Tugboat and Barge Accidents Attorney
In Atlanta, Georgia, Serving Louisiana

If you’ve been injured while working aboard (or in and around) a tugboat or barge, then you could be entitled to significant compensation under the Jones Act. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to bring a claim against a third party that contributed to your injuries. Louisiana tugboat and barge accidents attorney Walter Gabriel can help you secure the damages that you’re reasonably owed. Reach out today for guidance.

Tugboats and barges serve as maritime “tow vehicles.”  Barges are flat-bottomed cargo vessels that carry freight on inland waterways. Though for movement they typically require the assistance of a tugboat, which tows them towards their destination. Due to the complex mechanical connection between tugboats and barges, many unique injury risks come with their operation.

Common Causes of Vessel and Crew Member Accidents

According to a report conducted by the Coast Guard, which analyzed data collected between 2006 and 2014, there were over 1,303 crew member injuries owed to tugboat and barge accidents during that eight-year span.

Common vessel incidents included:

• Allision

• Collision

• Material failure

• Grounding

• Maneuverability

• Flooding

• Sinking

• Fire

• Set adrift

• Capsizing

• And more

Common crew member incidents included:

• Fall onto surface

• Falling overboard

• Strain/sprain

• Struck by moving object

• Line mishandling

• Collision with fixed object

• Crushed between objects

• Chemical exposure

• And more

Though crew members face similar risks of harm as those working on other types of vessels (i.e., falling overboard risks, fire-related risks), the “tow vessel” dynamic uniquely impacts crew members aboard tugboats and barges. Towing another vessel can lead to a loss of maneuverability, and in poor weather conditions or particularly trafficked waters, this can increase the risk of a collision or allision accident quite substantially. Further, the responsible party may inadequately maintain the lines necessary for the tow, or crew members may negligently fail to setup the tow properly.

If any of these failures give rise to an injury, then the employer may be held liable. It’s worth noting that, thanks to the application of vicarious liability principles, maritime employers can be held liable for the negligence of their crew member employees. For example, if a co-worker’s negligent failure to properly connect the tow causes your injury, then you have a right of action against your employer for damages.

A Louisiana Tugboat and Barge Accident Attorney

At the Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC, Attorney Gabriel has experience handling a range of personal injury claims, including maritime injury claims that involve tugboat and barge vessels.

Having spent a career navigating challenging disputes as both a prosecutor and a plaintiff’s-side attorney, Walter Gabriel is well-equipped to represent your interests in litigation against maritime entities that may take a more hostile stance towards your claims with significant resources at their disposal.

Ready to speak to a Louisiana tugboat and barge accident attorney about your dispute? Call or send a message through the Contact page to connect with the Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC today. Consultation is free and confidential.