A man was injured while working on a barge at the Port of Olympia in Washington State on January 8. According to the Olympia Fire Department, the man was injured when a “bucket used in the dredging process shifted and/or impacted the worker.” The man was working for Orion Marine Contractors of Tacoma on the barge, dredging the marine terminal at the port.

The man was reportedly flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, due to the “potential for more serious injuries,” according to the Bellingham Herald. Officials reported that the man was “conscious and talking, moving all extremities,” when they transported him.

Orion is just beginning an investigation into the accident, and no further details of the injury were available at the time of this report.

Another barge worker was killed this month in Norfolk, Virginia while on the job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Lyon Shipyard employee was killed while unloading a barge when he was struck with a piece of equipment. An investigation into the worker’s death is still ongoing.

Tugboat and barge workers face dangerous situations on the job when proper safety and emergency precautions are not followed. Negligence on part of the other employees or company that owns the ship can cause potentially fatal injuries to these workers involved in barge accidents. Maritime workers injured while working on these vessels may be able to file for compensation under the Jones Act.

Nationwide Maritime Attorneys Provide Representation for Barge Workers

If you have been injured while working on a vessel or at sea, our maritime trial lawyers can help you file for compensation. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the Jones Act and other important maritime laws that can help you get compensation to support your family and pay medical bills after an accident. Call our office today to discuss your options.

Latti & Anderson LLP– Nationwide maritime attorneys