Texas Barge Accident Lawyer

Barge work is physically demanding and often occurs in unpredictable or hazardous conditions. As a result, accidents can happen in many different ways, often leading to serious or even fatal injuries.

Below are some of the most common types of barge accidents, how they occur, and the harm they can cause:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet, uneven, or obstructed surfaces on decks and walkways can cause crew members to lose their footing. These accidents may result in broken bones, head injuries, or back trauma.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Winches, cranes, and other heavy equipment can malfunction or be mishandled, leading to crushed limbs, amputations, or severe musculoskeletal injuries.
• Collisions: Barges may collide with another vessel, a dock, or a fixed object due to misnavigation, mechanical failure, or operator error. These incidents can cause trauma from blunt force impact, drowning, or structural damage to the vessel.
• Fires and Explosions: Leaks from fuel tanks, electrical faults, or flammable cargo can lead to devastating fires or explosions, causing burns, respiratory damage, and fatalities.
• Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals: Some barges transport hazardous substances, and leaks or improper handling can result in toxic exposure, chemical burns, or long-term illnesses such as cancer or lung disease.
• Falling Overboard: Lack of guardrails, high seas, or unstable footing can cause workers to fall overboard, leading to drowning or hypothermia, especially when proper maritime safety protocols are not followed.

Determining who is liable for a barge accident requires a thorough investigation of how the incident occurred. Responsible parties may include barge owners or operators, negligent employers, contractors, manufacturers of defective equipment, or even fellow crew members. A skilled Texas barge accident attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and build a case to recover maximum compensation.