Florida Barge Accident Attorney
Barges are typically used to transport a wide range of materials, many of which could be extremely dangerous if mishandled. This is just one way that a crew member on a barge could be injured. Unfortunately, there are many circumstances where a worker or passenger on a barge could be severely injured, which could lead to a personal injury lawsuit. If you were the victim of a terrible barge accident in Florida, schedule a consultation with a Florida barge accident attorney.
Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., recognizes the burden that a victim could face after a serious barge accident, and we would like to help you fight for compensation for your injuries. The parties responsible for your barge accident should be held accountable for their negligence. Call (866) 386-1762 if you would like a complimentary consultation to talk about your options to gain compensation for your injuries. It is also possible to start the consultation process on our website.
Common Types of Barge Accidents in Florida
Barges are a necessary part of our cargo transportation system to ensure that local stores receive the items they need to display and sell. When operating a barge that is transporting materials or other cargo, it is expected that all precautions will be followed in order to ensure the safety of the crew. However, there are many circumstances where a crew member on a barge could be injured due to negligence. The following are common ways that a worker may be injured in a barge accident that could result in a lawsuit for personal injury.
Barge Collisions
The pilot of a barge should always be on alert for other barges and vessels that may be in their path. If the pilot of a barge does not act appropriately when approaching other vessels, a collision may occur that will endanger crew members on the vessel. As a result, crew members could suffer a wide range of injuries from tripping into hard surfaces or possibly even falling from the barge.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries frequently happen on barges due to how close the ship deck of many barges is to the waterline. As a result, water could easily splash onto the deck, which should be cleaned often in order to avoid an accident. When the operator of a barge fails to keep the deck clean, crew members could sustain a number of injuries due to a slip and falls.
Navigating at High Speeds
Some barge pilots may operate the vessel at high speeds in order to reach their destination faster to drop off their cargo. However, this could be severely dangerous for workers on the boat that could be jostled back and forth.
Fires and Explosions
Many barges are utilized to transport volatile and flammable cargo, such as oil. If these materials are poorly handled, they could combust and cause a serious fire or explosion. This could cause crew members to suffer severe burns or to possibly become disfigured due to scattering debris. In some cases, a barge fire could occur due to the poor maintenance of the ship.
If you were injured under any of the above circumstances or under other circumstances, our firm could help you get started on your barge accident lawsuit. You should not have to suffer because your employer failed to act with caution when operating a barge. To learn more about proving damages after being injured on a barge, contact a Florida barge accident attorney.
Proving Negligence in a Barge Injury Case in Florida
To prevail in your barge accident lawsuit, you will have to show how the defendant’s negligence led to your injuries. You will need to have evidence that indicates that your injuries were avoidable. For example, if you have evidence that shows that your employer failed to properly service the barge prior to a trip, this may be valuable evidence.
You should also be aware that there are multiple elements that a plaintiff must show in order to prove negligence. Specifically, the plaintiff will have to prove the following four elements:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The defendant breached the duty of care (e.g., speeding)
- The plaintiff was injured due to the defendant’s actions
- The plaintiff could pursue damages for their injuries and losses in a court of law
Once you prove all of these elements, you could be awarded damages for your injuries and other losses. Damages for a barge accident could include a loss of wages, medical expenses, and other related expenses.
If you are concerned about pursuing damages in your case, our firm is here to help you evaluate the status of your case.
Confer with a Skilled Florida Barge Accident Attorneys to Review Your Case
If you suffered injuries in an accident while working on a barge, talk to a Florida barge accident attorney to speak about your potential lawsuit. Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., realizes that it is difficult to cope with a severe injury that was caused due to the negligence of another. Our skilled legal team possesses years of maritime law experience representing clients from Florida and other states, and our team is here to represent you. Making a consultation with us regarding your case is free and confidential contact us by calling (866) 386-1762. Also, use our website’s short submission to make your appointment online if you choose.
