Maritime incidents seem to be increasing in frequency at a rapid rate. From cargo lost at sea to cruise ships that have run aground, the number and severity of accidents on the ocean are growing. Some of the incidents are a result of natural disasters, while others are caused by ineffective storage and other human errors.
At the Law Office of Roy A. Boujaoude, P.C., we represent individuals who have been severely injured in maritime accidents off the coast of Houston and the surrounding areas. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping offshore drill workers, seamen, and other workers obtain the largest possible recovery after an accident. If you were injured in a maritime accident, contact our office at (713) 690-2277 to schedule a free consultation.
Here are four of the top trends affecting maritime injuries:
According to insurance brand Allianz, fires and explosions are the leading cause of marine insurance losses. It is believed that one of the reasons for the increase in onboard fires is the failure to declare dangerous cargo. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electricity and phones, pose a significant risk because of their high propensity for self-heating and releasing gas. Once a fire is started, these batteries are extremely difficult to put out.
Fires related to these batteries usually occur in shipping containers, making them challenging to access. The fires can spread quickly, causing a complete loss of the vessel and increasing the risk of injuries to crewmembers aboard.
In addition to fires, collisions and groundings are also top causes of marine insurance losses. These incidents have also increased significantly over the past few years. Inflation has driven up the cost of repairing vessels damaged in these types of accidents.
Since the pandemic, there has been an increased reliance on larger cargo ships. When these large ships are involved in a maritime incident, it can be catastrophic. The push to overcome recent supply chain issues by relying on these larger vessels has also led to concerns that companies are taking safety shortcuts. The pressure that is put on these vessels and their crew is extraordinary, running the risk of serious accidents.
Finally, climate change is directly affecting the maritime industry. There has been a steady uptake in the number of weather-related incidents, including those caused by natural disasters.
Were you injured in a maritime accident on the Gulf Coast? Contact our office at (713) 690-2277 to schedule a free consultation. Our maritime accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will help you understand your rights and fight to ensure that you do not settle your case for less than it is worth.
We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win! Call our office today to get started.
