Tug & Barge Accidents

Tugboat and Barge Accidents

Barges are pushed / pulled by tugboats, usually near shore or on inland waters such as rivers and the Great Lakes. Workers on either a tug or a barge can be seriously injured when a tow breaks up while underway or when stopped. When crew members fail to close hatches properly, or when the owner or operator fails to maintain safe equipment, injured workers may be eligible to file lawsuits to obtain compensation for their injuries.

Experienced maritime lawyers

At the law firm of Latti & Anderson, our lawyers have more than 45 years of experience helping injured seamen and dockworkers obtain compensation. We understand the types of accidents that happen to tugs and barges. If you have been injured in a tug accident, contact us. We can determine which laws apply to your situation and advise you about your options. Call at 1-800-392-6072 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Ownership is often a question

We are well equipped to deal with complex tug and barge ownership structures. Frequently the tug and barge have different owners. The question of whom to sue is a common one after a barge or tug accident. We have the knowledge and resources to pursue a claim against the liable party after an injury to a crew member or dockworker.

Tugs and barges are dangerous places to work

We have successfully obtained compensation for workers on barges and tugs after accidents caused by:

• Frayed and weak lines that part, allowing a barge to detach from the string
• Tow lines that sweep the deck or dock, causing serious injury
• Fatigue caused by long hours, bad weather, and inadequate staffing
• Leaks on deck from engine lubricants or barge cargo causing slippery surfaces
• Collisions with dock, shore, or sandbars and other hazards in the water
• Unspooling of winches
• Handling heavy lines
• Leaving a barge tow to get onto a dock or back to the tug

Tug and barge company owners often unwilling to prevent accidents

Accidents such as these are usually preventable. Safety training, adequate staffing, proper maintenance, and investment in modern tools and equipment could prevent many injuries and wrongful deaths on a tug. The owner of a tugboat or string of barges who fails to take the steps to protect the safety of the crew can be held responsible for injuries.

Suing for compensation under the Jones Act

Our lawyers have sued many tug and barge owners and operators under the Jones Act and general maritime law that provide for compensation for injured sailors and seamen. The defendants in our cases include:

• Alaska Tankers
• American Caribbean Cruises
• American Cruise Lines
• American Overseas
• Atlantic Sounding Co., Inc.
• Blue Circle, Inc.
• Central Gulf Lines
• Crowley Maritime
• Dunlap Towing
• Exxon
• Florida Rock Industries
• Great Lakes Dredging
• Hy Line
• Interport Towing and Transportation
• Interlake Steamship Company
• K-Sea Transportation
• Keystone Shipping Corp.
• Lakes Shipping Company, Inc.
• Maersk Sea Land
• Maersk Shipping Corp.
• Marine Transport Lines
• Maritime Overseas Corporation
• McAllister Towing & Transportation Company
• Mobil Corporation
• Moore McCormick Lines
• Moran Towing Corporation
• Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority
• Osprey Ship Management
• Penn Maritime Corporation
• Reinhauer Transportation Companies
• R & R Caribbean
• Royal Carribean Cruises, LTD
• Sabine Transportation
• Salisbury Towing Corporation
• Sea River Maritime Corporation
• Sheridan Transportation Company
• Vane Brothers
• Weeks Marine
  

If you have suffered an injury because of a barge or tug accident, contact an experienced maritime lawyer right away to learn about your rights. Call the New England law firm of Latti & Anderson to find out how we can help.

Free initial consultation - Most cases handled on a contingency basis