Lawsuit Filed for Seaman Injured due to Lifeboat Equipment Failure

by | Apr 13, 2020 | Civil litigation, Firm News

Spagnoletti Law Firm recently filed suit on behalf of an injured seaman who sustained life-altering injuries while performing his work.  At the time, the vessel was off the coast of Virginia. On the date of incident, Plaintiff and a co-worker were ordered by the chief engineer to check the emergency starter of the engine on board a lifeboat that was hanging over the side of the vessel. As Plaintiff and his co-worker worked on the lifeboat, without warning it released from its davit. The lifeboat fell roughly 20 meters to the water below. Plaintiff was knocked unconscious on impact with the water below, and sustained significant physical injuries as a result.  He remains unable to work as a result of what occurred.

The lawsuit alleges the Defendants were negligent in:

(a) failing to provide proper and adequate equipment to perform the job;
(b) failing to maintain the vessel and her appurtenances and/or equipment in a safe and reasonable state of repair;
(c) failing to take reasonable precautions for Plaintiff’s safety;
(d) failing to provide Plaintiff with a reasonably safe place to work; and
(e) failing to install fall preventer devices.

The Plaintiffs are represented by Spagnoletti Law Firm attorney Eric J. Rhine.

It can be dangerous to work in any profession when safety considerations are not made.  This is especially so when working on a vessel. Safe maritime companies must consider take necessary precautions to ensure that their ships do not put the lives of crew members at risk.  The risks of catastrophic injury or kidnapping due to malfunctioning equipment should always be considered by safe vessel operators.  When ship operators fail to account for the hazards posed by equipment failure, catastrophic injuries or deaths can result.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of the negligence of another party. Spagnoletti Law Firm has lawyers admitted to practice in Texas, Florida and New York, and has handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.

The experienced maritime attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was injured as a result of equipment failure on a lifeboat.  There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to vessel accidents, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your rights.