The Gulf Coast, with its busy ports and network of waterways, is no stranger to maritime activity. Mobile, in particular, is a hub for maritime trade and fishing, making it a region with a higher likelihood of maritime accidents.
If you’ve been injured in an incident on the water, it is essential to understand the different types of maritime incidents and your rights. The team at Tobias Comer Law has 70 years of combined experience protecting the rights of the Alabama community.
Types of Maritime Accidents
Vessel Collisions
When two vessels collide, the impact can be devastating. These collisions can occur due to poor weather conditions, equipment failure, or human error. The aftermath often includes serious injuries or fatalities, significant property damage, and environmental disasters.
Allisions
An allision differs from a collision as it involves a vessel striking a stationary object, such as a dock or a bridge. These incidents frequently result from navigation errors or mechanical issues and can lead to substantial harm to both property and crew.
Groundings
Grounding happens when a vessel runs ashore or hits the bottom of the water body, often due to navigational mistakes. Such accidents can lead to hull breaches, oil spills, and even sinking.
Onboard Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls are common on vessels, especially on decks that become slippery due to weather conditions or spills. These can cause significant injuries, including broken bones or head trauma.
Offshore Drilling Incidents
The Gulf Coast is dotted with offshore drilling rigs. Accidents here can include blowouts, explosions, and fires, often resulting in severe injuries and environmental damage.
Fishing Vessel Accidents
The fishing industry is notorious for its hazards. Accidents on fishing vessels can range from equipment malfunctions to vessel capsizing, often due to overloading or instability.
What to Do After a Maritime Accident
If you are involved in a maritime accident, there are critical steps you should follow:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if you don’t feel injured, some conditions may not present symptoms immediately.
- Report the Incident: Notify the Coast Guard and your employer. Reporting is not just a legal requirement; it also documents the event for future claims.
- Document Everything: Take photographs, collect the contact information of witnesses, and keep a record of everything related to the accident and your injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not dispose of anything that could be used as evidence. This includes personal belongings that were damaged and any equipment involved in the incident.
- Consult a Maritime Attorney: Maritime law is complex, and having an expert on your side is crucial. Our experienced maritime attorneys can guide you through the legal process to ensure your rights are protected.
Legal Considerations
Under maritime law, injured workers may be entitled to maintenance and cure, which covers medical treatment and a daily living allowance. Additionally, the Jones Act provides protections for seamen, allowing them to sue their employers for negligence.
Victims of maritime accidents can also seek compensation under the doctrine of unseaworthiness, which holds vessel owners accountable for accidents resulting from unsafe conditions on their ships.
Why You Should Choose Our Maritime Injury Attorneys
At Tobias Comer Law, we have a deep understanding of the intricacies of maritime law. Our team can help you navigate the complexities of maritime injury claims and will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
We have a proven track record of advocating for maritime workers, passengers, and their families affected by maritime accidents. Our attorneys are well-versed in both state and federal maritime regulations and have the expertise to handle cases involving the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and other relevant statutes.
Contact Our Maritime Injury Team Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a maritime accident, you don’t have to navigate these troubled waters alone. Contact our maritime injury attorneys today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
We will review your case, provide you with your legal options, and offer the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. At Tobias Comer Law, there’s no fee until we recover for you, so schedule your no-risk consultation today!