Longshore workers perform critical tasks in the maritime industry, including the loading and unloading of cargo and the operation of heavy equipment. Unfortunately, this work often exposes them to dangerous conditions aboard vessels. Shipowners have legal responsibilities to ensure that their vessels are reasonably safe for longshore workers, but when these obligations are neglected, severe injuries can occur. Understanding the types of injuries that often result from shipowner negligence can help longshore workers and their families recognize the risks, seek proper treatment, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries Caused by Hazardous Deck Conditions
One of the most common injuries longshore workers face is caused by slip-and-fall accidents on unsafe vessel decks. Shipowners are responsible for ensuring that decks and walkways are free of hazards before turning the vessel over to longshore workers. Common hazards include oil spills, grease, water accumulation, or debris left on deck. If these conditions are not addressed or clearly identified, workers can slip and fall, often leading to serious injuries.
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including sprains, fractures, and head injuries. A fall onto a hard deck surface or into open hatches can cause severe trauma, such as spinal cord injuries or concussions, which may have long-term effects on mobility, cognition, and overall quality of life. For older workers or those with preexisting conditions, even a seemingly minor slip can result in devastating injuries that require extended recovery time or lead to permanent disability.
Crushing Injuries Due to Falling Cargo or Equipment Failures
When shipowners fail to maintain safe working conditions or properly inspect their vessels, improperly secured cargo or faulty equipment can pose significant risks. Crushing injuries are among the most catastrophic accidents that occur when loads shift unexpectedly or machinery malfunctions. For instance, if cargo is not properly stowed or a crane malfunctions during operations under the shipowner’s control, heavy loads may fall onto workers, causing devastating harm.
Crushing injuries can lead to broken bones, internal bleeding, amputations, or fatalities. The consequences of these injuries are often life-altering, requiring multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and in some cases, permanent disability. In such situations, the shipowner’s failure to meet the turnover duty or active control duty may be to blame, particularly when hazards are known but ignored.
Falls from Heights Due to Faulty Ladders or Gangways
Falls from ladders, gangways, or elevated platforms are another significant hazard for longshore workers. Shipowners must ensure that these structures are in safe working condition before longshore operations begin. If a gangway is corroded, a ladder is loose, or safety railings are absent, workers are at high risk of falling from dangerous heights.
Falls from heights often result in severe injuries, including spinal cord damage, head trauma, and fractured limbs. In many cases, these injuries require long recovery periods, extensive medical care, and may leave workers unable to return to their jobs. When these accidents occur, a failure to inspect or repair ladders, railings, or gangways can constitute a breach of the shipowner’s turnover duty.
Injuries from Defective or Malfunctioning Equipment
Cargo operations rely on heavy machinery, such as cranes, winches, and conveyors, which must be maintained to ensure safe and effective use. Shipowners who retain control over equipment operation have a legal obligation to ensure it is in proper working order. If machinery is defective or poorly maintained, it may fail during operations, resulting in injuries to longshore workers.
For example, a winch failure may cause a sudden release of tension, leading to swinging cargo or debris striking workers. Similarly, an improperly functioning crane may drop a load or swing unexpectedly, placing nearby workers in harm’s way. These mechanical failures often result in lacerations, crushing injuries, and head trauma, all of which can have life-threatening or long-term consequences.
Long-Term Illnesses Caused by Exposure to Hazardous Materials
In some cases, shipowner negligence can expose longshore workers to hazardous substances such as chemicals, fuels, or toxic cargo. Workers who breathe in fumes or come into direct contact with hazardous materials may suffer from respiratory issues, chemical burns, or long-term illnesses like lung disease or cancer. Shipowners are responsible for warning workers of any dangerous substances onboard the vessel and ensuring that proper safety precautions are followed.
Exposure to toxic substances is often not immediately noticeable, but the long-term health effects can be severe and life-altering. In such cases, shipowners who fail to provide warnings, ventilation, or protective measures can be held accountable for the harm caused to workers.
Legal Recourse for Injured Longshore Workers
When injuries occur due to shipowner negligence, longshore workers have legal rights under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability caused by work-related injuries. However, if a shipowner’s failure to meet their legal duties contributed to the accident, injured workers may also file a third-party negligence claim against the shipowner to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering.
Proving shipowner negligence requires demonstrating that the shipowner breached their legal duties—whether the turnover duty, active control duty, or duty to intervene. Evidence such as maintenance logs, photographs of hazards, and witness statements can help build a strong case for injured workers. Consulting an experienced maritime injury attorney is essential to navigating the legal process and securing fair compensation.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer for Help
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working aboard a vessel, it is critical to understand your rights and legal options. Shipowners have clear responsibilities to ensure the safety of longshore workers, and failing to meet these obligations can result in serious harm. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our maritime attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers pursue justice and hold negligent shipowners accountable.
We will investigate the cause of your injury, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you need to recover. Contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation today. Let us help you take the first steps toward recovery and securing the justice you deserve.