The Kolodny Law Firm barge accident lawyer team, based in Houston, has successfully represented barge workers, and have done so by utilizing years of maritime and Jones Act law experience. The Jones Act is a part of the Merchant Marine Act, and is in part specifically meant to cover barge crew members and other seaman that are injured while on the job.
Actions under the Jones Act for seaman injured in barge accidents can be brought in a federal or state court. Seaman have 3 years to file their suit from the time the accident occurred, due to the inherent statute of limitations of the Jones Act. If the suit is not filed within 3 years of the injury, the case can be dismissed as time-barred.
Although barge accident deaths accounted for anywhere from a dozen to 20 deaths per year before 2000, peaking at 29 in 1997, the overall fatality rate has steadily gone down. Unfortunately for the families of the workers involved in current day barge accidents, these statistics do very little to ease the pain of injured seaman or their families.
BARGE INJURY SUIT
Like any other maritime worker, barge crews are protected under maritime law. There are numerous laws under which you may sue your employer or vessel owner, including the Jones Act. Our barge accident lawyers are well-known Jones Act litigators; our familiarity with the law and what it takes to win a case has allowed us to successfully resolve them for our clients.
As mentioned above, barge crews are covered under maritime law just like any other seaman or sailor. As such, there are various laws, like the Jones Act, which can provide a foundation for suit against a negligent employer. Our Houston area barge accident attorneys are well versed in Jones Act and maritime laws, and have the experience required to navigate the difficult path to justice and fair compensation.
Along that path, we’ve investigated all manner of causes of barge accidents:
- Heavy Lines
- Falling Overboard
- Equipment Failure
- Negligent Crew
Further consideration, such as the extent of the barge injury, the amount of time for recovery and eventual return to work, and the location that the injury took place, are paramount in getting the most justified verdict possible for our clients. The Houston barge accident lawyers at the Kolodny Law Firm offer free case evaluations and are ready to represent you.