Posted by: rzehl
June 16, 2008
Topic: The Jones Act

Just because a ship is unseaworthy does not mean that the ship will not continue to operate. All too often, employers and ship-owners will keep an unseaworthy ship out at sea in the interest of making money. There are many ways for a vessel to be functionally unseaworthy. First of all, any failure to properly man a vessel creates an unacceptably dangerous condition onboard. Second, any failure to properly maintain the deck or any passageway onboard the vessel creates a hazardous condition for the crew. Third, any failure to properly use or store any wires, lines or cables onboard the ship increases the likelihood of an accident. Fourth, any failure to provide sufficient lifeboats or any other requisite emergency gear improves the chance that a routine emergency could turn into something far worse. Lastly, any insistence on working under dangerous conditions, including excessive heavy lifting or over-extended hours, will put the crew in imminent danger.

Any failure to provide a seaworthy ship is unacceptable. If that failure subsequently results in injury to a crew member, the party responsible should be held accountable. Contact the experienced Houston Jones Act attorneys at Fitts Zehl, LLP by email at info@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com or by phone at (800) 993-4887. We represent clients in cities throughout the gulf coast region including: Tibideaux, Houston, New Orleans and Cameron.

Examples of Unseaworthiness That May Lead to Injury

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