Vessel Transfer Accidents

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New Orleans Offshore Vessel Transfer Accident Lawyers – Lambert Zainey

Moving people between boats or from boats to platforms out in the Gulf is something offshore workers do all the time, but it’s one of the riskiest parts of the job. Using personnel baskets (like the Billy Pugh net), swing ropes, or gangways means facing dangers from moving boats, rough seas, equipment breaking down, and simple human mistakes. Accidents during these transfers can cause terrible, life-changing injuries or even death.

At Lambert Zainey, our New Orleans offshore injury lawyers know vessel transfer accidents inside and out. We understand the tricky moves involved, the special gear used, the safety rules that should be followed, and the different laws that might apply depending on exactly where and how you got hurt. If an offshore transfer went wrong and you were injured, we’ll investigate fully and fight to get you the money you need.

Hurt During an Offshore Personnel Transfer? We Can Help.

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Why Offshore Transfers Are So Risky

Moving from a bouncing boat onto another boat or a fixed platform in the middle of the ocean is naturally dangerous. Things that make it risky include:

Equipment Problems: You’re counting on cranes, ropes, baskets, or gangways working perfectly. If they fail, it’s bad news.
Teamwork: Needs perfect timing and clear talk between the boat crew, crane operator, and people on the platform.
Boat Movement: Waves and wind make boats pitch, roll, and heave up and down.
Human Mistakes: Being tired, poorly trained, or rushing can cause deadly errors.
Rough Seas: Bad weather makes everything much harder and more dangerous.
Weather: Wind, rain, and fog make it hard to see and operate safely.

Companies and boat operators MUST make sure transfers are done safely, with the right gear and procedures, and only when the conditions are safe enough.

Common Ways People Get Hurt Transferring (Baskets, Ropes, etc.)

Different ways of transferring have different dangers, often caused by carelessness (negligence) or unsafe conditions:

Personnel Baskets (Billy Pugh Nets, etc.)

Crane Mistakes: Operator jerking the basket, dropping it, swinging it into things.
Basket/Rigging Failure: Basket breaking, crane cables snapping.
Bad Weather Transfers: Trying to lift in wind/waves that are too high.
Unsafe Landing Spots: Problems on the boat or platform deck where you land/take off.

Swing Ropes

Falls: Losing your grip, missing the swing, slipping when you land (especially if wet).
Rope Breaking: Old or damaged ropes snapping under weight.
Bad Training/No Help: Not knowing how to swing right, or being forced to do it alone.
Swinging in Rough Seas: Boss making you swing when conditions are clearly unsafe (negligence).

Gangways and Bridges (Walkways Between Boat/Platform)

Moving/Collapsing: Gangway shifting or falling because of boat movement or not being tied down right.
Bad Condition: Broken handrails, slippery surfaces, rusty metal.
Placed Wrong: Not set up correctly for a safe walk across.

Other Common Causes

Poor Communication: Bad signals between crane operator, boat captain, platform crew.
Lack of Safety Gear: Missing harnesses, life vests, or proper boots.
Bad Maintenance: Ropes, cranes, baskets, gangways not kept in safe working order.
Working When Too Tired: Fatigue leading to mistakes by operators or crew.

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Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims

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$330 MILLION SETTLEMENT

Oil storage tank rupture at the Murphy Oil USA refinery in Chalmette, LA. The fastest class certification and resolution of a case of its type and magnitude to date.

SETTLED IN ONLY 12 MONTHS

Arco cryogenic platform explosion caused by improper cold cut of Southern Natural Gas pipeline. Settlement for the injured and deceased in approximately twelve months.

Which Laws Cover Transfer Accidents? (Jones Act, OCSLA, etc.)

Figuring out which law applies depends on where you got hurt and what your job status is:

Hurt While On a Vessel (Boat, Barge, Rig Acting as Vessel): If you’re a crew member (a “seaman”), claims against your employer are usually under the Jones Act (for carelessness) and maybe Unseaworthiness (for unsafe boat/gear).
Hurt By Another Boat’s Carelessness: You likely have a General Maritime Law claim against the owner/operator of that other boat.
Hurt On a Fixed Platform (Like Landing After Transfer): If it’s a fixed platform way offshore (on the OCS), OCSLA usually applies. This means you get LHWCA benefits (like workers’ comp) from your employer, AND you might be able to sue other careless companies under State Law (like Louisiana’s). (Internal Link: -> OCSLA Page, LHWCA Page)

It’s complicated! Our Offshore Injury lawyers figure out the right laws for your specific situation.

Offshore personnel transfer injury lawyer

Serious Injuries from Transfer Accidents

Because these accidents often involve falls from height or impacts, injuries can be severe:

Head Injuries / Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Crush Injuries (getting caught between things)
Multiple Broken Bones
Spinal Cord Injuries / Paralysis
Internal Bleeding / Organ Damage
Drowning or Near-Drowning
Bad Shoulder, Knee, or Back Injuries

Who Can Be Blamed (Held Liable)?

Depending on what went wrong, several parties could be responsible:

Your Employer (under the Jones Act if you’re a seaman).
The Vessel Owner (for Unseaworthiness or general carelessness).
The Crane Company/Operator (if separate from owner/employer).
Maker of Faulty Equipment (if the basket, rope, crane, etc., was defective).
The Platform Owner/Operator (if unsafe platform conditions or bad directions caused it, often under OCSLA/State Law).

Why Choose Lambert Zainey for Your Transfer Accident Case?

We know how to handle these specific, complex cases:offers:

We Focus on Offshore Accidents: Including the unique dangers of personnel transfers.
We Know the Gear & Procedures: We understand how baskets, ropes, and gangways should work safely.
We Get Results: We’ve successfully helped many workers hurt during vessel transfers. See our Maritime Case Results.
We Handle the Tricky Law: We figure out if Jones Act, OCSLA/State Law, or other maritime rules apply.
We Investigate Everything: We check maintenance logs, training records, weather reports, and talk to witnesses.
A Team That Fights For You: We know you’re facing a difficult battle. Our team provides dedicated support, clear communication so you’re never in the dark, and the aggressive advocacy needed to navigate the tough legal process. Read More About Our Maritime Attorneys.

We have represented injured maritime workers for over 40 years. We understand the laws that govern maritime employers and employees.

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Common Questions About Offshore Transfer Accidents

Moving between vessels offshore can be risky, especially in rough conditions. This section answers key questions to help you understand your rights if you’re injured during a transfer.

Using one isn’t automatically careless, but making someone use it in bad weather, with a bad rope, or without help is strong proof the company was negligent.

Could be the crane operator’s employer, the boat owner (if the crane made the boat “unseaworthy”), or maybe even the platform owner if they gave bad instructions.

If it’s a fixed platform far offshore (OCS), OCSLA likely applies. You’d get LHWCA benefits from your boss and could possibly sue other careless companies under state law (like Louisiana’s).

Yes. The Coast Guard and safety groups have rules and guidelines for designing, checking, maintaining, and using personnel transfer gear. Not following these rules can show negligence.

Call Our Offshore Injury Attorneys Today

Getting hurt during an offshore transfer is often preventable and can change your life. If this happened to you, contact the experienced New Orleans offshore injury lawyers at Lambert Zainey. We understand these specific accidents and will fight for your rights.

Get a free, private review of your vessel transfer accident claim.

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