Oregon Deckhand Injury Claims Attorney
Deckhands are a crucial part of ship operations. These individuals provide various manual services for a wide range of vessel types that operate in and around Oregon. These duties include unloading and loading cargo, handling cables and lines, performing maintenance on the boat, and more. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for deckhands to sustain injuries as a result of their on-the-job duties. When this occurs, they should be able to recover compensation for their losses. However, deckhand compensation recovery can be complicated. An Oregon deckhand injury claims lawyer can help you navigate your case and work to secure fair compensation on your behalf.
What are Deckhands Responsible For?
Deckhands play integral roles on all types of ships that travel the waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest. Deckhand duties vary from ship to ship. The exact responsibilities of a deckhand will depend on whether or not the work is on a fishing boat, commercial shipping vessel, dredger, tugboat, or another type of ship. In general, these workers are responsible for maintenance and cleaning duties on board.
Main Injuries Sustained by Deckhands
Unfortunately, the work of a deckhand is incredibly risky. Because deckhands work on the deck, they are especially susceptible to slip and fall injuries. Additionally, deckhands are more vulnerable to falling overboard than others who work on a ship. Some of the main types of injuries sustained by a deckhand include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Open head wounds or facial fractures
- Crush injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
- Drowning or near-drowning
How Does the Jones Act Apply to Deckhand Injuries?
Injuries that occur onboard ships are not as straightforward as traditional personal injury cases. When a person is hurt on land, they can go and file a claim in civil court. However, deckhand workers and other maritime employees are governed by the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, often referred to as the “Jones Act.”
The Jones Act is responsible for helping those who work on the ocean recover compensation for their injuries. This law gives seaman the right to sue their employer for an injury that occurs while in service on their vessel. Seamen are defined as individuals who contribute to the accomplishment of the vessel’s function or mission, those who are central to vessel navigation, and individuals who have a substantial connection to the vessel in nature and duration. Deckhands have generally been covered under the Jones Act and have been able to recover compensation with the help of an experienced Portland maritime accident attorney.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to an Injured Deckhand?
Deckhands injured in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest should be able to recover various types of compensation for their losses. Under the Jones Act, individuals are typically allowed to recover the following:
- Coverage of all medical bills related to the injury
- Lost earnings and lost earning capacity
- Coverage of any pain and suffering losses caused by the injury
Recovering compensation in these cases can be challenging. When most people think of work injuries, they think of the traditional “no-fault” system. However, securing compensation through the Jones Act means that the injured deckhand has to show that the employer was responsible for the injury in some way. A skilled Portland personal injury lawyer should be involved from the very beginning of these claims to ensure that their client is able to recover maximum compensation for their losses.