In some situations, an offshore injury will stem not from the actions of an employer or co-worker but from the conditions of the vessel itself. Ship owners have a legal obligation to provide employees and passengers with a vessel reasonably fit for its intended purpose. When that does not occur, it can result in what is known as a claim of unseaworthiness, which is filed in addition to a Jones Act claim. This type of claim requires a vessel with a defective condition, which could be equipment that is not properly repaired or an unsafe condition in general (ex: having too few crewmembers aboard the ship). If you believe that you could have the rights to pursue a claim of unseaworthiness, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Jones Act attorney from Arnold & Itkin.
Unseaworthiness is a word used to describe a situation where an employer did not provide their employee with a vessel that met safety and living standards. Understanding the doctrine of unseaworthiness is a crucial factor when addressing the topic of maritime law. The idea behind this term encompasses the primary concern that any and all seamen have the right to be on a vessel deemed safe or "fit" for use.
These claims are slightly different from a typical Jones Act claim. A claim for unseaworthiness does not require the injured worker to prove negligence. Even if a separate Jones Act claim is filed, injured workers can still pursue an unseaworthiness claim as well. Those who spend at least 30 percent of their working hours on a vessel offshore are considered Jones Act workers and can consequently file an unseaworthiness claim if they are injured.
"Unseaworthiness" encompasses more than just a ship's physical condition, such as a hole in the hull. Many factors aboard a ship or towed oil platform can constitute unseaworthiness. They include the following:
The owner is responsible for upholding the strict standards of a vessel to provide an environment that is reasonable for the seaman. It is the "absolute duty" of the vessel's owner that all aspects of the vessel and the ongoing operations meet the safety requirements; this obligation falls to no one else. Substandard care of a vessel is unacceptable. If a vessel is not fit to perform its intended duties safely and a worker was injured as a result, then they may file an unseaworthiness claim against their employer.
Generally speaking, a seaworthy vessel must meet the following conditions:
It is important to recognize that unseaworthiness claims do not include accidents that involve a seaman's negligence. For example, if a seaman gets drunk and then tumbles down slippery stairs, an unseaworthiness claim may not be supported. Many factors may support a claim of unseaworthiness, which is always brought against the vessel owner as opposed to a maritime employer (in some cases, they may be one in the same). The effect of an unseaworthiness claim is to draw a vessel owner into a lawsuit as a potential source of recovery.
As an injured worker, you may be able to bring a claim against your employer if the employer was the owner or operator of the vessel. However, in many cases, the vessel will be owned by a third party. In that case, the unseaworthiness claim would need to be brought against them, making it a more complicated process. Turn to Arnold & Itkin, an award-winning offshore firm that has recovered billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we hold vessel owners accountable when offshore accidents caused by negligence result in fatalities. If you have been injured while working on a ship or vessel, please contact the experienced maritime lawyers at our firm. Our understanding of the Jones Act and all maritime laws enables us to accurately determine what compensation an injured seaman may be entitled to. We then fight for maximum damages.
To get started, contact an offshore injury lawyer today. Give us a call at (888) 346-5024.
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
