Barge and Towboat Injuries

Towboats and barges are dangerous places to work, partly because of the environment in which these vessels operate. The Mississippi River can be a crowded place, and accidents can lead to serious injuries and drownings.

At the Finney Law Office in St. Louis, Missouri, our injury lawyers have pursued compensation for sailors, captains, deck hands and their families since 1981. If you have been injured or a loved one is killed due to an accident on the Mississippi River, contact us for a free initial consultation about your case. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

Your Rights Under The Jones Act And Maritime Law

If you are injured while working on navigable waters, your legal case is covered by a federal law known as the Jones Act. The Jones Act is different from workers’ compensation in that you need to prove negligence on the part of your employer before you are entitled to benefits. Workers’ compensation pays benefits regardless of fault.

While you have the burden of proving negligence in a Jones Act case, you are able to collect damages that are not available from workers’ compensation, including compensation for pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment of life. You are also entitled to free medical care (known as “cure”) and compensation for basic living expenses while you are recovering (known as “maintenance”).

If you have suffered a serious injury, it’s important to put your case in the hands of an experienced Jones Act attorney as soon as possible. While your employer may promise to take care of you, it’s not unusual for maritime companies to contest liability in cases that may have a high-dollar value. As a result, it’s important for your attorney to collect and preserve any evidence of unseaworthiness of your vessel or other types of employer negligence.

Free Consultation | Missouri Barge And Towboat Accident Lawyers

Protect your right to full compensation: Contact the St. Louis barge accident attorneys at the Finney Law Office today at (314) 557-4049 to schedule a free initial consultation.