Boat fires and explosions are some of the most terrifying dangers offshore workers can face. Surrounded by water, with limited escape options, crew members are often trapped when something goes wrong. These aren’t rare events, either—fires can break out on even the best-run vessels when safety systems fail or basic precautions are ignored.
Offshore injury cases involving fires and explosions often reveal serious negligence. Many employers don’t maintain proper fire suppression systems or let their equipment fall out of code. When that happens, injured workers can and should pursue compensation. If you were injured in a maritime fire or explosion, a Louisiana maritime injury attorney at The Maritime Injury Law Firm may be able to help.
Why Fires and Explosions Happen Offshore
There’s no single cause for offshore vessel fires, but most incidents are preventable. Common causes include:
- Poorly maintained engines or fuel lines
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Leaking flammable chemicals
- Inadequate training or safety oversight
- Malfunctioning fire suppression systems
In some cases, fires result from overloaded cargo or illegal storage of hazardous materials. When owners and operators cut corners, workers suffer the consequences.
Fire Safety Equipment That Should Always Be on Board
Every vessel should be equipped with key safety tools and multiple exit routes to help protect the crew. Fire prevention and response gear should include:
- Serviced fire extinguishers
- Smoke detectors
- Fire hoses and water pumps
- Fireproof doors and hatches
- Automatic suppression systems (especially near the engine room)
- Clearly marked, accessible escape routes
If you were injured in a boat fire and your vessel didn’t have the right safety equipment, speak with an offshore accident lawyer about your legal options.
What Injuries Are Common in Fires at Sea?
Explosions and fires offshore can lead to devastating injuries, such as:
- Third-degree burns
- Smoke inhalation and lung damage
- Hearing loss from blasts
- Blindness or eye trauma
- Traumatic amputations
- Internal organ damage
- PTSD or long-term anxiety
- Drowning (in cases where a fire forces the crew into the water)
- Wrongful death
Seamen often face higher risks than passengers because they’re closest to hazardous areas like engine rooms and fuel storage.
Can You File a Maritime Claim After a Boat Fire?
Yes. Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers may sue their employer if the injury was caused by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel. That includes failure to provide adequate fire prevention measures. You may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future care and disability benefits
If a loved one was killed in a fire at sea, you may have a wrongful death claim under maritime law.
To succeed, you’ll need a maritime attorney who understands how to build your case, collect vessel safety records, and go up against major maritime employers.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Claim
Waiting to report your injury or contact a lawyer can hurt your case. Insurance companies often argue that the injury wasn’t serious if it wasn’t reported right away. To protect your rights, always document the incident, seek immediate medical care, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
The maritime injury lawyers serving New Orleans and the Gulf Coast at The Maritime Injury Law Firm know how to fight for crew members after catastrophic offshore accidents.
Contact The Maritime Injury Law Firm Today
Boat fires and explosions are serious and often preventable. If you’ve been injured at sea due to a fire, explosion, or negligent vessel maintenance, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Contact The Maritime Injury Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you take the next step toward justice and fair compensation.
