Maritime Injury Claims Involving Exposure to Toxic Chemicals, Paints, and Fumes
If you are a crewman who has been injured while working aboard a vessel as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals, paints, and fumes, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Maritime Law. A crewman’s employer and vessel owner owe their crewmen a duty to provide them a reasonably safe place to work and a seaworthy vessel. This includes the duty to reasonably protect crewmen from the hazards of working around toxic chemicals, paints and fumes. The risk of harm from toxic chemicals may be increased by working in confined spaces or in poorly ventilated areas. Crewmen should be properly trained and instructed in the hazards of working with toxic chemicals, including the use of respirators and protective equipment when working with these substances. The recommendations of the material safety data sheet should be followed. Improper handling of toxic chemicals can result in brain injuries, pulmonary injuries, and neurological damages. Typically toxic chemical exposure cases involve complex evidentrary battles relating to proof between the exposure to the chemicals and the seaman’s injury.
The maritime lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC are some of the most experienced maritime injury lawyers in the Nation. The lawyers in the firm are dedicated to representing the rights of injured maritime victims throughout the Country. They understand how injury accidents happen at sea, and how those accidents can be prevented. Getting their clients the best medical care possible is a priority with the lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC.
If you have become injured or ill while working aboard a vessel at sea, in almost all cases you are entitled to have all your reasonable and necessary medical expenses paid by your employer. If your injury or illness was caused by an unseaworthy condition or the negligence of your employer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. Damages available to injured seamen include damages for past and future lost wages, lost wage earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and future medical expenses.
If you have questions about your right to compensation under the Federal Maritime Law for injuries cause by exposure to toxic chemcials, paints, or fumes, you should contact an experienced maritime lawyer for advice. Toxic chemical exposure cases are highly complex and require the support of qualified medical evidence to support your claim for damages.