Shipping Accidents

Shipping Accidents: Tankers – Dry Cargo – Container Ships – Car Carriers

Ships transporting cargo help make our modern economy possible, but they also are places where harmful accidents can occur. Much of the cargo transported in tankers—oil, LNG (liquid natural gas), and chemicals—is hazardous. And ships of all types—dry cargo ships, container ships, and carriers, as well as tankers—can be the site of injuries to crew members and dockworkers.

Because of the dangers involved in shipping accidents, vessels carrying cargo operate under a series of regulations designed to protect the cargo and crew. Among these regulations is the ISM (The International Safety Management Code, 1993). This law requires shipping companies and their ships to undergo regular audits to ensure that a safety management system is in place and to maintain certification.

ISM regulations are critical to Reducing Shipping Accidents

Shipping accidents that cause injuries are often due to a failure to obey the ISM regulations. Poorly maintained safety equipment, lack of safety equipment, staff untrained in safety procedures, careless operation of hatches and valves, and crew members failure to follow safety procedures and operations all contribute to serious accidents and injuries on a tanker.

Experienced shipping accident lawyers

At the law firm of Latti & Anderson, our attorneys act for seamen and dockworkers who have been injured while working on or unloading a tanker or other ship carrying cargo. Whether you are covered under the Jones Act as a seaman or under the Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act, we can advise you about your options and file claims and lawsuits on your behalf. Contact us at 1-800-392-6072 to schedule a free initial consultation.

We serve clients across the country, including people working around the world in places that include the Eastern Seaboard, Hawaii Islands, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, the Alaska fishery, the Pacific Northwest, or overseas in the follow waters the Far East, the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.

Causes of tanker accidents

Tanker accidents are most frequently the result of failure to maintain equipment, broken equipment, lack of safety procedures, employers dangerous operations, mistakes caused by negligence, or inattention. Equipment failures or poor maintenance can be of several types:

Weak plates can cause a hull breach, resulting in breakup, sinking of the vessel, serious injury or drowning.
Weak railings, ladders, and slippery floors caused by product leakage may result in slip and fall injuries that can leave the victim with head trauma, broken bones, or back injuries.
Dockworkers can be injured when an unloading pump or pipeline malfunctions and spills hazardous cargo. Malfunctioning venting systems can make the air on board a tanker unsafe to breathe or cause an explosion.

If you are involved in a shipping accident,including cargo ship accident or container ship accidents, or have suffered an injury while working on or unloading a tanker or other vessel, contact a knowledgeable maritime lawyer who can advise you about your rights. We have helped many workers on the Eastern Seaboard and beyond receive compensation. Learn how we can help you with your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs of an accident.