Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Adriatic Marine, LLC and OSSA LLC on behalf of a seaman who suffered serious injuries while working aboard a vessel. The lawsuit alleges that unsafe conditions aboard the vessel led to a preventable accident, resulting in significant harm to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On October 15, 2022, the plaintiff, a galley hand and crew member aboard the CELTIC, a platform supply vessel owned and operated by Adriatic Marine, LLC, was performing his job duties when the accident occurred. While unloading groceries and returning to the galley area, the plaintiff slipped on steps aboard the vessel. As a result of the fall, he sustained serious injuries to his neck and other parts of his body.
The lawsuit claims that the plaintiff’s injuries were not due to any fault of his own, but rather the result of dangerous conditions aboard the vessel and negligence by Adriatic Marine and OSSA LLC.
Allegations of Negligence Against Adriatic Marine and OSSA LLC
The lawsuit asserts that Adriatic Marine and OSSA LLC failed to ensure a safe working environment aboard the CELTIC, exposing the plaintiff to unnecessary risks. Allegations of negligence include:
- Failing to properly inspect, maintain, and repair the steps where the accident occurred.
- Failing to provide adequate safety measures to prevent slips and falls.
- Not ensuring that the vessel and its equipment were in a safe and seaworthy condition.
- Failing to take reasonable precautions for the safety of crew members.
- Failing to conduct proper safety meetings and risk assessments to prevent accidents.
- Allowing hazardous conditions to persist on the vessel.
The lawsuit also alleges that the CELTIC was unseaworthy, meaning the vessel was not fit for its intended use and lacked the necessary safety measures to protect its crew.
Responsibilities of Vessel Owners and Operators to Maintain Safe Conditions
Companies that own and operate vessels are responsible for ensuring that their ships meet maritime safety standards and do not pose unnecessary risks to crew members. Under the Jones Act, vessel owners must provide a safe working environment and ensure that their vessels are in a seaworthy condition.
One of the most common causes of maritime injuries is improperly maintained vessel surfaces, such as slippery steps, poorly maintained walkways, and unsecured equipment. Vessel operators must conduct regular safety inspections and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls—a leading cause of injuries at sea.
Failure to maintain steps, provide adequate non-slip surfaces, or install proper handrails can create hazardous conditions for crew members. When hazards are ignored, workers are placed at unnecessary risk, and serious injuries can occur.
Additionally, vessel operators must ensure that crew members receive proper training and supervision to identify and navigate potential dangers aboard the vessel. When safety policies are not enforced, or routine maintenance is neglected, the likelihood of serious accidents increases.
When a vessel owner or operator fails to uphold these safety responsibilities, injured seamen have the right to pursue legal action under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
Next Steps After a Maritime Injury
For seamen and maritime workers injured on a vessel, taking the right steps immediately after an accident is crucial:
- Report the injury to the vessel operator or captain as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor at first.
- Document the conditions aboard the vessel, including any hazards that contributed to the injury.
- Gather witness statements from other crew members who saw what happened.
- Consult a maritime attorney experienced in Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims to discuss legal options.
By taking these steps, injured maritime workers can help protect their rights and ensure that unsafe vessel conditions are addressed.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Maritime Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working aboard a vessel, barge, tugboat, or offshore platform, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act. The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have extensive experience handling cases involving maritime injuries, vessel unseaworthiness, and offshore accidents.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are strict deadlines for filing maritime injury claims, so don’t wait to take action.