Houma Dredge Accident Lawyer
Dredger vessels are ships that use specialized equipment to perform certain tasks. Most often, these ships are charged with excavating sediment and moving it to another place. Unfortunately, when individuals are injured by these ships, obtaining compensation from the owner of the ship is far more difficult than they expect. If you or someone you care about has been injured by a dredge, you will need the help of an established Houma dredge accident lawyer.
An experienced attorney who knows how to handle the responsible party can help victims obtain the compensation they need and deserve. Continue reading to learn more about dredges and the accidents they often cause.
What Are Dredgers Used For?
Dredging work is arduous and difficult, and only trained operators should be charged with operating the machines. If an operator makes even a slight mistake, accidents can occur and innocent individuals can get hurt. Dredgers are used for a variety of reasons, but they are often used to do the following:
- Maintain waterways
- Build new harbors
- Reclaim land from the sea
- Harvest natural resources
- Remove trash and debris
- Collecting shellfish
Dredgers often use suction to filter sediment for shellfish and other natural resources, and some are even equipped with a bucket-like scoop. Simply put, dredgers are extremely complex machines, and if a person is injured by one, they will need an experienced Houma dredge accident attorney on their side.
The Role of Dredger Owners (Companies and Employers)
Working on a dredger can be dangerous, and it is the responsibility of the dredger owner to be sure everyone on board is capable of taking steps to remain safe. Individuals who regularly work on dredgers are at increased risk of falling overboard and being injured by the mechanical equipment onboard. Unfortunately, not all companies value the well-being of their employees, and they often force employees to work long hours that fatigue them and increase their risk of sustaining serious injury.
Also, companies have an obligation to ensure their employees know how to properly operate the dredger safely. When they fail to do this, an attorney serving Houma could help hold them accountable for a dredge accident.
Possible Compensation for Injuries
When a person is injured, they should take action against the accountable party. Dredge accident injuries can be painful and extensive, and often, they are expensive to treat. If the injuries prevent the victim from returning to work or result in a permanent disability, victims will almost definitely need to take legal action. Depending on the nature of their injuries, an individual may be able to receive compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Everyday living expenses
The owner of the dredger should be held financially responsible, and if a victim wants compensation, they will more than likely need the help of a Houma dredge accident attorney. If a victim takes on the owner of a dredge who has access to extensive legal resources, they will most likely be overwhelmed if they do not have legal representation.
Speak With a Houma Dredge Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a dredging accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. To obtain this compensation, you will more than likely need to hire an experienced Houma dredge accident lawyer to represent you in your time of need. Contact us at Kopfler & Hermann today to schedule your consultation.