Commercial divers work in some of the most challenging conditions of any job on the planet, where the risk of an accident causing their death is a real possibility. For those brave men and women, risk is part of the job. They rely heavily on their training, their colleagues, and their gear to keep them safe from harm under demanding circumstances.
Unfortunately, gear can fail, training can be inadequate, and colleagues can make costly and sometimes deadly errors. Also, commercial driving accidents are often caused by negligence. A dive boat operator who fails to maintain his equipment, for example, or a fellow diver who cuts corners on safety. Manufacturers of commercial diving gear aren’t perfect either. Under the sea’s harsh conditions, their products must work correctly, or a diver could perish. If they manufacture a faulty piece of equipment, they could be liable for any injuries or death it causes.
Common Commercial Diving Accidents and Injuries
Commercial diving accidents in the United States take the lives of nearly 100 divers every year and injure many more. Usually, there is more than one cause. Instead, several occur at or near the same time. They include buoyancy problems, breathing gas being depleted, entanglement in cables and lines, and emergency ascents. Gear problems also cause many accidents every year. Many are devastating and produce life-long medical issues. Some, sadly, also cause death.
The Jones Act May Protect Commercial Divers
The Jones Act was enacted to afford legal protections for seamen who are constantly exposed to the brutal perils of the sea. Depending upon whether they meet the qualifications, commercial divers may qualify for the projections of the Jones Act. However, determining seaman status can be a challenging task. That’s why, if you or a loved one have suffered from commercial diving accidents, speaking with an attorney well versed in the Jones Act is vitally important.
For a free consultation with offshore injury attorney Mike Mahone, call (504) 564-7342 today. Commercial diving accidents can be devastating. If you or a loved one have been injured, The Mahone Firm will work to get the compensation you deserve.