Ferry Worker Accident Lawyer
Ferries are one of the most efficient methods of modern transportation, carrying passengers and vehicles short distances across narrow bodies of water. There are hundreds of public and private ferries in the United States, transporting 113 million passengers and 32 million vehicles every year. Unfortunately, conditions on-board ferries are not always as safe as they should be, leaving their employees susceptible to injuries due to dangerous or risky situations. The lawyers at Arnold & Itkin have extensive experience with maritime injury cases. If you have been injured in a ferry accident, we know how to secure important evidence, like eyewitness and medical reports, and compile it into a case that will get you the settlement you need.
Injured in a ferry accident? A maritime lawyer can help!
Crew members who are injured while working on a ferry are protected by federal maritime laws such as the Jones Act. Regardless of who is at fault, your employer will be required to pay maintenance and cure until you are fully recovered. An employer that has been negligent or failed to maintain a seaworthy vessel may be liable for additional compensation for damages that include lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.
Coast Guard regulations require every ferry to be equipped with appropriate firefighting gear, life rafts and slides to get crew and passengers off the boat quickly. The ferry must have the minimum number of seamen in designated ratings, certified under basic training regulations and the crew must conduct regular abandon ship and firefighting drills. The ferry is also required to maintain standards that will assure its stability. Many ferry accidents occur due to crew negligence, unsafe docking procedures or the boat not being fully staffed.
A recent study showed, for example, that 43 percent of ferries use non-deck crew members during mooring operations - leading to what can be devastating mooring accidents. Safety provisions for running mooring lines are frequently neglected. Other accidents occur because the boat is not kept in a seaworthy condition. Some circumstances include ice left on the deck, for example, machinery for pumping out bilge water that is not properly maintained, decks that are not kept clear or excessive noise. Numerous ferry crewmembers have also sustained illnesses and injuries from toxic paint.
Talk to a Ferry Accident Attorney from Our Firm
At Arnold & Itkin, our maritime attorneys know the dangers that ferry workers face. You deserve a seaworthy vessel and a safe environment in which to work, and employers that fail to provide that should be held responsible. At Arnold & Itkin, we have a proven record of success in maritime injury cases, including 20 successful cases in 2009 where we recovered more th an $15 million for our offshore injury clients.
To learn more about how we can help you, please contact a ferry accident attorney from our firm today!
