Maritime Accidents and Cargo Ships
The Florida coastline contains numerous ports and harbors ideal for exporters and importers. As such, Florida waterways have a large presence in the shipping industry. This creates countless job opportunities and boosts the state’s economy. Unfortunately, it also results in many maritime accidents.
Maritime accidents involving cargo ships are dangerous for maritime workers. Large container ships have many hazards that increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Individuals injured in cargo ship accidents can work with the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau, who serve Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL. Our lawyers understand maritime law that regulates maritime occupations. They are ready to assist injury victims in pursuing monetary compensation for damages.
Types of Cargo Ship Accidents
Cargo ships carry large containers that sometimes hold hazardous materials. Cargo ships must adhere to strict safety standards to minimize the risk of an accident. Unfortunately, shipping vessels regularly neglect safety regulations. Negligence often plays a role in the most common types of cargo ship accidents, which include:
- Shifting containers - Improperly loaded or secured shipping containers can shift and fall. Heavy containers can crush workers and result in catastrophic injuries.
- Crane accidents - Cranes load and unload containers from cargo ships. Crane accidents can occur when cranes are improperly maintained or when machinery malfunctions.
- Slips and falls - Maritime vessels travel open waters that can be rough. The risk of a slip or fall on a cargo ship is high. The risk increases when a ship is not maintained or lacks safety features.
- Explosions - Shipping companies often keep heavy machinery onboard cargo ships. Shipping containers frequently hold flammable materials. Both of these create hazards that increase the risk of fires or explosions.
Injuries from Cargo Ship Accidents
Cargo ship accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries from cargo ship accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head, neck, or back injury
- Traumatic spinal cord injury
- Traumatic amputations
- Burns
Liability for Injury Damages
Maritime law provides cargo ship workers, longshoremen, and other maritime workers with certain protections. Under laws such as The Jones Act, The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and state workers’ compensation, workers can hold employers accountable for injuries sustained in a cargo ship accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability may also fall on third parties, such as vessel owners, contractors, parts manufacturers, or maintenance companies.
Compensation for Maritime Accidents
Cargo ship accident injuries often result in substantial physical, emotional, and financial damages. The lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau work with injury victims in the Daytona Beach area to hold liable parties accountable for the full extent of losses. Compensation in a maritime accident case may include damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages (if injuries are fatal)
Contact Our Practice
If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident involving a cargo ship, the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can advise you on your best course of legal action. To discuss the details of your accident with our legal team, contact our practice online or call (386) 258-7313 and schedule a consultation.