Working on and around a vessel in a shipyard can be just as hazardous as working aboard a vessel on the open water. 

Shipyard work covers a wide range of activities, including the construction, repair, retrofitting, dismantling, and scrapping of vessels. This type of work often requires the use of potentially dangerous tools and equipment in enclosed spaces.

Common Shipyard Accidents, Hazards, and Injuries

Dangers in Shipyards

Some of the hazards shipyard workers can face include:

Because of these hazards, shipyard worker accidents are an all too common occurrence. In fact, shipyard worker injuries occur at a much higher frequency than in most other industrial operations.

Common Shipyard Accidents

Some of the common shipyard accidents that can kill or injure a shipyard worker include:

  • Fires and Explosions
  • Slips and fall
  • Electrocution
  • Crane accidents
  • Environmental hazards (wind, rain, snow, etc.)
  • Forklift accidents
  • Structural collapses
  • Exposure to hazardous materials
  • Exposure to toxic gases
  • Being struck by falling objects
  • Poorly maintained equipment
  • Scaffolding and ladder mishaps
  • Exposure to excessive levels of noise
  • Crush injuries
  • Affixation

Types of Injuries Shipyard Workers Experience

Safety plays a big factor in preventing shipyard accidents. All businesses have a legal obligation to provide their workers with a safe work environment. Shipyards are no different. When shipyard management fails to maintain a safe workplace, and a worker is injured in a shipyard accident, that worker has a right to seek compensation for the damages resulting from his injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Some of the most common injuries suffered by shipyard workers include:

  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Abrasions
  • Bones fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Spinal damage
  • Nerve damage
  • Respiratory system damage
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Amputations
  • Drowning

Many of these injuries have the potential to permanently disable a shipyard worker; in some cases, they can even be fatal.

Due to the many laws that come into play, seeking compensation after a shipyard injury can be a real challenge. In order to get the total compensation an injured shipyard worker should seek the services of an experienced maritime attorney.

Shipyard Accident Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in a shipyard accident, get in touch with Lambert Zainey without delay. Our maritime law firm has been protecting the rights of injured shipyard workers for over 40 years. We focus on helping persons who have been injured in on-the-job maritime and shipyard accidents.

In many cases, your shipyard accident may be covered by multiple land-based and maritime laws. Our in-depth knowledge of maritime and personal injury law will insure you get the total compensation you are due for your injuries.

Contact our offices to schedule a free initial consultation with a Louisiana shipyard accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, answer any questions you have, and provide frank, professional advice on the best way to proceed in your situation. Our maritime injury cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means there are no up-front costs to our clients and we only collect a fee after you’ve obtained your settlement.