Spagnoletti Law Firm recently filed suit on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who was injured while working on the offshore derrick barge Titon Hedron. The Plaintiff was employed by Triple C Enterprises, working on the vessel. During the incident, the vessel was performing decommissioning work in the Gulf of Mexico. At the time of the incident, Plaintiff was carrying a scaffold beam on the vessel. Plaintiff climbed a set of three steps in order to access a gangway on the vessel. As he attempted to step onto the gangway, it separated from the steps, creating a gap through which the Plaintiff fell. He sustained severe physical injuries due to the impact with the vessel’s deck, the stairs, and the steel beam which struck his shoulder during the fall.
The lawsuit brings claims against Triton Offshore, the owner and operator of the derrick barge. The lawsuit alleges that 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, including failing to provide proper equipment and sufficient crew;
(e) failing to provide proper and adequate lines for tying off of the vessel;
(f) failing to safely evaluate weather conditions.
The injured Plaintiff is represented by Marcus R. Spagnoletti and Eric J. Rhine.
Ensuring safe access to a vessel’s gangway is of critical importance, serving as the primary means for crew, visitors, and operational personnel to board and disembark from a ship. This access point, often suspended and adjustable, bridges the gap between the dock and the vessel, accommodating the ship’s movements and the changing tides. The gangway’s safety directly impacts the prevention of accidents and injuries, as slips, trips, and falls in this area can lead to serious harm or even fatalities. Furthermore, secure gangway access facilitates the efficient and safe transfer of supplies, equipment, and emergency response teams, making it a vital component of maritime operations. Ensuring that the gangway is properly maintained, equipped with handrails, adequately lit, and monitored for hazards is essential for safeguarding those who transit this critical pathway.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the provision of safe access via the gangway also reflects on the vessel’s overall safety culture and operational integrity. Compliance with international maritime safety standards, such as those set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscores a commitment to best practices in maritime safety and environmental protection. A well-managed gangway access points to a vessel’s readiness to respond to emergencies, facilitates regulatory inspections, and ensures smooth operational transitions. In essence, the attention given to gangway safety is indicative of a broader dedication to ensuring the well-being of everyone on board and the efficiency of maritime operations, highlighting the integral role of safety in the maritime industry’s operational ethos.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime personal injury litigation and the skills needed to represent seamen 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 under the Jones Act. 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 to learn more about your rights.