Hatch Accidents, Injuries, and Recoveries
Boats need hatches. A hatch provides people with a way to move themselves and freight above and below deck, and also extends ventilation and natural light to lower levels.
Hatch covers vary depending on the type of ship and its purpose. Folding, lifting, rolling, and sliding hatches are typical installations on many commercial vessels.
Each one presents unique hazards. For example, folding hatch covers are often found on cargo ships. Hydraulic-powered arms move large flat steel panels to open and close. A mechanical glitch in these arms might injure someone passing through the hatch.
Other dangers include:
- The hatch is open, and you fall below deck.
- The hatch is open and doesn’t have appropriate safety railings or other safety protections for someone to travel back and forth without slipping or falling.
- The hatch isn’t installed properly or closed the right way, causing a person to suffer injuries.
Slip and fall accidents cause serious problems in the maritime industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides fall prevention solutions, but anyone can experience a workplace incident if hatches present dangers.
Some injuries workers often experience in a slip and fall include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Amputations
If you were hurt in a hatch accident, it’s important to explore all of your legal options.
A Financial Recovery is Possible
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to make a financial recovery pursuant to one or more of the laws that protect maritime workers. Our legal team will investigate what happened to you and determine whether you have a claim under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or a general maritime law.
Call Attorney Steven M. Lee, P.C., or start a live chat with us now. Your first consultation is free, and you’ll get the information you need to make an informed decision about what to do next.