Running 1,243 miles long through the states of Washington and Oregon, the Columbia River is the Pacific Northwest’s largest river. With direct access to the Pacific Ocean, this waterway is incredibly important to the maritime industry of the region. The river is extensively used for sightseeing and tourism, as well as shipping and fishing. There are seventeen ports on the River, including those in Kalama, Longview, and Arlington.
Unfortunately, the Columbia River is part of the area known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” as it is particularly dangerous and has seen thousands of shipwrecks. It is of the utmost importance that shipowners and operators on this river exercise caution and safeguard their employees.
The Columbia River is an essential catalyst in the nation’s maritime industry. Crewmen and shoreside laborers working on these waterways are entitled to make claims if they have been injured on the job, and an offshore attorney from Mariner Law, PLLC is available to help. With a lawyer’s help in understanding and applying maritime personal injury law, injured mariners can be confident that they are receiving rightful compensation on the facts of their case.
Maritime workers harmed due to their employer’s negligence or unseaworthiness are authorized to seek compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Mariner Law, PLLC represents clients from areas surrounding the Columbia River on a variety of personal injury law cases. If you have been injured in any of the following ways, you may be entitled to monetary benefits:
Fractures
Cuts and Lacerations
Amputations
Crush Injuries
Slip, Trip and Falls
Infections
Head Injuries
Hypothermia
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Death
When employers and vessel owners, operators, officers, or crewmen do not comply with the safe practices and regulations put in place to certify a safe and seaworthy environment, there are consequences that make working on the Columbia River dangerous. When accidents occur, it is important that the victims understand their rights under maritime law. There are certain claims under the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) that can be filed with the help of a professional. These provisions can allow injured employees and their families to receive compensation for medical care, certain wages, room and board, and possibly other forms of damages.
If you are facing injury or illness because of a work-related incident, there are strong state and federal laws arranged to ensure you receive adequate compensation. To find out what Mariner Law, PLLC can do to help you or a loved one, call (971) 394-9900 and schedule a free chat with an Oregon maritime attorney.
A Jones Act lawyer may also be available to meet with potential clients in-person by appointment: 4949 S. Macadam Ave. Portland, OR 97239.