One of the most common maritime job positions is a deckhand. What is a deckhand, and how dangerous are the typical deckhand duties? Better yet, what happens when you get injured as a deckhand? Here’s what you should know.
What Is a Deckhand, and What Are Deckhand Duties?
Deckhand duties vary, but generally, deckhands are supposed to help tie up the ship as it comes into port and untie it before it leaves port. Deckhands who work on a passenger boat might help people on and off the vessel, while those who work on a fishing boat often help unload and clean the fish.
Deckhand duties also include keeping the deck clean by sweeping and hosing it off. Also, deckhands often make minor repairs, repaint surfaces and maintain the ropes. Finally, deckhand responsibilities often include helping to steer the vessel and lower the lifeboats. The considerable range of deckhand duties means there are lots of ways for deckhands to get injured.
Ship and Tugboat Deckhand Requirements Can Be Dangerous
If you’re working on a tugboat or ship as a deckhand, you’re already familiar with the many risks you face every day. The ship and tugboat deckhand requirements make it necessary to be in shape, able to move through a crowded deck and ready to work in inclement weather. No matter how fit you are, there’s a chance you will slip and fall on the deck, or get injured as you use the equipment needed for your deckhand responsibilities.
Additionally, deckhands are prone to serious injuries to their necks and backs that might occur when they must lift heavy items and carefully maneuver around the deck. There’s also a risk of the deckhand falling off the vessel and drowning. If you have been injured while performing deckhand responsibilities, talk to a Houston maritime injury lawyer like Richard Schechter to find out your legal options.
Examples of Accidents That Can Happen While Working on a Tugboat or Ship
For some people, working on a tugboat has led to severe injuries and even death. For instance, an error in judgement on the part of the captain of a boat caused the drowning death of an experienced deckhand. Other crew members aboard the boat were able to clamber to safety seconds after the captain alerted them that the vessel was sinking, but the deckhand couldn’t get out in time.
In another case, a deckhand was seriously injured when he was crushed between a vessel and a dam wall. Fortunately, he was rescued before being killed. These are just a few examples of how working on a tugboat can cause injury. If you can relate to such cases, contact The Law Office of Richard Schechter, P.C. to find out how to proceed with your case.
Rights of Injured Deckhands Under Maritime Law
If you’re injured while working on a tugboat or ship as a deckhand, you have a right to compensation that will pay for your medical expenses, missed wages and more. Whether or not you think your employer’s negligence led to your injuries, you shouldn’t have to pay for the resulting medical bills. Instead, contact a maritime lawyer to find out if you qualify for the Jones Act or have any other type of coverage that will help as you heal.
If you’re interested in learning more about your rights as a deckhand, please contact The Law Office of Richard Schechter, P.C. today. We’ll look at the details of your case and assess your legal options.
