Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common and dangerous hazards faced by longshore workers during maritime operations. These incidents can result in serious injuries, leaving workers unable to perform their jobs and burdened with mounting medical expenses and lost income. Shipowners have a legal duty to ensure that their vessels are free of known hazards that could cause accidents, including unsafe walking surfaces. When they fail to meet these obligations, the consequences for longshore workers can be devastating. This article explores the causes of slip-and-fall accidents, the injuries they can cause, and the legal options available to injured workers.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents Aboard Vessels
Slip-and-fall accidents often occur because of hazardous deck conditions that should have been addressed by the shipowner before turning the vessel over to longshore workers. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Slippery Surfaces: Oil spills, grease, water accumulation, and even fish residue on decks create dangerous slip hazards. Shipowners are responsible for cleaning spills or warning workers of known hazards.
- Uneven or Damaged Decks: Corroded metal, broken planks, or improperly maintained walkways can cause workers to lose their footing, resulting in falls.
- Improperly Stored Equipment or Debris: Tools, cables, ropes, or cargo left scattered on deck can obstruct walkways and create tripping hazards.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting in cargo holds, passageways, or deck areas reduces visibility and makes it difficult for workers to identify hazards.
- Improper or Missing Safety Features: Shipowners must ensure that railings, handrails, and anti-slip coatings are properly maintained to help workers navigate safely on the vessel.
These hazards are often preventable when shipowners take the time to inspect their vessels, perform necessary repairs, and warn workers about potential risks. When they fail to do so, workers are placed in harm’s way.
The Severity of Injuries Caused by Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents may seem minor at first, but they can result in severe, life-changing injuries. The hard metal surfaces of a ship’s deck and confined spaces amplify the impact of a fall, often leading to:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls can cause broken legs, arms, hips, or ribs, requiring surgical intervention and prolonged recovery periods.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A fall that causes a worker to strike their head can result in concussions or more severe brain injuries, leading to cognitive issues, headaches, and long-term disabilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls onto hard surfaces or into open hatches can cause damage to the spine, resulting in partial or full paralysis in extreme cases.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles or ligaments can limit mobility and prevent workers from returning to their duties.
- Lacerations and Contusions: Sharp objects, rough surfaces, or debris can cause deep cuts and bruises during a fall, increasing the risk of infections.
In addition to physical injuries, longshore workers may face significant emotional and financial stress as they deal with medical treatments, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Permanent injuries can impact their ability to return to the maritime industry, affecting their livelihoods and families.
Shipowner Responsibilities in Preventing Slip-and-Fall Hazards
Shipowners have clear legal responsibilities to minimize hazards and protect longshore workers under maritime law. The turnover duty requires shipowners to inspect their vessels and address dangerous conditions before turning the vessel over to longshore workers. This includes:
- Cleaning slippery surfaces caused by oil, water, or debris.
- Repairing broken walkways or decks that create tripping hazards.
- Ensuring adequate lighting in cargo holds, passageways, and work areas.
- Properly storing tools and equipment to prevent obstructions on walking surfaces.
- Installing and maintaining safety features, such as handrails, anti-slip coatings, and warning signs for known hazards.
If a shipowner fails to fulfill their turnover duty or retains active control of areas where hazards exist, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of their negligence. Injured workers have the legal right to pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Legal Options for Injured Longshore Workers
When a slip-and-fall accident occurs due to unsafe vessel conditions, longshore workers are protected under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides benefits for:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from an injury.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: If the injury causes a long-term disability, workers may receive ongoing compensation based on the severity of their condition.
In addition to LHWCA benefits, injured workers may also pursue a third-party negligence claim against the shipowner if their failure to maintain a safe vessel contributed to the accident. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, third-party claims allow workers to seek additional damages, including compensation for pain and suffering.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer for Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident while working aboard a vessel, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Shipowners have a duty to provide a safe working environment, and when they fail to meet this responsibility, they can be held accountable.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our experienced maritime attorneys understand the challenges faced by injured longshore workers and their families. We can investigate the cause of your injury, gather evidence of shipowner negligence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation today. Let us help you take the first steps toward recovery and justice.