Florida Basket Transfer Accident Attorney
Crews that perform work at harbors and engage in a number of offshore activities will undoubtedly participate in a number of basket transfers. However, many workers may not anticipate the danger they face when engaging in basket transfers. As a result, injured workers may have to contend with injuries that may linger for years or that may cause death. Victims of a basket transfer accident in Florida should consider calling our skilled Florida basket transfer accident attorneys to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit for their injuries.
Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., know the dangers of basket transfer accidents for maritime workers, and we could help you litigate for damages after your workplace accident. Harbor and longshore workers involved in basket transfer incidents could face a number of financial issues they should not shoulder due to the actions of a negligent employer. To discuss your basket transfer accident with our Florida basket transfer accident lawyers, call Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. at (866) 386-1762 to schedule a free consultation. Our website may also be used to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Basket Transfer Accidents in Florida
Harbor workers, longshoremen, and other maritime workers are frequently required to work atop platforms like drilling rigs or lift boats that are raised dozens of feet off the ground. In order to reach these platforms, workers usually utilize Billy Pugh baskets or personnel baskets to transport about a dozen people or possibly more to and from their work sites. However, there are several ways that a basket transfer could go wrong and cause an accident that would endanger the lives of workers riding the personnel basket.
The following are some common causes of personnel basket transfers for maritime workers in Florida.
Improper Crane Operation
Basket transfers are typically performed by attaching a crane to the basket to hoist workers that will use ropes to keep themselves steady while they are lifted to a platform. When transporting workers in this manner, it is imperative that the crane operator have proper training as they hold the life of their coworkers in their hands.
Unfortunately, if a crane operator is not sufficiently trained or behaved negligently when performing a basket transfer, the workers in the basket may suffer one or more injuries. For example, if the operator of the crane drops the basket too quickly, the workers in the basket could sustain broken bones, head injuries, and many other injuries if the basket slams into the ground or another hard surface. Personnel could also be in danger if a crane worker swings the basket too quickly when transferring them between platforms.
Poor Weather
Weather conditions should always be considered when carrying out a basket transfer. For instance, high winds could cause the personnel basket to shake uncontrollably, which may cause a worker to fall from the basket. When working in high winds or heavy rain, an employer should avoid basket transfers or take steps to ensure that maritime workers are secure during the transport.
Unfavorable Sea Conditions
Rough seas and other undesirable sea conditions may also be a problem during basket transfers. If a vessel is shifting back and forth due to high seas, this is especially dangerous for workers on a Billy Pugh basket.
This is not a complete list of reasons why a basket transfer could go awry and injure one or multiple workers. If you were part of a basket transfer that went wrong and you are now faced with costly medical bills and other financial and personal burdens, you should contact our experienced Florida basket transfer accident attorneys today.
Suing for a Basket Transfer Accident in Florida
Normally, an employee that is injured in a workplace accident would have access to workers’ compensation benefits that would help them manage their medical expenses, loss of wages, and other related issues. However, maritime workers typically cannot file state workers’ comp claims because maritime accidents are regulated by federal law.
In some cases, a maritime employee may use the Longshore and Harbor Worker Compensation Act (LHWCA) to file for compensation for their injuries. However, if the worker is unsuccessful in their request under the LHWCA, they may have to speak with a Florida basket transfer accident lawyer about a potential personal injury lawsuit.
Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., could help you file suit after a basket transfer accident. Our firm is here to listen to the details of your case and determine who could be held accountable for your basket transfer injury. For example, if your injury was caused by a negligent crane worker that was operating the crane while intoxicated, this could be grounds to pursue a lawsuit. Additionally, if your employer was to blame for the incident, we could also help you get started on your claim against them.
We know that this incident has likely changed your life in a number of ways, and we welcome the chance to speak with you about how you could recover compensation after a basket transfer accident.
Skilled Florida Basket Transfer Accident Lawyers Offering Free Consultations
If you are a maritime worker and you were a victim of a basket transfer accident, our Florida basket transfer accident lawyers are here for you. At Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., we are concerned with ensuring our clients and prospective clients receive the legal representation they need for their potential case. Contact our firm today at (866) 386-1762 to schedule a free and confidential case review.
