Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Gulf/Inland Contractors, Inc. and Shell USA, Inc. on behalf of a rigger who sustained serious injuries while working aboard a vessel involved in offshore operations. The lawsuit alleges that unsafe working conditions, lack of proper ingress to the worksite, and negligence led to a preventable accident, causing significant harm to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On March 13, 2023, the plaintiff, a rigger employed by Gulf/Inland Contractors, was assigned to a crew pulling up pipe for Shell USA, Inc. Prior to beginning work, the plaintiff attended a safety meeting with representatives from both Gulf/Inland and Shell. However, once work began, the plaintiff was instructed by a foreman to move a vessel to another location to clear space for operations.
After repositioning the vessel as directed, the plaintiff attempted to board the barge where work was being performed. At this location, however, there was no ladder or designated means of ingress. Left without a safe way to board, the plaintiff stood on the vessel’s railing and attempted to climb onto the barge’s deck. During this attempt, he slipped and fell back onto the vessel, sustaining severe injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that these injuries were not due to any fault of the plaintiff but rather the direct result of negligence on the part of Gulf/Inland Contractors, Inc. and Shell USA, Inc. The lawsuit asserts that Gulf/Inland Contractors and Shell USA failed to ensure safe working conditions and exposed the plaintiff to unnecessary risks. Allegations of negligence include:
- Failure to provide a safe means of ingress from the vessel to the work barge, forcing the plaintiff to attempt an unsafe climb.
- Neglecting to assess the conditions at the worksite to ensure that proper access was available.
- Failure to provide proper safety equipment, such as ladders or gangways, for boarding the barge.
- Inadequate supervision and planning, resulting in workers being placed in hazardous situations.
- Failure to enforce stop-work authority, which would have allowed the plaintiff to refuse unsafe access without fear of penalty.
- Lack of adherence to industry safety protocols regarding vessel-to-barge transfers.
The lawsuit further alleges that Shell USA, Inc., as the operator overseeing the project, played a direct role in the safety failures that led to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Responsibilities of Vessel Operators and Offshore Contractors to Ensure Safe Working Conditions
Offshore work environments require strict adherence to safety protocols to protect workers from hazardous conditions. One of the fundamental duties of vessel operators, contractors, and project managers is to ensure that workers have safe and secure access to all areas where they are required to perform their jobs.
A safe means of ingress and egress is particularly critical in offshore and marine environments, where unstable footing, variable weather conditions, and vessel movement create inherent dangers. Vessel operators and contractors are required to:
- Ensure that ladders, gangways, or other approved access points are in place before directing workers to move between vessels and barges.
- Conduct pre-job safety inspections to confirm that safe access routes are available before beginning work.
- Train crew members and supervisors on proper access procedures and prohibit unsafe climbing or jumping between work areas.
- Monitor work conditions throughout the job and immediately correct any deficiencies, such as missing ladders or unsafe access points.
- Empower workers to exercise stop-work authority when they encounter unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
Failure to meet these obligations exposes workers to unnecessary risks, leading to preventable injuries. When companies disregard basic safety requirements, they can be held accountable for the harm their negligence causes.
Next Steps: Understanding Your Rights After a Maritime Injury
Seamen and maritime workers injured on the job have legal protections under the Jones Act and general maritime law. These laws provide avenues for injured workers to seek compensation from negligent vessel owners, operators, and contractors.
Key legal rights include:
- The right to file a claim against responsible parties for negligence.
- Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity.
- The ability to hold vessel owners accountable for failing to provide a seaworthy vessel or proper safety measures.
- Legal protections against retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions or seeking medical treatment.
Understanding these rights is essential for injured maritime workers seeking fair compensation for their injuries. Consulting an experienced maritime attorney ensures that all available legal avenues are pursued.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Maritime Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working aboard a vessel, barge, or offshore platform, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act and general maritime law. The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have extensive experience handling cases involving offshore injuries, vessel unseaworthiness, and unsafe working conditions.
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