Shipyard Accident Lawyers

In the bustling world of shipyards, docks, and piers, accidents are varied and all too common. From vehicle movements with improperly secured cargo to the intricate processes of building, repairing, and dismantling ships, shipyard environments are filled with a variety of risks that can lead to accidents, affecting workers’ health and safety.

Working in this type of environment demands a large and coordinated workforce, often navigating the use of heavy machinery and completing complex tasks under pressing timelines. This blend of high-stakes operations and diverse activities lays the groundwork for a wide array of potential hazards that shipyard workers face daily. Here are some of the most common risks faced by shipyard workers:

• High-level Falls: Workers frequently operate at heights using ladders, scaffolding, and harnesses. Despite safety measures, the risk of falling from several stories high is significant, posing severe injury risks not only from the fall itself but also from tools that might drop, endangering those below.
• Cutting and Machinery Accidents: The use of heavy machinery for cutting steel and other materials can lead to serious injuries, including lacerations or even dismemberment if limbs become caught in machinery.
• Explosions and Fires: Activities like electric welding near oil tanks or handling hazardous chemicals can lead to explosions or fires. Such incidents can cause severe burns, even through protective clothing, and propel objects like nails into the air, creating additional hazards.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Regular contact with harmful substances such as solvents, paints, and welding fumes can result in chronic health issues without proper safety measures.
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: The constant use of loud tools and machinery without effective hearing protection can lead to irreversible hearing damage, including hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Vibration Injuries: Extended use of power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, leading to lasting damage affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular systems.
• Gangway, Container, and Crane Accidents: Mishaps involving gangways, containers, and cranes are prevalent, often due to equipment failure or operational errors, leading to injuries or fatalities.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Slippery surfaces, uneven ground, and obstacles contribute to common incidents, causing a range of injuries from minor to severe.
• Mooring Line Incidents: Accidents involving mooring lines, which can snap under tension, pose significant risks of injury from whiplash or being struck by the line.
• Collisions and Structural Failures: Collisions between vessels and piers, along with the structural failure of docks and piers, can lead to catastrophic outcomes for workers and infrastructure alike.
• Electrocutions: Working with or near electrical installations, especially in damp conditions, puts workers at risk of electrocution.

Many maritime accidents stem from negligence on the part of facility operators or employers. Accidents often occur when safety protocols are disregarded or when workers lack proper training. For instance, if electrical installations near water are not correctly secured, leading to an electrocution, the employer could be held responsible. Not all cases of negligence are straightforward, however. Some involve employers pushing workers to exceed safe working hours or failing to maintain docks and piers, compromising the safety of the work environment.

At Johnson Garcia, we understand the complexities of maritime law and the profound impact of workplace accidents on employees and their families. Our experienced team is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting to secure the compensation our clients deserve for their injuries and losses. If you’ve been affected by a shipyard accident, Johnson Garcia is here to help navigate your legal journey to recovery and justice.