Maritime Cargo Injuries

When ships sail out to sea, they often face harsh winds and choppy waters. If these vessels contain cargo that’s not properly secured, violent winds and waves can cause loads to shift, injuring maritime workers.

Improper Safety Protocols

Many cargo accidents are caused by failure to provide adequate training and equipment to crewmembers. Negligent enforcement of safety measures may result in:

  • Shifting of improperly-secured cargo
  • Improperly-guarded gangways
  • Cargo that exceeds the ship’s holding capacity
  • Crewmember fatigue
  • Poorly trained forklift and crane operators
  • Lack of proper safety training and equipment for heavy lifting
  • Faulty or leaking cargo containers

Improper Cargo Handling

The most common causes of cargo accidents include:

  • Falling cargo. Any cargo capable of falling from a great height poses a serious danger to workers if it isn’t properly secured.
  • Lack of maintenance. Cargo ships often transport food products, chemicals, and raw materials that lead to structural issues. If the ship isn’t cleaned properly, residue left behind by cargo can corrode crucial equipment such as bilge systems and plumbing.
  • Cargo shift. Cargo shift typically occurs on vessels transporting cargo that normally settles during transit, such as food products and raw construction materials. As this cargo settles, it can shift with the movement of the vessel, creating a hazard for workers near the cargo.
  • Turbulent waters. When the seas turn rough, any vessel in navigation can become unstable, causing cargo to injure workers when it shifts or falls.

Cargo Handling Injuries

Some of the most common injuries caused by improperly secured cargo include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Crushed limbs
  • Amputations
  • Fractured, broken, or shattered bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Muscle and nerve damage

Receiving Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a maritime cargo handling accident, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You need an experienced workplace injury attorney to help you with such a detailed case. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

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