Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Mike Hooks, LLC on behalf of a deckhand who sustained serious injuries while working aboard the vessel MISSOURI H. The lawsuit alleges that unsafe working conditions and negligence aboard the vessel led to a preventable accident, causing significant harm to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On January 30, 2024, the plaintiff, a crew member aboard the MISSOURI H, was performing his job duties when he suffered severe injuries. While attempting to break a submerged line to replace it with a new one, he was required to break the bolts and disconnect the line while a crane held the pipe in place. During this process, the pipe swung unexpectedly, striking the plaintiff in the shoulder, ribs, arm, and hand, knocking him down to the deck.
The plaintiff sustained serious injuries to his ribs, back, wrist, and elbow, among other areas. The lawsuit asserts that these injuries were not due to any fault of his own, but rather the result of dangerous conditions aboard the vessel and negligence by Mike Hooks, LLC.
Allegations of Negligence Against Mike Hooks, LLC
The lawsuit asserts that Mike Hooks, LLC failed to provide a safe working environment aboard the MISSOURI H, exposing the plaintiff to unnecessary risks. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the MISSOURI H was unseaworthy, meaning the vessel was not fit for its intended use and lacked the necessary safety measures to protect its crew members.
Responsibilities of Vessel Owners and Operators to Maintain Safe Conditions
Companies that own and operate maritime vessels are required to ensure that their ships comply with maritime safety standards and do not pose unnecessary risks to crew members. Under the Jones Act, vessel owners have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment and maintain seaworthy conditions aboard their vessels.
One of the most common causes of maritime injuries involves improperly secured or unstable equipment, such as swinging pipes, failing rigging, or unsecured heavy loads. Vessel operators must conduct regular safety inspections and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of falling objects and impact injuries—a leading cause of maritime accidents.
Failure to secure equipment properly, provide adequate safety measures, or conduct routine hazard assessments creates an unsafe work environment for crew members. When hazards are ignored, serious injuries can occur, as seen in this case.
Additionally, vessel operators must ensure that crew members receive proper training and supervision to recognize and mitigate risks aboard the vessel. When safety policies are not enforced, or routine maintenance is neglected, the likelihood of severe 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: Understanding Your Rights After a Maritime Injury
Seamen who suffer injuries due to unsafe working conditions, vessel unseaworthiness, or employer negligence have legal protections under the Jones Act and general maritime law. These laws provide injured maritime workers with rights to:
- File a claim for damages against negligent vessel owners or operators.
- Receive maintenance and cure benefits, covering medical treatment and living expenses during recovery.
- Seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent impairments.
- Hold vessel owners accountable for failing to provide a seaworthy vessel and a safe work environment.
Understanding these rights is critical for injured maritime workers seeking fair compensation for their injuries. Consulting an experienced maritime attorney can help ensure 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, tugboat, or offshore platform, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act or the general maritime law. The Jones Act 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.