Maritime employees face a variety of uncontrollable hazards. The weather, the conduct of sea life and the ocean itself can be highly unpredictable. Acquired skills, appropriate training and safety equipment can go a long way toward limiting the risk of injury or death in a maritime work environment.
Professionals also rely on their employers to maintain seaworthy vessels. A vessel must be able to operate in a predictable fashion and withstand the force of the ocean, as well as any inclement weather that may arise.
Occasionally, issues with a vessel can cause maritime incidents with devastating consequences for the people onboard. If an injured maritime professional can establish that their vessel was unseaworthy, they may be more successful when pursuing financial compensation.
Vessel owners have a duty to others
People who own seagoing vessels have a legal duty to others. They must ensure that the vessel and all of its equipment are reasonably fit for their intended purposes. Any employees who work on the vessel and any clients who charter the vessel should be able to trust that it is seaworthy.
Owners cannot delegate that responsibility to others. They are personally accountable for the condition of their vessels and access to safety equipment. If they fail to perform adequate maintenance, inspect the vessel for damage or address issues with the vessel in a timely fashion, they could be legally liable for any incidents that result from the condition of the vessel.
Unseaworthy vessels can put everyone onboard at unnecessary risk and can represent an actionable form of negligence. Documenting the basis for claims of unseaworthiness can help injured professionals pursue compensation from their employers or vessel owners. Maritime injury claims are often complex, and proof of negligent conduct or a failure to fulfill legal duties can help strengthen a professional’s claim.