LOOKING FOR A TUGBOAT & BARGE ACCIDENT LAWYER TO REPRESENT YOU?

Working on a tugboat or barge is not just another job—it’s a high-stakes occupation that demands both physical and mental endurance. Tugboats, though small, are powerful diesel-powered vessels designed to maneuver large, flat-bottomed barges that may be self-propelled or dependent on a tug for movement. The nature of this work environment is inherently dangerous, with crew members constantly exposed to risks such as line handling injuries, slips, trips, and falls. Given these dangers, it is crucial for those in this line of work to be aware of their legal rights and the protections available under federal maritime law. An experienced maritime tug boat and barge accident lawyer can be an essential ally in navigating the complexities of these laws and securing compensation for injuries sustained on the job.

The maritime industry is governed by specific regulations, with the Jones Act being a cornerstone for protecting the rights of seamen, including tug and barge crew members. Whether you’re a captain, pilot, engineer, or deckhand, if you suffer an injury while performing your duties, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to sue their employers for negligence, providing a pathway to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Understanding and asserting these rights requires the expertise of a lawyer who is well-versed in maritime law, particularly in cases involving the unique challenges of tugboats and barges.

Take advantage of the free case review by an experienced maritime accident attorney at Gordon & Elias LLP to learn what options are available to help you win a monetary recovery for your injuries. We have extensive experience handling Tug Boat & Barge Accident cases in the US. Call for an appointment today.  We have an office in Houston as well as a Rio Grande Valley office in Edinburg, Texas.

After a serious tug boat & barge injury, do not wait to contact a tug boat & barge accident attorney. An experienced maritime lawyer from Gordon & Elias, LLP will review your case and explain your rights for free. Most personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingent fee bases. Our consultation is free, but a percentage on the amount recovered, usually 33.33%, will be taken as our maritime tug boat & barge injury lawyer's fee.

Contact Gordon & Elias, LLP today to learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. The consultation is completely free. We handle all the costs of investigating and pursuing your claim, and you only pay us if we recover money for you.

Do not immediately accept an insurance settlement if an insurance company contacts you.

We strongly advise you to first speak with a maritime tug boat & barge injury lawyer. Call us at (800) 773-6770 to discuss the details of your accident and injury claim right away. We can provide trustworthy legal advice and guide you through the rest of the steps toward obtaining fair and full financial compensation.

Common injury types aboard tugs and barges that could result in a personal injury lawsuit include:

• Pinch-Point and Line-Handling Injuries: These injuries often occur when hands, fingers, or other body parts are caught in pinch points between ropes, lines, or steel cables, leading to crush injuries, lacerations, or even amputations.
• Amputations: Due to the heavy machinery and equipment used on tugs and barges, workers are at risk of losing limbs, fingers, or toes in accidents involving moving parts, cables, or other hazardous equipment.
• Herniated Discs, Sprains, and Strains: These injuries frequently result from lifting excessively heavy objects, improper lifting techniques, or repetitive motion. They can cause severe back injuries, including herniated discs, that may require long-term treatment or surgery.
• Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents: The deck of a tug or barge can be slippery due to oil, coal, sand, or other debris. Falls from these hazards can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even death.
• Head Injuries: Workers on tugs and barges are at risk of suffering head injuries from falling objects, slips and falls, or being struck by moving equipment, which can result in concussions, TBIs, or other serious head trauma.
• Burns: Working with or near engines, fuel, and other flammable materials on a tug or barge can lead to burn injuries from fires, explosions, or hot surfaces.

These types of injuries often result from unsafe working conditions, lack of proper maintenance, or insufficient safety protocols, making them grounds for a personal injury lawsuit under maritime law, particularly under the Jones Act.

Many tug and barge accidents could be prevented by attention to proper maintenance and inspection and by implementing and enforcing safety procedures to prevent injuries from occurring. It is not uncommon for owners to push captain take shortcuts in order to complete a job faster. When negligence on the part of an owner or another worker is a contributing cause of your accident, you are covered by the Jones Act, which gives you the right to recover compensation for your injuries. The Jones Act allows you to recover both economic and non-economic or quality of life damages.

You can choose to have your tug boat or barge case heard in either a federal or a state court. Jones Act cases are different from Worker’s Compensation and typical personal injury cases, so it is important to have a maritime lawyer with plenty of experience with these specific types of cases.

Navigating the aftermath of a tugboat or barge accident can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. With the complexities of maritime law and the potential for significant financial compensation at stake, having a seasoned maritime lawyer on your side is crucial. The attorneys at Gordon & Elias, LLP, bring decades of experience in handling tugboat and barge accident cases, ensuring that your rights are fiercely protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. From initial consultation to the final resolution, their focus remains on your well-being and that of your family.

We are focused on your needs and those of your family, and will be diligent, unrelenting, and aggressive in fighting for your rights. During our combined 60 years of law practice, we have obtained millions of dollars for our clients in compensation for maritime injury claims.

If you’re having a hard time meeting your basic living expenses, let us know. We are often able to advance you enough money to keep you going until your case is resolved, and it is always interest free.

Don’t let the challenges of a maritime injury derail your future. Contact Gordon & Elias, LLP, today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovering what you’re owed. Remember, you only pay if we recover money for you, making it a risk-free opportunity to secure the legal support you need. 

Whether you’re facing pressure from insurance companies or struggling to make ends meet, Gordon & Elias, LLP, is committed to guiding you through every step of the process with diligence and compassion.

We have a reputation of bringing respect, professionalism and a personal touch to every injury claim we accept.

Every state limits the amount of time you have to file a claim.

Don't Delay.

Contact the Attorneys at Gordon & Elias, LLP Today to preserve your right to a recovery.

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