Maritime injuries and deaths suffered by workers and private citizens continue to occur with alarming frequency. Typical blue water or brown water maritime injury cases involve seamen, merchant mariners, fisherman, divers, tug and barge workers as well as operators, passengers and crew injured on cruise ships, recreational vessels, ferries, factory trawlers, dredges, towboats, and personal water craft (Wave Runners or Jet Skis).
The working deck of a vessel continues to be one of the most dangerous environments in the world. Often due to the unseaworthiness of vessels, maritime injuries and accidents to seamen frequently involve the use of a crane, winch, net reel, or crab pot launcher. Deckhands are also frequently injured in the galley, engine room, by an open hatch or while making and breaking tows aboard tugs and barges. Many seamen also suffer from hearing loss due to working in noisy environments without adequate protection.
The maritime injury lawyers at Tichenor Dziuba Law Office are experienced at representing the victims of maritime injuries and their families. With over 60 years of combined experience, we have represented injured seamen, merchant mariners, fishermen, tug and barge workers as well as people injured aboard and by cruise ships, recreational vessels, ferries, factory trawlers, ski boats and jet skis. We have represented IBU (Inland Boatman Union) members, fishermen and others working the inland navigable brown waters (Columbia River, Willamette River, Rogue River, Snake River) near cities (Portland, Vancouver, St. Helens, Rainier,) in Oregon & Washington as well as those sailing from harbors (Coos Bay, Newport, Tillamook, Warrenton, Astoria, Longview, Seattle, Bremerton, Port Angeles, Olympia) in the Northwest to fish and work up and down the coastal blue waters from California to the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands (Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, Sand Point, etc).
Federal admiralty law generally governs maritime injuries and deaths which occur on or near navigable waters such as the Columbia River, Snake River, Puget Sound, Pacific Ocean, and the Willamette River. The Jones Act provides added protection to individuals who suffer maritime injuries while working in the service of a vessel. Given the unique nature of the laws protecting the victims of maritime injuries, experienced representation is important. For an example of our success on behalf of clients injured or killed by maritime accidents, please see our Case Histories, or read more in our Maritime Accident freqently asked questions section.
If you have any questions and would like to speak with us regarding a maritime accident or injury, please call us toll-free at 1-888-883-1576 or contact us online. There is no charge for an initial consultation.