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Tugboats play a crucial role in maritime operations, guiding massive vessels safely through ports and waterways. But working on a tugboat is physically demanding and comes with significant risks. Slippery decks, heavy machinery, unpredictable weather, and long hours all contribute to potential accidents and injuries. If you’ve been injured while working on a tugboat, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you should take to protect yourself.
Tugboat crews face unique dangers on the job. Some of the most common causes of injuries include:
If you’ve been injured while working on a tugboat, taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in your recovery and any potential legal claim.
Maritime workers, including tugboat crew members, are protected by laws such as:
At VB Attorneys, we have helped several injured tugboat workers fight for their rights. Through our investigations, we’ve discovered that some tugboat companies lack even the most basic safety protocols. One alarming issue is the absence of food safety standards, which can put workers’ health at risk. Even more concerning, many companies fail to train their employees on how to respond to emergency medical situations—something that can be the difference between life and death in a crisis.
A few years ago, we represented a tugboat worker from a company with a history of neglecting its employees' well-being. Our client developed an eye infection while aboard a company tugboat. His eyelids became so swollen that he lost most of his vision. He immediately informed the captain, but instead of calling for emergency medical help, the captain and company forced him to finish his hitch. Even worse, they made him drive a crew van full of employees across Houston in rush-hour traffic—while nearly blind. Instead of arranging for emergency care at the nearest dock, they left him to fend for himself. Only after he finished driving the crew did they allow him to seek medical attention on his own.
With our help, he was able to receive the medical care he needed, restore most of his vision, and hold the company accountable for its reckless disregard for his health. Unfortunately, stories like this are far too common, and many injured workers don’t realize they have legal options.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a tugboat, you may be in the position to file a Jones Act claim. Our Jones Act team is here to help. Our experienced maritime lawyers understand the challenges that injured crew members face and will fight to get you the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Topics: Jones Act