reports seem to indicate that the welding operations taking place at the time likely caused the incident.

If any injuries would have been sustained, the injured parties could have filed claims against the welding operators or the owner of the vessel. This crew did however take all the necessary measures to prevent any further damage. Sometimes, more damage and injury is caused by lack of preparation by the crew to implement emergency operations. If you were injured in an accident such as this, get help from an offshore injury lawyer at our firm. To speak with Arnold & Itkin about your case and learn how you can get compensated, contact a maritime lawyer from the firm today.

Congress Explores Inequities in Rights of Cruise Ship Passengers

Offshore Injury Attorney — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:28:00 GMT

If you were severely injured or killed in a land-based casino as a result of the owner's negligence, you would be entitled to sue for medical expenses related to the injury in addition to damages for pain and suffering incurred as a result of the accident. In stark contrast, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) limits the compensation victims of cruise ship accidents can seek to pure economic damages (the economic loss, as determined by the court, directly incurred as a result of the injury or death.) Sensing inequity in this and other cruise line standards, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation convened a hearing titled "A review of Cruise Ship Safety and Lessons Learned from the Costa Concordia Accident" on February 29 of this year.

At the hearing, cruise industry representatives heavily outnumbered accident victims in the witness list. In spite of this fact, inquiries actively pursued victims' interests. In particular, Rep. Mazie Hirono asked cruise line reps the following question: "Under DOHSA, (injured) cruise passengers are only entitled to their economic damages. In the case of retirees, children, stay-at-home spouses and low income workers—in other words, people who have little or no economic value under the law—they are only entitled to the cost of their coffins and funeral expenses. I would like to ask each of my panelists here today whether or not they feel it is equitable to deny these people the full extent of damages if they are killed aboard your ships because of your negligence?" Industry reps failed to directly answer the question.

Also at issue in the subcommittee hearing were contracts of adhesion frequently found on the backs of cruise passengers' tickets. Adhesion contracts are those in which there is no negotiation or mutual exchange between two parties—one party dictates the terms of the contract and the other side has to agree to the terms or walk away. Contracts of adhesion tied to cruise line tickets are especially contentious because they are often only revealed once a passenger has paid for and is in possession of his or her ticket—a time at which he or she is unlikely to be able to walk away from the contract without incurring financial loss. Cruise line contracts like these can limit the venues in which injured passengers may file suit, dictate the types of remediation passengers can seek and even place general limits on liability. Again, cruise industry reps did not have good answers for questions related to the fairness of such practices.

Until cruise industry standards are reformed, victims of onboard accidents will continue to fight uphill battles to receive fair compensation for their injuries. For this reason, it is imperative to contact an experienced maritime injury attorney if you sustain an injury or become ill while on a cruise ship. At Arnold & Itkin, our attorneys have extensive experience representing maritime accident victims. You can contact a cruise ship lawyer at our office for a free consultation with one of our team members today.

The Human Factor

Offshore Injury Attorney — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:15:00 GMT

According to a recent study, the human factor is the biggest challenge right now to the oil and gas industry. Near half of all factors that pose a safety risk to offshore workers is human error. Many workers say that since the recent BP oil spill, the entire industry has been on edge. There is increasing pressure coming from the Health and Safety department as well. This is disconcerting, since it shouldn't take a disaster of such huge proportions in order to get health and safety requirements right.

One aspect of the survey cited equipment and technology as a major cause for concern among offshore workers. If you have become injured as a result of human error then you have the right to file a personal injury claim on the basis of negligence. You may even qualify for benefits under the Jones Act. For more information on how an offshore injury lawyer from our firm can help you, contact a Jones Act attorney from Arnold & Itkin today.

Ferry Captain Faces Charges After Crash

Offshore Injury Lawyer — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:05:00 GMT

The captain of a German ferry vessel is facing serious charges after his vessel was involved in a collision with another ferry. At first it was suspected that there may have been an equipment malfunction, but that cause has recently been ruled out. The new charges state that the captain may have used the wrong thruster when he was approaching the dock, which caused the collision. Thankfully, no passengers were injured in this accident but the vessel sustained serious structural damages.

Many even think that the captain may be guilty of boating while intoxicated. If this is true, he will be convicted of endangered shipping. If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of the captain, such as is the case in this incident, then you can get help from an offshore injury lawyer. At Arnold & Itkin, we are passionate about defending the rights of those injured by negligence in the maritime workplace. Contact a maritime lawyer from our firm today for more information.

New Footage Released of Tragic 2010 Duck Boat Crash

Maritime Lawyer — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:31:00 GMT

New footage of a fatal 2010 maritime accident involving a barge and a Duck Tour boat has been released just days before a related wrongful death suit is set to be heard in federal court. The tragic video shows the Duck Boat, anchored in the Delaware River, being run over and crushed by a tug-pushed barge owned by the city of Philadelphia. Two Hungarian students, ages 16 and 20, were killed in the accident.

On the day of the accident in July 2010, the Duck boat had dropped anchor and turned off its engines when the ship's captains suspected an engine fire (in reality, steam was being released because the boat was overheating on the 103-degree day.) A design flaw in the Duck boat caused the air horn and radio to become inoperative when the boat's engine was turned off, so the disabled tourist ship was unable to alert the barge to its presence in the water. Further compounding the problem, passengers were not warned to don lifejackets until moments before impact, and the ship was equipped with overhead canopies that trapped the victims in the boat when it capsized underwater, causing them to drown.

In November, the pilot of the tug boat (which was pushing the barge) was sentenced to one year in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors said that at the time of the accident, he was distracted by cell phone calls updating him on a family emergency. He had moved to a part of his ship from which he could not see the river. Attorneys for the families of the two victims filed suit against K-Sea Transportation (tugboat operators), Ride the Ducks (tour bout operators) and the city of Philadelphia (owner of the barge). Before the law suit can proceed, a federal judge will need to hear arguments as to whether maritime laws should limit the vessel operators' liability.

Tragic maritime accidents such as this one are often caused by human error. The pain of losing a loved one is compounded by the knowledge that, were it not for negligent behavior, that loss might have been avoided. If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident that resulted from the negligence of others, you may be entitled to compensation and should not hesitate in getting the involvement of a knowledgeable maritime lawyer. Please don't waste a moment! Contact a maritime injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation regarding your case.

Claim Filed on Behalf of Jones Act Seaman

Arnold & Itkin LLP — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Arnold & Itkin attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley and Paul Skrabanek recently filed a suit on behalf of an injured Jones Act seaman in Jefferson County, Texas. The Plaintiff contacted Arnold & Itkin after he was injured while performing his job duties on a fishing vessel that was off the coast of Texas at the time. While he was working on board, hydraulic fluid and oil lines ruptured in the engine room. This caused the seaman to slip and severely hurt his neck. His neck now needs surgery and extensive continued care.

Arnold & Itkin is proud to represent those who have been injured by the negligence of others. If you have a Jones Act claim to file as a seaman, you can get help from a Houston personal injury lawyer at the firm. We are prepared to handle virtually any type of maritime injury case such as serious accidents that take place on fishing vessels, such as in this case. Contact a Houston maritime lawyer from our firm for more information.

Understaffed Ships Increase Offshore Risks, Union Leader Says

Offshore Injury Lawyer — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:16:00 GMT

Reduced crew levels on ships is causing an increased level of risk to professional mariners, the environment and the general population, a Masters, Mates & Pilots union representative testified before the House last week. Don Marcus, International Secretary-Treasurer for the union which represents professional mariners aboard U.S. ships, said the combination of decreased staffing and increased paper work requirements is raising the risk of maritime accidents worldwide.

"There is no oversight regarding the sufficiency of personnel available to carry out shipboard responsibilities," he said, explaining that as a result, crew members must often make a choice "between attending to the traditional duties that affect the safe operation of the ship or documenting compliance with a multitude of regulations."

Marcus concluded his testimony by calling on Congress to direct the Coast Guard to conduct a review of crew fatigue and staffing levels and make recommendations to improve the safe operations of the fleet of ships navigating U.S. waters.

When offshore accidents occur, many people are affected, with the damage spreading well beyond the crews of the individual vessels. Often, leaking oil and fuel as well as scattered debris negatively impact the marine and shore life in the surrounding areas, as well as the people who depend on those regions for their livelihoods and recreational enjoyment. If ship crewmembers say they cannot safely operate their vessels at current staffing levels, then changes need to be made to ensure that ships can sail safely without incident.

If you or a loved one has been negatively impacted by an offshore accident that was the result of an undermanned ship, you may be entitled to compensation and a maritime lawyer will be able to help. Contact an offshore injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation regarding your case.

Drilling Begins at Jansz-lo Australia

Offshore Injury Attorney — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:20:00 GMT

ExxonMobil recently began drilling operations for their LNG project off the coast of Western Australia. This project includes ten wells and will take about two years. Reports state that this particular operation will utilize specialized techniques for the purpose of obtaining greater quantities of liquefied natural gas. In water depths will reach up to 1,350 meters. Transocean has been employed by ExxonMobil for a deep water drillship. Deep water rigs are a recent phenomenon and have been employed recently in larger numbers because of the increasing demand for oil. The particular drillship that they will be using for the project is 221 meters long and has the capacity to drill around 9,000 meters. Exxon has taken pains to make sure that the drillship is up to standards in order to ensure worker safety and environmental safety.

Many offshore drilling companies do not go to as great of lengths as ExxonMobil does to implement things such as fire protection and power supply systems. Oil platform accidents are often large in nature, causing injuries to workers as well as contaminating the surrounding environment. The same kind of disaster took place in the Gulf of Mexico when BP's deep water rig exploded causing the worst environmental disaster the United States has ever seen. If you were injured while working in an oil platform or in a rigger accident then please get in touch with a maritime attorney from our firm. Arnold & Itkin has the skill and experience needed to defend the rights of injured offshore workers like you. For more information on how we can provide the legal help you need, contact an offshore injury attorney from our firm today.

Tanker Hijacked in Gulf of Guinea

Offshore Injury Lawyer — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:02:00 GMT

Reports are surfacing that say a product tanker was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Togo in the Gulf of Guinea yesterday. Signs of distress came when the ship's master made a frantic call to the ship's owners. The International Maritime Bureau made an official report of the incident stating that there were 24 crewmembers on board at the time of the alleged hijacking. Local authorities have been requested for assistance on behalf of the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. No other information is yet known on the incident. Maritime piracy is still an issue in the maritime community. If you were the subject of a hijacking then you may be able to get help from an offshore injury attorney at our firm. Contact a maritime lawyer from Arnold & Itkin today for more information on how we can help advocate for you.

Another Offshore Race Fatality Raises Question About Maritime Safety

Offshore Injury Lawyer — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:34:00 GMT

Four crew members taking part in the Newport Beach-to-Ensenada offshore race were killed on Saturday off the coast of San Diego, just days after an offshore fatality in the Farallon Islands prompted Coast Guard officials to temporarily suspend all offshore racing permits in the Bay Area. The Coast Guard is still investigating the accident, but race organizers believe that the 37-foot Aegean was demolished after being hit by a much larger ship in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Three of the four crewmember's bodies were recovered from the water near the Coronado Islands, 15 miles south of San Diego. The body of a fourth crew member is still missing. The deaths are the race's first casualties in its 65 year history, yet coming so close on the heels of the April 14 Farallon racing accident, the safety of the region's waters, as well as offshore racing as a whole, now seems questionable.

Racing for sport can provide exhilarating challenges and entertainment, but when conditions are unsafe or necessary precautions are skipped, tragic accidents like these recent boating fatalities are the unavoidable result. If you or a loved one has been injured in an offshore accident like these boat races, an offshore injury lawyer may be able to help you determine if you are eligible for compensation. Contact an offshore injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation.

Debate Over Rising Risks in the Offshore Industry

Offshore Injury Attorney — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:22:00 GMT

As the exploration and search for energy delves into deeper and deeper waters, some observers are saying that poor communication and a pressure to work quickly is causing problems in regards to the safety of some projects. In fact, at the Offshore Technology Converence (OTC) on Monday, April, 30, an informal audience poll revealed that eight out of ten believed that the deep water ventures are causing the industry to take on more risk than necessary.

Higher temperatures and pressures are partly to blame for the increased risk, but this poll has sparked debate among the big players and executives at the OTC who disagree with the audience's opinion. According to Chevron's vice president of deepwater exploration and production, the movement towards exploring deeper waters is more costly and time-consuming, but not necessarily "risky." Chevron states that their company is taking more enhanced steps to reduce risk and investing more time and energy into reducing the chance of risk in these new ventures.

In the aftermath of the Macondo spill, companies throughout the Gulf of Mexico and worldwide have been taking on greater risk and plunging into greater depths of water in the search for oil. Offshore operators are now drilling at higher pressures to access hard-to-reach reservoirs, and there is the risk that those companies are not going to have adequate insurance protection if a serious accident or incident does occur.

One of the main risks noted involves poor communication between the contractors and operators on projects, making post-spill disputes more likely. In fact, around 65% of the public poll respondents responded by stating that in regards to managing the danger involved in deepwater operations, the collaboration between service providers and operators "could be better" and were a "major challenge."

When a devastating offshore accident occurs, it is important for the injured workers to seek legal protection before they file a claim for compensation. An experienced offshore injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin, LLP can help offshore injury victims obtain protection under the law so that they receive the compensation they deserve. Contact a maritime lawyer from our firm to learn more about how we can demand justice for injured seaman.

Cruise Industry Adopts New Safety Standards

Maritime Attorney — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:15:00 GMT

In the wake of several highly publicized cruise ship accidents this year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council (ECC) announced this week that they are adopting three new safety policies to be immediately implemented by the industry. Suggestions for the new standards came from an industry Operational Safety Review launched after the Costa Concordia disaster. The three new policies relate to:

Passage Planning — The International Maritime Organization's guidelines regarding passage planning (a procedure to develop a complete description of a ship's voyage from start to finish) are now to be considered bare minimum requirements. Further, the plan must be drafted by a designated officer, approved by the master and each bridge team member must be briefed on the plan well before the voyage.
Personnel Access to the Bridge — During periods of restricted maneuvering and/or increased vigilance, bridge access is now limited to those crew members with operational functions.
Lifejackets — Cruise ships must now carry additional life jackets in excess of current requirements to carry one for each person on board the ship, so that the total number of life jackets on the ship greatly exceeds the number of people onboard the vessel.

ECC chairman Manfredi Lefebvre stated, "By bringing forward voluntary initiatives such as these, we significantly and immediately improve (cruise industry) safety standards…the cruise industry (already) has a highly remarkable safety record, but as the Concordia incident demonstrates, there is no such thing as perfect safety. We do strive for a perfect commitment to safety."

Even with increased safety regulations, as Lefebvre indicated, there is no such thing as absolute safety in the cruise industry. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea on a cruise ship or any other vessel, it is in your best interests to get the involvement of an experienced maritime lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an offshore injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation.

The Importance of Accurate Charts

Offshore Injury Lawyer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:50:00 GMT

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is a maritime research organization that works to create accurate charts so that maritime workers can be accurately informed of the environment that is around them. Those who work for the NOAA do everything from weather forecasting to water charting, and they do it so that maritime workers have reliable information that they can count on. NOAA is a national organization, with workers in every state. Those who work on charting vessels have an especially vital job to do. What they do is use sonar equipment to make nautical charts. These charts will give information to those navigating the waters so that danger can be avoided. They predict tides and project current patterns. "Surveying season" for the NOAA research teams begins in March and ends in November, just one week before Thanksgiving. They are constantly at work to provide accurate charts to seamen.

Why are accurate charts so important? Without them, there would be a significantly higher number of offshore fatalities because of surprise storms and unforeseen impediments. One example of what this administration does can be seen during the time of the BP oil spill in the Gulf. It surveyed all affected waters and provided updated charts with information on the presence of subsurface oil. Even with this type of information available, seamen are still at significant risk for accident and injury on a daily basis. If you are an offshore worker and were injured while performing your job duties, then please seek the help of an offshore injury lawyer from our firm. At Arnold & Itkin, we are known for our success in fighting for the rights of injured maritime workers. If this describes the help that you need, then contact a maritime lawyer at our firm today.

New Rules Foster Need for Fire and Safety Training

Offshore Injury Attorney — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:28:00 GMT

The maritime industry is getting new regulations when it comes to fire safety training. Many maritime training schools have started implementing these new rules into their curriculum so that the future generation of maritime workers will be prepared to meet those safety standards. These new standards are going to be primarily for towing vessels. Onboard fire suppressants are going to be standard for these vessels and towing vessel operators are going to have to know how to use them properly. These new rules are not in effect quite yet, but are being strongly suggested by the United States Coast Guard. This is not simply training on how to use a fire extinguisher. These maritime workers are going to have to undergo training that many firemen receive. The only maritime workers who will be exempt from this training will be those who have had a year of sea time equivalent within the five year time period for certificate renewal. The big question arises when asking which maritime workers this rule will affect.

There are many exemptions, such as those maritime workers who primarily conduct in harbor work. Even if it is not required, fire safety training is a desirable skill for any maritime worker. Many in the maritime field believe that these fire safety requirements should be renewed frequently, because those skills are easy to forget. Many say that towing vessel workers are not the only ones who this rule will affect, but commercial fishermen will be heavily affected as well. Maritime workers are eager to see the impact that this new fire safety rule will have on the industry as a whole. If you are a maritime worker who was injured in a fire and explosion accident, speak with an offshore injury lawyer from our firm today. Arnold & Itkin fights for the rights of injured maritime workers, so contact a maritime lawyer from our firm today!