Unsafe Pulling or Lifting Tug Injuries

At Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, our lawyers have represented hundreds of tug and barge workers over the years in complex tug and barge cases. We have represented captains, chief engineers, mates, deckhands, and cooks in a variety of claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Whether your injury occurs in Puget Sound, in outside waters, in Alaska, or elsewhere, our award-winning lawyers are ready to obtain maximum compensation for your Jones Act injury case. If you have questions about your rights under the Jones Act, contact one of our maritime injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

Because of the large equipment and lines on tugs and barges, unfortunately, pulling and lifting injuries are common. Sometimes deckhands are asked to pull lines or lift equipment that is unreasonably heavy or lift from unsafe positions that increase the likelihood of an injury. In recent years, tug companies have limited the size of crews on tugboats and barges. With limited crew, there may be inadequate assistance on tugs and barges to perform heavy lifts. Other times, companies fail to provide mechanized assistance to perform heavy lifts or a line may part during towing operations. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to consult with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to determine the merits of your case.

Were you injured in the process of pulling on a line or chain that was too heavy? Were you asked to perform a lift that was unsafe or lift from an unsafe position? Were you asked to perform a lift without adequate assistance from other crew members or mechanized assistance? Were you injured when carrying cargo that was too heavy? Was a job safety hazard analysis done before the work began? What does the company’s safety rules say about how many workers should perform the task? Was the job safety hazard analysis followed? Was a pre-task planning meeting held before the work began? Whatever the circumstances of your accident on a tugboat, we strongly urge you not to accept a settlement from an insurance company or tugboat operating company without consulting a lawyer first. We offer a free case evaluation from an experienced tugboat injury lawyer who can provide you guidance on the best course of action. We have over 65 years of combined experience representing tug crews against some of the largest tug companies in the world. Let us put our experience to work for you.

When you sustain an injury on a tug or barge, it is important that the lawyers you select understand the work that you do and the facts that lead to your injury. Because we routinely handle tug and barge cases, we understand the issues and are equipped to best present your case. We have represented workers involved in ship assist work, tanker escorts, ocean towing work, and harbor ship assist and towing work.

We are here as a resource for injured tug and barge workers. Feel free to contact us anytime for a free initial consultation. When you are injured on a tug boat or barge, the last thing that you need is a bill from your lawyer. That's why we accept cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that we don't get paid unless we make a recovery for you. We will also advance costs necessary to prosecute your claim. You don't pay a retainer fee or other fees while your case is pending. We're here to help you make a just recovery for your injury so that you can begin putting your life back together after an injury.

Contact us. We're here to help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced maritime injury attorney regarding a case that involves a tug or barge injury, injuries on a boat, maritime law, admiralty law or other workplace personal injury, please contact us.