Serious and Fatal Commercial Diving Accidents
Of all maritime workers, divers may be at the most risk of serious or fatal injury. Understanding the hazards, maintenance contractors and petrochemical companies that employ divers are required by law to adhere to strict safety standards and dive protocols. When negligent dive managers, crewmembers or vessel owners fail to exercise proper precautions and a diver is injured or killed, this may form the basis for a claim for compensation under the Jones Act.
Injured divers and families who lost a loved one in a commercial diving accident may also have the option of seeking compensation in a direct action against a third party whose negligence caused or contributed to the injury or loss.
The Houston law firm of Stevenson & Murray represents injured divers in Texas, throughout the Gulf Coast and nationwide. Our capable attorneys offer sound legal advice and experienced representation to divers employed by U.S. companies operating in the Persian Gulf, North Sea, Asia, Africa, Australia and around the world. To discuss your case in a free consultation, please contact us today. All consultations are strictly confidential.
Representing Injured Maintenance Divers in the U.S. and Worldwide
The firm has substantial experience in helping victims of diving injuries and other maritime accidents recover substantial compensation on claims of negligence, including:
- Failure to monitor rate of ascent resulting in nitrogen narcosis (decompression sickness or "the bends")
- Negligent air flow and oxygen monitoring and regulation
- Failure to conduct required physical and medical evaluation
- Required overhours diving or too frequent diving
- Failure to provide for adequate safety and rescue
- Failure to properly treat or promptly evacuate an injured diver
- Failure to properly secure propellers
- Dive tender negligence or equipment failure
- Faulty dive equipment
- Improper use of decompression tables
Saturation diving and underwater welding are two of the most hazardous commercial diving activities. Serious and fatal accidents occur with alarming frequency. Some may even be hushed up by companies who pressure injured divers or their families to accept a hurried settlement.
Injured divers who are treated well by their employers immediately following the accident may find that things change once their opportunity to file a negligence claim has passed. Consulting an experienced attorney may be the best way to protect your rights and understand your options.
Contact Stevenson & Murray
The Texas maritime lawyers of Stevenson & Murray can stand up for your rights and fight for your recovery after a diving accident resulted in serious injury or wrongful death. We invite you to contact our Houston offices toll-free at 866.611.3133 to discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation. You may also contact us by e-mail for more information or to request an appointment.
