Injured Deckhand Sinks Excell Marine in Jones Act Victory

At VB Attorneys, our Jones Act team recently achieved a significant victory for our client, a deckhand who suffered severe injuries while working aboard an Excell Marine tow barge on the Ohio River. While we respect our client's privacy and cannot disclose specific details, we are proud to report that he is very satisfied with the outcome of his case.

The Incident

The incident occurred in August 2022 when our client was working aboard the Oliver Shearer. While tightening wires, he was struck by a pipe with approximately 500 pounds of force, causing him to lose consciousness and fall about 10 feet onto the deck below. The impact resulted in extensive head injuries, leading to a week-long period of unconsciousness and a projected recovery time of 6 months to a year.

In addition to severe facial fractures, our client's injuries were severe, including post-concussive syndrome with symptoms such as mood changes, headaches, memory issues, and aphasia. Medical evaluations indicated a permanent partial impairment of 11-20% of the whole person, significantly impacting his ability to return to his previous work.

Our team sought damages based on the following:

1. Delayed notification of the family after the incident
2. Complex medical issues and long-term impairment
3. Substantial loss of earning capacity
4. Ongoing and future medical care needs

Our Jones Act team (dubbed Wolf Squad) worked diligently to ensure our client received fair compensation for his injuries, lost wages, and future medical needs. We carefully analyzed the circumstances of the accident, gathered crucial evidence, and built a strong case under the Jones Act and general maritime law.

The Outcome

While we cannot disclose the specifics of the settlement, we are pleased that our client is satisfied with the result. This case underscores the importance of experienced legal representation in maritime injury cases and quick action from our client to seek representation. The longer people delay contacting an attorney, the less likely they are to get a favorable result.

We Are Always Here to Help

At VB Attorneys, we remain committed to fighting for the rights of maritime workers who suffer injuries in the course of their employment. If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a vessel, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced Jones Act team for a free consultation.

Remember, your rights and your future are worth fighting for. Let VB Attorneys be your advocate in securing the compensation you deserve.