If a Distracted Crew Member Caused Your Injury
If you were hurt because a captain was texting, a crane operator was on social media, or a deckhand was distracted by their phone — you have a legal claim.
Cell phone distraction isn’t just careless. Under maritime law, when a crew member uses their phone for personal reasons during safety-critical work and someone gets injured, that distraction is negligence. Your employer is legally responsible for that negligence under the Jones Act.
The problem is proving it. Employers will deny the crew member was on their phone, delete evidence, and claim the accident was your fault or just “bad luck.”
This guide explains:
At Lambert Zainey, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured maritime workers. We know how to subpoena cell phone records, secure surveillance footage, and use distraction evidence to prove employer negligence under the Jones Act.
If you were hurt because someone wasn’t paying attention, we can help.
Why Cell Phone Distraction Is Negligence Under Maritime Law
Maritime work demands complete focus. A moment of distraction can cause collisions, crushing injuries, falls, and deaths. That’s why federal maritime law creates strict duties for crew members — and holds employers responsible when those duties are violated.
The Legal Duties Crew Members Must Follow
Proper Lookout Requirement (COLREGS Rule 5 / 33 U.S.C. § 2005):
International and U.S. maritime law require vessels to maintain “a proper lookout by sight and hearing at all times.” When a crew member on watch is looking at their phone instead of watching for hazards, they violate this fundamental safety rule.
Navigation Watch Standards (46 CFR 15.1111):
Coast Guard regulations require crew members standing navigation watch to maintain full attention to their duties. Personal cell phone use during watch violates this requirement.
Duty of Reasonable Care:
Every crew member has a legal duty to perform their job without creating unreasonable risks to others. Using a phone while operating machinery, supervising cargo operations, or handling lines breaches this duty.
Your Employer Is Responsible for the Distracted Crew Member
Here’s what most injured workers don’t know: Under the Jones Act, your employer is legally liable for a fellow crew member’s negligence — even if the employer didn’t know about the specific phone use at that moment.
This is called vicarious liability (or respondeat superior). When a crew member’s negligence occurs during their job duties — standing watch, operating equipment, supervising work — the employer is responsible for the injuries that result.
What this means for your case: We don’t have to prove your employer personally knew the crew member was on their phone. We only have to prove:
- The crew member was distracted by their phone
- That distraction played even a small part in causing your injury
- The distraction happened while the crew member was doing their job
That’s it. The employer is liable.
How Cell Phone Distraction Causes Maritime Accidents
Cell phone distraction plays a role in almost every type of maritime accident. Here are the most common scenarios we see:
1. Vessel Collisions and Allisions
What happened to you:
Your vessel hit another vessel (collision) or struck a fixed object like a bridge, dock, or platform (allision) because the person on watch was distracted.
Why it’s negligence:
The crew member on navigation watch has one job: watch for hazards and obstacles. When they’re texting, scrolling social media, or on a personal call, they cannot maintain the proper lookout required by federal law. The collision was preventable — they just weren’t looking.
Evidence we use:
Cell phone records showing texts or calls at the time of impact, surveillance footage from the bridge, witness statements from other crew members who saw the distraction.
2. Crane and Cargo Transfer Accidents
What happened to you:
You were injured during a personnel basket transfer, cargo lift, or crane operation because the crane operator or deck supervisor was distracted by their phone.
Why it’s negligence:
Crane operations require constant visual monitoring and immediate response to hand signals. A distracted operator can swing loads too fast, drop baskets, or fail to stop when signaled — causing catastrophic injuries to workers below.
Evidence we use:
Cell phone data usage showing active phone use during the transfer, video footage showing the operator looking down at their phone, statements from the injured worker or signal person about missed signals.
3. Line Handling and Mooring Accidents
What happened to you:
You were injured by a line snap-back, caught in rigging, or pulled into machinery because a deckhand or mate was distracted during line handling or mooring operations.
Why it’s negligence:
Line handling requires coordinated teamwork and constant attention to tension, position, and hazards. When a crew member is on their phone instead of watching the operation, they can miss critical warnings, fail to secure lines properly, or create dangerous slack that leads to snap-back injuries.
Evidence we use:
Text message timestamps showing activity during the mooring operation, witness statements from other crew members, company policy violations documented in the crew member’s personnel file.
4. Machinery and Winch Accidents
What happened to you:
You were pulled into an unguarded winch, caught in machinery, or crushed because the equipment operator was distracted and didn’t see you or failed to stop when you signaled.
Why it’s negligence:
Operating winches, capstans, and machinery requires the operator to watch the equipment constantly and respond immediately to stop signals. A distracted operator cannot see when someone is in danger or respond to emergency signals — resulting in amputations, crushing injuries, and deaths.
Evidence we use:
Cell phone records showing calls during the time of the accident, surveillance footage showing the operator’s attention on their phone rather than the machinery, maintenance logs showing emergency stop was functional (proving operator just didn’t use it).
5. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
What happened to you:
You slipped on an unmarked spill, tripped over equipment left in a walkway, or fell through an uncovered opening because a supervisor was distracted and failed to oversee cleanup or mark hazards.
Why it’s negligence:
Supervisors have a duty to ensure work areas are safe, hazards are marked, and cleaning is completed properly. When they’re distracted by their phone instead of supervising, preventable hazards remain and workers get hurt.
Evidence we use:
Witness statements showing the supervisor was on their phone during the shift, text message logs showing extended personal conversations during work hours, photos showing the unmarked hazard.
Cell Phone Distraction Accidents: Common Scenarios and Legal Proof
|
Type of Accident |
How Distraction Caused It |
Evidence We Use to Prove It |
Applicable Maritime Law |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vessel Collision/Allision |
Watch stander texting/browsing instead of maintaining proper lookout |
Cell phone records showing texts at time of impact; bridge CCTV footage; AIS data showing course deviation |
COLREGS Rule 5 (Proper Lookout); 33 U.S.C. § 2005; 46 CFR 15.1111 |
|
Crane/Transfer Accident |
Operator on phone during personnel basket transfer or cargo lift; missed hand signals |
Data usage records showing active phone use; deck camera footage; witness statements from signal person |
Jones Act negligence; General Maritime Law; Company safety protocols |
|
Line Snap-Back |
Deckhand distracted during mooring operations; failed to secure line properly or watch for slack |
Text message timestamps during mooring; witness statements; photos of improperly secured lines |
Jones Act vicarious liability; Negligent crew training |
|
Machinery/Winch Injury |
Operator distracted; failed to see worker near equipment or respond to stop signal |
Cell phone call records; machinery camera footage; emergency stop logs showing it wasn’t activated |
Jones Act; Unseaworthiness (unguarded equipment); OSHA machine guarding standards |
|
Slip/Trip/Fall |
Supervisor on phone instead of overseeing cleanup or marking hazards |
Text logs showing extended personal conversations during shift; witness statements; photos of unmarked hazard |
Jones Act; Duty to provide safe workplace; Negligent supervision |
The Evidence That Proves Cell Phone Distraction
The biggest challenge in cell phone distraction cases is proof. The crew member will deny it. The employer will claim there’s no evidence. Witnesses may be pressured to stay silent.
That’s why you need a lawyer who knows exactly what evidence to demand and how to get it before it disappears.
Critical Evidence We Preserve Immediately
1. Cell Phone Carrier Records
We subpoena the crew member’s phone records from their carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to show:
When these records show phone activity at the exact time of your accident, it’s devastating proof of distraction.
Important timing: Carriers typically keep call/text logs for 1-2 years, but detailed data usage records may only be stored for months. We must act fast.
2. Forensic Examination of the Actual Device
If possible, we obtain the crew member’s actual phone through legal process and have it forensically examined to show:
This is the most detailed evidence, but it requires immediate legal action before the phone is “lost,” reset, or destroyed.
3. Surveillance Footage (CCTV)
Many vessels, rigs, and work areas have security cameras. We immediately demand preservation of:
Critical: Most surveillance systems overwrite footage every 30-90 days. If we don’t demand preservation immediately, this evidence is gone forever.
4. Witness Statements
We interview coworkers quickly — before the employer pressures them or they leave the job:
Why timing matters: The employer often separates injured workers from the crew immediately, making it difficult to get honest witness statements later.
5. Company Cell Phone Policies
We demand copies of:
Why this matters: If the company had a written policy against phone use during safety-critical work but failed to enforce it, that proves they knew the danger existed and failed to prevent it. This defeats their “unforeseeable act” defense.
What You Must Do Right Now
If you believe a distracted crew member caused your injury, evidence is disappearing by the hour. Here’s what you need to do immediately:
Within 24 Hours:
1. Report Your Injury in Writing
Tell your supervisor or employer about the accident in writing (email, text, written form). Specifically mention if you saw the crew member on their phone. Get a copy of any accident report they create.
2. Document What You Saw
Write down everything you remember:
3. Identify Witnesses
Get names and contact information for anyone who:
Do this before the employer separates you from the crew.
Within 72 Hours:
4. Contact an experienced Maritime Lawyer Immediately
Cell phone evidence has a short shelf life:
An experienced maritime attorney will immediately send legal preservation demands to the employer, the phone carrier, and any third parties with evidence — stopping them from destroying proof before your case is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cell Phone Distraction Accidents
Can I sue if a crew member’s cell phone use caused my injury?
Yes. Under the Jones Act, your employer is liable for the negligence of fellow crew members when that negligence occurs during their job duties. If a crew member was distracted by personal phone use while operating equipment, standing watch, or supervising work, and that distraction contributed to your injury, you have a strong legal claim.
How do you prove someone was on their phone during the accident?
We use multiple sources of evidence: cell phone carrier records showing calls, texts, and data usage at the exact time of the accident; forensic examination of the actual device showing what apps were open; surveillance footage showing the crew member looking at their phone; and witness statements from other workers who saw the distraction. The combination of this evidence creates irrefutable proof.
What if the crew member denies being on their phone?
They almost always deny it initially. That’s why we immediately subpoena objective evidence that can’t be denied: timestamped cell phone records from the carrier, surveillance video footage, and device forensics. When the records show they sent three text messages in the two minutes before your accident, their denial becomes irrelevant.
Is all cell phone use considered negligence?
No. Some phone use is legitimate work-related communication — calling the office, using navigation apps, emergency notifications. The key legal question is whether the phone use was personal and unnecessary versus work-related and reasonable. Our investigation focuses on proving the distraction was personal use (social media, texting friends, browsing) that violated the crew member’s duty of care and company policy.
What if my employer says they didn’t know about the phone use?
Under the Jones Act’s vicarious liability doctrine, the employer doesn’t need to know about the specific phone use. They’re responsible for their employee’s negligence as long as it occurred during work duties. Additionally, if we can prove the employer knew phone distraction was an ongoing problem but failed to enforce their own policies, that’s separate evidence of the employer’s direct negligence.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the injury. However, critical evidence disappears much faster: cell phone records are only kept for 1-2 years, surveillance footage is often overwritten within 30-90 days, and witnesses’ memories fade. Don’t wait — contact a maritime lawyer immediately to preserve evidence while it still exists.
Can the employer blame me for the accident instead?
They will try. Employers often claim the injured worker was also distracted, didn’t follow procedures, or contributed to the accident. However, under Jones Act comparative negligence rules, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault — as long as the distracted crew member’s negligence played any part in causing your injury. We use cell phone records to prove their distraction was the primary cause.
What compensation can I receive?
Depending on your injuries, you may recover: all past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life. Because cell phone distraction often involves clear violations of safety rules and company policies, these cases can also support claims for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Get Our FREE Guide to Protect Your Claim
What you do after an accident is critical. Insurance companies will try to get you to make mistakes that can hurt your claim. Our free guide can help you avoid these traps.
Download our complimentary guide: “5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Any Maritime Accident” to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your rights.
Don’t Let a Distracted Crew Member’s Negligence Cost You Your Future
A few seconds of someone looking at their phone instead of doing their job has changed your life forever. You’re facing medical bills, lost income, pain, and uncertainty about your future.
That crew member’s distraction wasn’t just careless — it was negligence under maritime law. And your employer is legally responsible.
But here’s the hard truth: Without immediate legal action, the evidence that proves what really happened will disappear. Phone records will be purged. Video footage will be overwritten. Witnesses will be pressured to stay silent or will leave the industry.
At Lambert Zainey, we act immediately to preserve the evidence you need to win.
We’ve spent decades fighting for injured maritime workers across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. We know:
You didn’t cause this accident. A distracted crew member did — and federal law holds your employer responsible.
Call Lambert Zainey today for a free, confidential case review: 800-521-1750
The evidence won’t wait. Neither should you.
If a Distracted Crew Member Caused Your Injury
If you were hurt because a captain was texting, a crane operator was on social media, or a deckhand was distracted by their phone — you have a legal claim.
Cell phone distraction isn’t just careless. Under maritime law, when a crew member uses their phone for personal reasons during safety-critical work and someone gets injured, that distraction is negligence. Your employer is legally responsible for that negligence under the Jones Act.
The problem is proving it. Employers will deny the crew member was on their phone, delete evidence, and claim the accident was your fault or just “bad luck.”
This guide explains:
At Lambert Zainey, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured maritime workers. We know how to subpoena cell phone records, secure surveillance footage, and use distraction evidence to prove employer negligence under the Jones Act.
If you were hurt because someone wasn’t paying attention, we can help.
Why Cell Phone Distraction Is Negligence Under Maritime Law
Maritime work demands complete focus. A moment of distraction can cause collisions, crushing injuries, falls, and deaths. That’s why federal maritime law creates strict duties for crew members — and holds employers responsible when those duties are violated.
The Legal Duties Crew Members Must Follow
Proper Lookout Requirement (COLREGS Rule 5 / 33 U.S.C. § 2005):
International and U.S. maritime law require vessels to maintain “a proper lookout by sight and hearing at all times.” When a crew member on watch is looking at their phone instead of watching for hazards, they violate this fundamental safety rule.
Navigation Watch Standards (46 CFR 15.1111):
Coast Guard regulations require crew members standing navigation watch to maintain full attention to their duties. Personal cell phone use during watch violates this requirement.
Duty of Reasonable Care:
Every crew member has a legal duty to perform their job without creating unreasonable risks to others. Using a phone while operating machinery, supervising cargo operations, or handling lines breaches this duty.
Your Employer Is Responsible for the Distracted Crew Member
Here’s what most injured workers don’t know: Under the Jones Act, your employer is legally liable for a fellow crew member’s negligence — even if the employer didn’t know about the specific phone use at that moment.
This is called vicarious liability (or respondeat superior). When a crew member’s negligence occurs during their job duties — standing watch, operating equipment, supervising work — the employer is responsible for the injuries that result.
What this means for your case: We don’t have to prove your employer personally knew the crew member was on their phone. We only have to prove:
- The crew member was distracted by their phone
- That distraction played even a small part in causing your injury
- The distraction happened while the crew member was doing their job
That’s it. The employer is liable.
How Cell Phone Distraction Causes Maritime Accidents
Cell phone distraction plays a role in almost every type of maritime accident. Here are the most common scenarios we see:
1. Vessel Collisions and Allisions
What happened to you:
Your vessel hit another vessel (collision) or struck a fixed object like a bridge, dock, or platform (allision) because the person on watch was distracted.
Why it’s negligence:
The crew member on navigation watch has one job: watch for hazards and obstacles. When they’re texting, scrolling social media, or on a personal call, they cannot maintain the proper lookout required by federal law. The collision was preventable — they just weren’t looking.
Evidence we use:
Cell phone records showing texts or calls at the time of impact, surveillance footage from the bridge, witness statements from other crew members who saw the distraction.
2. Crane and Cargo Transfer Accidents
What happened to you:
You were injured during a personnel basket transfer, cargo lift, or crane operation because the crane operator or deck supervisor was distracted by their phone.
Why it’s negligence:
Crane operations require constant visual monitoring and immediate response to hand signals. A distracted operator can swing loads too fast, drop baskets, or fail to stop when signaled — causing catastrophic injuries to workers below.
Evidence we use:
Cell phone data usage showing active phone use during the transfer, video footage showing the operator looking down at their phone, statements from the injured worker or signal person about missed signals.
3. Line Handling and Mooring Accidents
What happened to you:
You were injured by a line snap-back, caught in rigging, or pulled into machinery because a deckhand or mate was distracted during line handling or mooring operations.
Why it’s negligence:
Line handling requires coordinated teamwork and constant attention to tension, position, and hazards. When a crew member is on their phone instead of watching the operation, they can miss critical warnings, fail to secure lines properly, or create dangerous slack that leads to snap-back injuries.
Evidence we use:
Text message timestamps showing activity during the mooring operation, witness statements from other crew members, company policy violations documented in the crew member’s personnel file.
4. Machinery and Winch Accidents
What happened to you:
You were pulled into an unguarded winch, caught in machinery, or crushed because the equipment operator was distracted and didn’t see you or failed to stop when you signaled.
Why it’s negligence:
Operating winches, capstans, and machinery requires the operator to watch the equipment constantly and respond immediately to stop signals. A distracted operator cannot see when someone is in danger or respond to emergency signals — resulting in amputations, crushing injuries, and deaths.
Evidence we use:
Cell phone records showing calls during the time of the accident, surveillance footage showing the operator’s attention on their phone rather than the machinery, maintenance logs showing emergency stop was functional (proving operator just didn’t use it).
5. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
What happened to you:
You slipped on an unmarked spill, tripped over equipment left in a walkway, or fell through an uncovered opening because a supervisor was distracted and failed to oversee cleanup or mark hazards.
Why it’s negligence:
Supervisors have a duty to ensure work areas are safe, hazards are marked, and cleaning is completed properly. When they’re distracted by their phone instead of supervising, preventable hazards remain and workers get hurt.
Evidence we use:
Witness statements showing the supervisor was on their phone during the shift, text message logs showing extended personal conversations during work hours, photos showing the unmarked hazard.
Cell Phone Distraction Accidents: Common Scenarios and Legal Proof
|
Type of Accident |
How Distraction Caused It |
Evidence We Use to Prove It |
Applicable Maritime Law |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vessel Collision/Allision |
Watch stander texting/browsing instead of maintaining proper lookout |
Cell phone records showing texts at time of impact; bridge CCTV footage; AIS data showing course deviation |
COLREGS Rule 5 (Proper Lookout); 33 U.S.C. § 2005; 46 CFR 15.1111 |
|
Crane/Transfer Accident |
Operator on phone during personnel basket transfer or cargo lift; missed hand signals |
Data usage records showing active phone use; deck camera footage; witness statements from signal person |
Jones Act negligence; General Maritime Law; Company safety protocols |
|
Line Snap-Back |
Deckhand distracted during mooring operations; failed to secure line properly or watch for slack |
Text message timestamps during mooring; witness statements; photos of improperly secured lines |
Jones Act vicarious liability; Negligent crew training |
|
Machinery/Winch Injury |
Operator distracted; failed to see worker near equipment or respond to stop signal |
Cell phone call records; machinery camera footage; emergency stop logs showing it wasn’t activated |
Jones Act; Unseaworthiness (unguarded equipment); OSHA machine guarding standards |
|
Slip/Trip/Fall |
Supervisor on phone instead of overseeing cleanup or marking hazards |
Text logs showing extended personal conversations during shift; witness statements; photos of unmarked hazard |
Jones Act; Duty to provide safe workplace; Negligent supervision |
The Evidence That Proves Cell Phone Distraction
The biggest challenge in cell phone distraction cases is proof. The crew member will deny it. The employer will claim there’s no evidence. Witnesses may be pressured to stay silent.
That’s why you need a lawyer who knows exactly what evidence to demand and how to get it before it disappears.
Critical Evidence We Preserve Immediately
1. Cell Phone Carrier Records
We subpoena the crew member’s phone records from their carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to show:
When these records show phone activity at the exact time of your accident, it’s devastating proof of distraction.
Important timing: Carriers typically keep call/text logs for 1-2 years, but detailed data usage records may only be stored for months. We must act fast.
2. Forensic Examination of the Actual Device
If possible, we obtain the crew member’s actual phone through legal process and have it forensically examined to show:
This is the most detailed evidence, but it requires immediate legal action before the phone is “lost,” reset, or destroyed.
3. Surveillance Footage (CCTV)
Many vessels, rigs, and work areas have security cameras. We immediately demand preservation of:
Critical: Most surveillance systems overwrite footage every 30-90 days. If we don’t demand preservation immediately, this evidence is gone forever.
4. Witness Statements
We interview coworkers quickly — before the employer pressures them or they leave the job:
Why timing matters: The employer often separates injured workers from the crew immediately, making it difficult to get honest witness statements later.
5. Company Cell Phone Policies
We demand copies of:
Why this matters: If the company had a written policy against phone use during safety-critical work but failed to enforce it, that proves they knew the danger existed and failed to prevent it. This defeats their “unforeseeable act” defense.
What You Must Do Right Now
If you believe a distracted crew member caused your injury, evidence is disappearing by the hour. Here’s what you need to do immediately:
Within 24 Hours:
1. Report Your Injury in Writing
Tell your supervisor or employer about the accident in writing (email, text, written form). Specifically mention if you saw the crew member on their phone. Get a copy of any accident report they create.
2. Document What You Saw
Write down everything you remember:
3. Identify Witnesses
Get names and contact information for anyone who:
Do this before the employer separates you from the crew.
Within 72 Hours:
4. Contact an experienced Maritime Lawyer Immediately
Cell phone evidence has a short shelf life:
An experienced maritime attorney will immediately send legal preservation demands to the employer, the phone carrier, and any third parties with evidence — stopping them from destroying proof before your case is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cell Phone Distraction Accidents
Can I sue if a crew member’s cell phone use caused my injury?
Yes. Under the Jones Act, your employer is liable for the negligence of fellow crew members when that negligence occurs during their job duties. If a crew member was distracted by personal phone use while operating equipment, standing watch, or supervising work, and that distraction contributed to your injury, you have a strong legal claim.
How do you prove someone was on their phone during the accident?
We use multiple sources of evidence: cell phone carrier records showing calls, texts, and data usage at the exact time of the accident; forensic examination of the actual device showing what apps were open; surveillance footage showing the crew member looking at their phone; and witness statements from other workers who saw the distraction. The combination of this evidence creates irrefutable proof.
What if the crew member denies being on their phone?
They almost always deny it initially. That’s why we immediately subpoena objective evidence that can’t be denied: timestamped cell phone records from the carrier, surveillance video footage, and device forensics. When the records show they sent three text messages in the two minutes before your accident, their denial becomes irrelevant.
Is all cell phone use considered negligence?
No. Some phone use is legitimate work-related communication — calling the office, using navigation apps, emergency notifications. The key legal question is whether the phone use was personal and unnecessary versus work-related and reasonable. Our investigation focuses on proving the distraction was personal use (social media, texting friends, browsing) that violated the crew member’s duty of care and company policy.
What if my employer says they didn’t know about the phone use?
Under the Jones Act’s vicarious liability doctrine, the employer doesn’t need to know about the specific phone use. They’re responsible for their employee’s negligence as long as it occurred during work duties. Additionally, if we can prove the employer knew phone distraction was an ongoing problem but failed to enforce their own policies, that’s separate evidence of the employer’s direct negligence.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the injury. However, critical evidence disappears much faster: cell phone records are only kept for 1-2 years, surveillance footage is often overwritten within 30-90 days, and witnesses’ memories fade. Don’t wait — contact a maritime lawyer immediately to preserve evidence while it still exists.
Can the employer blame me for the accident instead?
They will try. Employers often claim the injured worker was also distracted, didn’t follow procedures, or contributed to the accident. However, under Jones Act comparative negligence rules, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault — as long as the distracted crew member’s negligence played any part in causing your injury. We use cell phone records to prove their distraction was the primary cause.
What compensation can I receive?
Depending on your injuries, you may recover: all past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life. Because cell phone distraction often involves clear violations of safety rules and company policies, these cases can also support claims for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Get Our FREE Guide to Protect Your Claim
What you do after an accident is critical. Insurance companies will try to get you to make mistakes that can hurt your claim. Our free guide can help you avoid these traps.
Download our complimentary guide: “5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Any Maritime Accident” to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your rights.
Don’t Let a Distracted Crew Member’s Negligence Cost You Your Future
A few seconds of someone looking at their phone instead of doing their job has changed your life forever. You’re facing medical bills, lost income, pain, and uncertainty about your future.
That crew member’s distraction wasn’t just careless — it was negligence under maritime law. And your employer is legally responsible.
But here’s the hard truth: Without immediate legal action, the evidence that proves what really happened will disappear. Phone records will be purged. Video footage will be overwritten. Witnesses will be pressured to stay silent or will leave the industry.
At Lambert Zainey, we act immediately to preserve the evidence you need to win.
We’ve spent decades fighting for injured maritime workers across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. We know:
You didn’t cause this accident. A distracted crew member did — and federal law holds your employer responsible.
Call Lambert Zainey today for a free, confidential case review: 800-521-1750
The evidence won’t wait. Neither should you.
