A tugboat is a type of offshore vessel that is used to push to tow other vessels. Many times tugboats are used for maneuvering barges and oil platforms since these types of vessels are not mobile on their own. Tugboats, therefore, have to be extremely durable vessels, but even vessels this strong are not immune to accidents. When these accidents occur, and you or a loved one is injured, you will need the help of an experienced legal team to stand up to your employer or the negligent party and prove liability for your injuries.
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While all offshore environments are dangerous for workers, working on a tugboat (also known as a "tug") is especially hazardous. Tugs, which are smaller vessels with a lot of horsepower, are designed to pull or push barges, disabled ships, platforms, and other large vessels; the nature of this work creates a high risk for injury. Not only are workers aboard a tug exposed to typical maritime workplace dangers, but they also face hazards that are unique to this line of work—scenarios that also endanger the workers on board the vessel being towed. For example, accidents can occur during a tow winch failure or when crewmembers are handling heavy mooring lines.
Some other accidents can include the following:
Tugboat accidents can be caused by negligent crew, undermanned vessels, inclement weather, or other scenarios. If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a tug, it is crucial that you get the high-quality legal representation that you deserve. At Arnold & Itkin, we are dedicated to offshore worker safety, we demand justice for injured seamen, and we will work our hardest to ensure that you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible. No matter whether your case is rooted in the seaworthiness of the vessel or the improper training of the crew, you can trust in the experience and know-how of our maritime law attorneys.
Contact us today to learn more about tugboat accidents and how we can help injured offshore workers.
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.