Case at a glance
- Recovery: Confidential Settlement
- Injury: Hernia and lumbar injury requiring surgery
- Practice: Maritime injuries
- Attorney: Vuk Vujasinovic
A lifting task that led to surgery
Stephen’s work involved connecting a heavy D-ring and attached slings to a crane hook. His case centered on the physical effort required to make that connection and whether the operation had been arranged to avoid unnecessary manual lifting.
He developed a hernia and low-back problems after the incident. He underwent hernia repair, followed by a lumbar operation to decompress nerves and treat a damaged disc.
The effects reached beyond his offshore job. His medical history described pain affecting daily activities, recreation and sleep. Standing, walking, bending and sitting comfortably became goals of his treatment.
Looking at the lift, not just the person doing the lifting
The VB Attorneys team examined the vessel’s rigging rules and questioned crew members about how a crane operation should be organized. The investigation focused on the crane operator, the personnel assigned to help and the pre-job discussion of hazards.
In deposition, a supervisor explained that lowering the crane hook could allow the D-ring to be connected without lifting it up by hand. He also explained that if the needed help was not available, the worker should call a time out and get the appropriate people involved.
The same witness described the purpose of a pre-job meeting: identifying the work, assigning responsibilities and discussing the hazards before the task begins. For heavy rigging, the discussion could address lowering the crane line to make the connection easier.
The vessel’s captain also acknowledged the requirement for a trained, competent banksman, the crew member who helps coordinate a lift. His testimony addressed the shared responsibilities of that person and the crane operator, as well as each worker’s responsibility to stop an unsafe job.
Building the medical and employment evidence
The case required more than reconstructing a lifting task. Stephen’s legal team also developed the medical evidence concerning his hernia, back injury, operations and continuing treatment needs.
Another issue was who controlled his work. Stephen had reached the vessel through a staffing company. The team examined his employment offer, job description, supervision and the responsibilities of the companies involved rather than treating the name on his payroll as the end of the inquiry.
Vuk and the team challenged the defense’s position on responsibility for Stephen’s medical care. They assembled medical bills and testimony and opposed efforts to narrow his claims before trial.
Continuing the case after mediation
An initial mediation did not resolve Stephen’s case. Vuk supported Stephen’s decision not to accept the offer made there, and the team continued taking depositions and preparing the evidence.
Negotiations continued alongside that work. The parties ultimately reached a confidential settlement.
The case brought together the mechanics of the crane connection, the vessel’s safety procedures, the companies’ control over Stephen’s work and the medical consequences of his injuries.
Questions about the case
Related legal help
Learn about maritime injury claims, or read about Jones Act claims.
To speak with Vuk Vujasinovic about a serious injury, call 877-724-7800 for a free consultation.
Every case is different. Prior results depend on the facts of the individual case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.