Deckhand Injury Attorneys

Helping Victims of Deck Accidents Aboard Vessels & Oil Rigs

Working as a deckhand is not for the faint of heart. The very nature of their duties—handling heavy equipment, navigating slippery decks, and contending with unpredictable weather conditions—makes deckhands particularly vulnerable to a range of offshore injuries. It's a profession where diligence meets danger every day, underscoring the critical importance of safety measures and protocols in maritime work.

At Arnold & Itkin, we are highly experienced in representing deckhands and other crew members who have been injured on deck. When deck accidents occur on oil platforms, jack-up rigs, fishing vessels, cruise ships, and other maritime vessels, we help deckhands and their families seek fair compensation under the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or other applicable maritime laws. We have taken on the biggest companies in the world—and won settlements and verdicts that have turned our clients’ lives around. 

To find out how a deckhand injury lawyer can help with your case, call (888) 346-5024.

Deckhand Duties

A deckhand is an entry-level position on a ship, responsible for performing a variety of manual tasks to assist in the operation and maintenance of the vessel. The role of a deckhand can vary widely depending on the type of vessel and its purpose, but in general, their duties revolve around the upkeep and functionality of the ship's deck and equipment. 

Depending on the type of vessel, a deckhand’s duties may include:

• Maintenance and cleaning
• Handling cargo
• Safety drills
• Rope and rigging work
• Equipment monitoring

Deckhand work can be physically demanding and involves long hours, but it is exciting and can also offer lucrative compensation, especially for those willing to work in remote or challenging conditions. 

Common Types of Deck Accidents

Working as a deckhand exposes one to the unpredictable challenges of the open seas and the intense demands of maritime tasks. The vast ocean can swiftly become treacherous with sudden storms and slippery decks, increasing the chances of accidents. Deckhands handle heavy equipment and complex tools that, if mishandled, can lead to significant injuries. The role often requires enduring long, irregular hours, making fatigue a constant concern. Being isolated at sea without immediate medical help further heightens the risks. 

The following can lead to serious injuries to deckhands and other crew members on deck:

These incidents can cause life-changing injuries or may claim a crew member’s life. As deckhand injury lawyers, we at Arnold & Itkin understand just how difficult it can be for a seaman to get the treatment and support they need We believe in holding vessel owners, operators, and other at-fault parties accountable for failing to put safety first. 

Who Is Responsible for Deckhand Accidents?

Shipowners and all maritime employers have specific obligations when it comes to the safety of their vessels and their crews. From failing to maintain seaworthy vessels to ignoring weather warnings, they put deckhands and all crew members at risk when they do not prioritize safety.

Deckhand accidents may occur as a result of: 

• Unseaworthy Vessels: Operating vessels that are not fit for their intended purpose.
• Inadequate Training: Failing to provide deckhands with the necessary training for their roles or equipment.
• Faulty Equipment: Using machinery or tools that are defective or have not been appropriately maintained.
• Lack of Safety Equipment: Not providing essential safety gear for crew members, such as lifejackets.
• Poorly Maintained Decks: Unsafe decks due to neglect or by not providing non-slip surfaces.
• Inadequate Safety Protocols: Failing to implement or enforce safety procedures and guidelines.
• Lack of Inspections: Not conducting routine checks to ensure the vessel and its equipment are in working condition.
• Improper Storage: Not securely storing equipment or cargo, leading to shifting or falling objects on deck.
• Failure to Communicate: Not providing clear instructions or warnings about hazards or changes in conditions.
• Inadequate Emergency Preparedness: Leaving crew members unprepared for crisis situations.
• Ignoring Weather Warnings: Operating vessels in severe weather without taking necessary precautions.

Any one (or more) of these factors can cause a deck accident. When they do, the responsible parties may be held liable under the Jones Act or other applicable maritime law. 

Our Deckhand Injury Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured while working as a deckhand, or if someone you love was injured on the deck of a vessel or platform, Arnold & Itkin is standing by to help. You must understand your legal rights and make sure these are protected from the very beginning, or you may find that you are denied the treatment and compensation you deserve. From basic maintenance and cure to financial compensation for loss of future earnings and emotional trauma, you deserve to get the support it will take for you to rebuild. 

Contact our team today to discuss your case and how our deckhand injury attorneys can assist you.