Spagnoletti Law Firm recently filed suit on behalf of an offshore platform worker who was severely injured during a December 2018 swing rope transfer. At the time of the violent accident, the Plaintiff was performing a swing transfer from an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico to a vessel positioned alongside the platform. During the transfer, the vessel drifted as a result of not being moored to the platform, causing Plaintiff to hit the edge of the boat, handrail and other equipment. The Plaintiff sustained severe and disabling personal injuries when he crashed to the deck of the vessel. The lawsuit has been filed against C & G Boats, Inc. and M N M Boats, Inc.
The lawsuit alleges the Companies were negligent in:
(a) failing to maintain adequate communication with the platform during the transfer;
(b) failing to maintain the vessel in a steady and proper manner during the transfer;
(c) failing to maintain the vessel and her appurtenances and/or equipment in a safe and reasonable state of repair;
(d) failing to take reasonable precautions for Plaintiff’s safety; and,
(e) failing to moor or tie off to the platform to prevent movement of the vessel during the swing rope transfer.
The Plaintiff is represented by Spagnoletti Law Firm attorney Eric J. Rhine.
Every year numerous workers being transported to work on an offshore oil platform suffer injuries. Injuries can occur both during transit, while on a vessel or helicopter, as well as during a swing rope or personnel basket transfer to or from the vessel. The goal for any safe offshore company must be to minimize risks involved in this dangerous task. Swing rope transfers should only occur in good weather conditions. Additionally, all involved in the transfer must ensure that hazards have been properly analyzed by workers beforehand. A vessel captain must keep his vessel stationary during a transfer to eliminate risks involved with a moving landing target. Additionally, a captain must consider the positioning of his vessel alongside the platform, in order to maximize the landing area for offshore workers swinging to the vessel.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving accidents occurring at offshore oil platforms in both the Gulf of Mexico and across the world. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident on an offshore oil platform, or hurt during a transfer involving a personnel basket or swing rope. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.