Common Causes of Maritime Injuries in Baton Rouge, LA (2025)

The maritime industry is very prevalent in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana. For those working in such a dangerous industry, it’s important to understand the common causes of maritime injuries in Baton Rouge, LA.

Common Causes of Maritime Injuries

There are a lot of things that can go wrong on a maritime vessel. Some of these things can also lead to injuries. The most common causes include:

• Slips, trips, and falls. Any vessel on the water suffers from slippery surfaces that get wet constantly. Paired with loose cables and uneven surfaces, this can make it difficult for workers to keep their balance while the boat is in motion. These falls can lead to head injuries or back and spinal damage, especially on hard ground.
• Equipment malfunctions. If the vessel has machinery that has not been properly maintained or is faulty, this increases the risk of injury. Outdated or broken tools can result in burns or crushing injuries. It’s up to the employer to address these issues before accidents happen.
• Falling objects. Cargo must be secured in a certain way to prevent it from becoming loose and striking workers. However, other unsecured items on board, like tools, can also become a hazard, especially in rough seas. Many workers are hit with projectiles during the loading or unloading process.
• Chemical exposure. Workers who regularly handle fuel, cleaning products, and other dangerous chemicals are more exposed to their negative effects than the average person. Ships are sometimes not properly ventilated, and workers might not be given protective gear to shield themselves, which can make the issue worse.
• Fatigue and human error. Many workers work long hours on ships, which can lead to fatigue. The high-pressure work environment can make mistakes more likely, and workers might not feel as comfortable communicating with each other to prevent accidents. Fatigue can also make reaction time slower, which can result in more accidents due to falls or collisions.

Unfortunately, some of these accidents can lead to death. There are 6,250 captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels just in the Pelican State, and 560 (9%) of them are centralized in the Baton Rouge area. In 2023, there were 53 total fatalities in the transportation, warehousing, and material moving occupations in Louisiana. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with due diligence and care.

Legal Protections for Injured Maritime Workers

There are several laws that provide protection for maritime workers. If a worker is physically on a vessel for the majority of their workday, then they are protected under the Jones Act. This law offers more compensation for workers than traditional workers’ compensation, but it also requires more proof.

If a worker is not an official crew member but still works in the maritime area, they might be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Workers on the docks and harbors can qualify for medical treatment due to their injuries and disability payments if the injury affects their ability to work. After identifying the common causes of maritime injuries, workers should understand their rights under the Jones Act and LHWCA.

Steps To Take After a Maritime Injury

After a maritime injury, a worker should report the accident as soon as possible. The longer they wait, the harder it can be to prove the accident happened while working. An employer must provide an accident report that outlines what happened, but the employee must seek medical care to document what injuries occurred due to the accident.

Gathering evidence is also important. Evidence can take many forms, including photos, videos, and witness statements. Any bills that were incurred due to the accident should be kept for a more accurate estimate of the total damages the victim experienced.

Some cases are more complicated than others. If you find that you are having difficulty with your employer or gathering evidence, it might be a good idea to work with a maritime injury attorney to receive help in getting compensation.

FAQs About Maritime Injury Law in Baton Rouge,LA

What Are the Most Common Causes of Maritime Accidents?

The most common causes of maritime accidents include vessel issues and human error. If a ship is not properly maintained, it creates hazards for workers trying to do their jobs. Slippery decks can make it harder to work, which can be made worse if the vessel has poor lighting. If workers are not properly trained on how to address safety issues, accidents can happen that lead to serious injuries.

What Is the Leading Cause of Injuries in the Maritime Workplace?

One of the leading causes of injuries in the maritime workplace is slip-and-falls. These accidents are, unfortunately common on boats and decks. Another common cause is chemical exposure. If the workers are transporting hazardous chemicals, they might be exposed to an unhealthy amount of the substance, which can lead to long-term injuries and illnesses in the future. The likelihood of injuries increases if workers are not trained properly or are fatigued.

What Are the Most Common Injuries on Ships?

The most common injuries on ships include slip-and-fall injuries. These include broken bones and head trauma. The severity of the fall influences how serious the injuries are. There are also many burn injuries that come from fires on board or accidental exposure to toxic chemicals. Maritime workers also tend to lift heavy objects repetitively, which can lead to strain if their muscles are overused.

What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury is any injury a worker experiences while working on or near a vessel, like on a deck. Most injuries are minor and include scrapes and cuts, but some are quite serious. Many of these injuries are from sudden accidents, but a few of them are more long-term due to constant exposure to harsh conditions or substances. Maritime workers might qualify for compensation after a work-related injury.

Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer

It’s important to find time to heal after a maritime injury, but workers might not be able to do this due to financial constraints. If their employer or a third party is responsible for their injuries, they might be able to file a claim to ease the burden of the injury. Schedule a consultation with Knightshead Law Firm to learn more about how to receive compensation for medical costs and time spent off of work.