If you’ve been hurt in a barge accident, the first step is understanding your legal rights under maritime law. The conditions on the vessel, the training you received, and even the equipment used during your job can all determine what compensation you’re entitled to under the Jones Act.
As a tankerman, you have the right to compensation for your daily living expenses and medical treatment until you’ve fully recovered, even if no one is at fault. This is known as maintenance and cure under the Jones Act.
But here’s the truth: employers and their insurers are rarely eager to pay what you deserve. That’s why you need someone on your side who understands the system and will fight to protect you. At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, our team investigates every detail of your accident to make sure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to—and more if negligence is involved.
Common Maritime Accidents and Injuries
Tankermen face serious risks every time they step on a barge. Some of the most common accidents we see include:
- Slip and fall accidents on slick decks
- Equipment failures due to poor maintenance
- Line handling injuries that cause severe hand and arm damage
- Fires and collisions resulting in burns or catastrophic trauma
Injuries from these accidents can range from back pain and broken bones to life-altering conditions like amputations, spinal cord injuries, or chemical burns. Even if your injury seems minor at first, you shouldn’t stay silent—your health and your future are too important.
Your Right to a Safe Workplace Under the Jones Act
Employers and barge owners are legally required to provide a seaworthy vessel and comply with safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Coast Guard.
If they fail in these duties—even slightly—they can be held liable for negligence. Under the Jones Act, you have powerful protections as a seaman. If your injury occurred on navigable waters such as:
- The ocean
- A lake
- A river
then you may be entitled to take action.
Even if only a small aspect of your workplace was unsafe, you still have the right to speak up and demand accountability.
Compensation Available to Injured Tankermen
When negligence is proven, the Jones Act allows injured tankermen to sue their employer for damages above and beyond maintenance and cure. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Living expenses during recovery
- Fear of future medical procedures
You don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. A skilled maritime injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
What if No One Was at Fault?
Even if your injury wasn’t caused by negligence, you’re still entitled to maintenance and cure benefits under the Jones Act.
This means your employer must pay for:
- Maintenance: Your daily living expenses, such as housing, food, and utilities
- Cure: Your medical care, including transportation to and from your appointments
These benefits continue until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are cleared to return to work.
Steps to Take After a Barge Injury
If you’re a tankerman injured on the job:
- Limit what you say to your employer—remember, their interests aren’t the same as yours.
- See your own doctor, not the company doctor.
- Document everything about the incident, including dates, times, and names of witnesses.
- Speak with an experienced Louisiana Jones Act lawyer as soon as possible.
Call Our Louisiana Jones Act Lawyers
You’ve worked hard to support your family, don’t let your employer or their insurance company take advantage of you after a serious injury. At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we’re dedicated to protecting the rights of tankermen and holding negligent employers accountable.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and let us fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
FAQs About Jones Act Claims for Louisiana Barge and Tankerman Injuries
1. Do tankermen qualify as seamen under the Jones Act?
Yes. Tankermen and barge workers usually meet the requirements because they perform a significant amount of their work on a vessel in navigation. This means they are generally entitled to Jones Act protections and compensation.
2. What if my barge injury was partly my own fault?
You can still recover compensation. Under the Jones Act, even slight employer negligence can allow you to pursue damages, and your compensation is not barred if you share some responsibility.
3. Can I choose my own doctor after a barge injury?
Yes. You have the right to see your own physician for evaluation and treatment. You are not required to rely on the company doctor, and doing so may limit the accuracy of your medical records.
4. What evidence should I collect after a tankerman injury?
Document the scene, take photos, write down equipment involved, note unsafe conditions, gather witness names, and keep copies of every medical record. These details help prove negligence and support your compensation claim.
5. How long do I have to file a Jones Act claim after a barge injury?
Most Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the injury. Speaking with a maritime lawyer early helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
6. What if my employer says my injury isn’t serious or tries to blame me?
This is common. Employers and insurers often downplay injuries to avoid paying. A maritime attorney can step in immediately to protect your rights, push back against inaccurate claims, and make sure you’re not pressured into signing anything harmful.
