If you’re involved in an offshore accident, you must know the ins and outs of your rights to file a lawsuit. This article will explain some of the basics. You’ll learn about slip and fall injuries, fires, and proper fuel storage.

Slippery Decks

As a maritime worker, you should be familiar with slip and fall injuries. These can be devastating. They can cause broken bones, spinal cord injury, hypothermia, and other severe conditions.

You should also know that your rights are protected under the Jones Act. This law compensates workers who have suffered injuries while working on vessels. You can speak with law firms that specialize in offshore injury litigation, such as Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor.

Slip and fall incidents occur on ships all the time. Some more common accidents include falling overboard, stairs, and getting caught between barges and tug boats. It is also possible to become crushed by a vessel.

Slip and fall accidents are usually preventable. Maritime workers should be trained to stow equipment properly. They should also wear appropriate deck shoes. Properly trained crew members should know how to clean up spills.

Fires

If you’re involved in a fire or explosion, you may be able to seek compensation. This can be essential in ensuring that your injuries and losses are appropriately addressed.

The damage caused by fires can be devastating. Faulty electrical systems, flammable liquids, and old appliances can cause them. These can lead to severe burns, cuts, and other injuries.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a fire injury lawsuit against a landlord. 

You can also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if someone you love is killed in a fire. This can include pain and suffering, end-of-life medical expenses, and funeral costs.

Proper Fuel Storage

Proper fuel storage for offshore injury lawsuits is no small feat. Managing flammable liquids in a safe and well-ventilated facility is an art in and of itself. Working the same at sea can be a scary proposition at times. One way to combat this is with an adequate safety and health plan that details the proper firefighting and other fire prevention methods. This can be an excellent first step, but it can be even better if you can ensure that the required equipment and personnel are in place and acclimatized to the conditions. Having a comprehensive plan can also help prevent the worst from happening in the first place.

Statutes of Limitations

Statutes of limitations state the time limit within which a lawsuit may be filed. These statutes vary from state to state and are designed to protect people from harm. They are also meant to encourage the timely filing of lawsuits.

Typically, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is two years. But there are exceptions. Some states, like California, allow a more extended period for filing a claim. Depending on the specific injury, the time limit might be increased.

Intentional torts, such as assault, are subject to special rules. These types of cases can be a complicated process. A person who intends to injure another has to be arrested. The perpetrator then must be prosecuted for an intentional tort.