Missouri Barge Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys

What To Do After a Fall Accident on a Barge

On any barge there are multiple hazards that can result in a devastating slip-and-fall accident. There is a wide range of injuries that can be suffered in such slip-and-fall accidents and many of them require expensive medical treatments and prolonged periods of time away from work. Seeking compensation for a Missouri barge accident can be complicated and victims often have to fight for their rights. A skilled personal injury attorney can help a barge worker understand the legal options available and how to hold his or her employer accountable for the injuries suffered.

Slippery Floors

One of the reasons why barge workers often suffer injuries in slip-and-fall accidents is because barges are often wet. Whenever a slip-and-fall accident occurs on the barge, it is important to determine if the employer was negligent in some way. Were the workers warned of the wet conditions? Were proper safety devices and equipment provided? Should the area have been mopped up or clearly marked as hazardous?

Injuries Suffered in Slip-And-Fall Accidents

There are a number of injuries that can be suffered in a slip-and-fall accident. A few of the most common and serious injuries include:

• Head injuries: Barge workers who are falling may strike their head on a hard object or on the floor. Workers who sustain head trauma may suffer a minor concussion resulting in dizziness, headaches, and confusion or they may even suffer permanent brain damage.
• Back injuries: Falling directly on your tailbone, shoulder, or side can result in a serious back injury. Others may twist their back awkwardly during the slip-and-fall incident. In either case, the victim may suffer a wide range of injuries including herniated vertebrae, strains, nerve damage, or even spinal cord damage.
• Broken bone injuries: Victims of slip-and-fall accidents may suffer a hip, ankle, wrist, or shoulder injury. Depending on whether or not the worker has time to brace him- or herself properly, the fall may result in a broken bone. These types of injuries may make physical labor at work impossible and they often take several months to heal.

Proving Negligence

Under normal conditions, an injured worker may file for workers compensation insurance to pursue compensation for losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Missouri barge workers, however, are covered by The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which means that they may file a lawsuit against their employer to receive compensation for their injury. Not all accidents result in valid claims and it is the responsibility of the injured victim to prove that negligence played a part in the incident.

Injured barge workers would be well advised to:

• Report their injury to their employer;
• Seek immediate medical attention;
• Maintain medical records and keep track of all bills and expenses;
• Keep records of all financial losses that resulted from the injury; and
• Call a skilled accident attorney.

St. Louis barge injury lawyers at Page Law know how to hold negligent companies accountable for the injuries suffered by their employees. To discuss your potential claim at absolutely no cost, call our offices right away.