Accidents on waterways can lead to serious injuries. As a maritime employer, you could be held liable for those accidents – and you may have to pay out a significant amount of money. Fortunately, your St. Louis, MO river accident lawyer can help you protect your company and fight back against exploitative claims and lawsuits. Read on to see why you should contact a marine accident lawyer, and get in touch with the team at Goldstein & Price, L.C. to get started.
Why Do I Need A River Accident Lawyer?
In most workplaces, employees can count on workers’ comp if they get hurt on the job. Workers’ compensation can cover medical bills, and it can also provide a bit of money to offset all those paychecks employees might miss when they’re unable to clock in as usual. Unfortunately, marine industries are a little different. There’s not quite a safety net like workers’ compensation – but there’s something close.
If an employee works in a marine industry (shipping, longshore or dockworking, offshore oil rigs, and more) they can still get compensation if they’re hurt on the job. The Jones Act, which was passed in the 1920s, was originally intended to protect American shipping interest – but there’s an important clause that provides for compensation in the event of a marine-related accident. Your watercraft injury lawyer can help you determine whether your business needs to pay compensation, and how much.
Under the Jones Act, you may be on the hook for financial compensation. And if it was determined that your vessel or work environment was unsafe, you may be facing an expensive lawsuit. Your St. Louis river accident lawyer can help you maintain a safe work environment, and in the event of a Jones Act claim or lawsuit, your legal team can help you avoid paying too much.
Maintenance and cure payments are intended to offset the expenses of employee recovery. Maintenance payments cover lost wages, and cure payments are intended to cover medical care (within reason). However, there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to maintenance and cure. Will you have to pay for every medical checkup? Will you have to pay full wages for an employee’s entire absence? All the more reason to contact a lawyer who cares.
Why Experience Matters In A River Accident Case
Not all marine lawyers are created equal. When you contact Goldstein & Price, L.C., here’s what you get:
- 60 Years of Experience: We’ve assisted our clients with maritime claims for 60 years. That’s six decades’ worth of injury claims at sea, and on shore.
- A Broad Case History: Goldstein & Price, L.C. covers maritime accidents, longshore and dockworker injuries, and river accidents.
- A Wide Reach: We started in Missouri, but our client list has expanded to include companies across the entire country.
Goldstein & Price, L.C. is an admiralty law firm with plenty of experience – and if you’re ready to get started, so are we.
Contact Us Today
If an employee has been injured on the job, you need to know your rights and responsibilities as their employer. You also deserve a legal team you can trust. The team at Goldstein & Price, L.C. is standing by to help. Contact us today, and see how a St. Louis river accident lawyer can help.
Types Of River Accidents Our Firm Handles
Our St. Louis, MO river accident lawyer knows that rivers play an important role in commerce, recreation, and transportation, but they can also be unpredictable and dangerous. From commercial shipping operations to recreational boating, accidents on rivers often result in injuries, property damage, or loss of life. Each type of river accident presents its own challenges and legal considerations, especially when vessels, weather, or human error are involved. Because our firm was founded with the idea that we should represent our clients both creatively and ethically, we believe this has been a large part of our success. We invite you to learn more about how we can help you.
Commercial Barge Accidents
Barges transport goods along major rivers and require precise coordination between crews and towboats. Accidents often occur when barges collide, run aground, or experience mechanical issues, leading to injuries among workers and damage to cargo or equipment.
Towboat And Tugboat Incidents
Towboats and tugboats are essential for guiding larger vessels and barges through busy waterways. These accidents can result from equipment malfunctions, operator fatigue, or poor communication, sometimes leading to crew injuries or collisions with other vessels.
Ferry And Passenger Boat Crashes
As our St. Louis river accident lawyer understands, ferries and other passenger boats that operate on rivers can be involved in accidents due to overcrowding, operator error, or unsafe docking conditions. Passengers may suffer injuries during collisions or sudden movements caused by rough water or mechanical failures.
Recreational Boating Accidents
Many people use rivers for fishing, kayaking, or leisure boating. Accidents often occur when boaters underestimate current strength, fail to follow safety rules, or operate under the influence. These crashes can lead to serious injuries or drownings.
Drownings And Overboard Incidents
Falling overboard or being swept away by strong currents can be fatal, especially when safety equipment is missing or misused. Drownings on rivers often happen quickly and may involve both recreational and commercial settings.
Collisions With Bridges And Docks
Rivers are often lined with docks, piers, and bridges that present collision risks. Accidents may occur when vessels lose control in strong currents or misjudge distances, causing damage to both the vessel and surrounding structures.
Equipment And Machinery Failures
Faulty engines, steering systems, or winches can cause serious river accidents. Mechanical failures may result from poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or unsafe working conditions aboard commercial vessels.
Crew Member Injuries On River Vessels
Working on a river vessel involves constant motion and exposure to the elements. Slippery decks, heavy cargo, and shifting water levels contribute to common injuries such as sprains, fractures, or back strains among crew members.
River Collision Accidents
Collisions between vessels on the same waterway can occur when operators misjudge currents, visibility, or right-of-way rules. These accidents may involve barges, towboats, or recreational boats and often cause significant property and bodily harm.
Environmental And Chemical Spills
When a river vessel is involved in a collision or equipment failure, it can result in fuel leaks or chemical spills. These accidents not only endanger the crew but can also have lasting environmental consequences for nearby communities and ecosystems.
River accidents can cause severe injuries and long-term financial hardship for victims and their families. If you’ve been involved in any type of river accident, Goldstein & Price, L.C. can help you pursue compensation and understand your legal rights. We have been helping clients for over 60 years and we encourage you to contact our St. Louis river accident lawyer today so we can review your situation and help you take the next step forward.