Commercial diving accidents are some of personal injury law’s most devastating and complex cases. When an accident happens while diving offshore or in commercial waters, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you or someone you know has been involved in a diving accident, it is crucial to seek professional legal assistance to secure the compensation you deserve. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we represent victims of diving accidents and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
Understanding Commercial Diving Accidents
Commercial diving is inherently risky, with divers working in hazardous environments, often miles underwater or in other perilous conditions. These accidents can occur in various ways, including equipment failure, poor training, negligence, or unsafe working conditions. Some of the most common types of commercial diving accidents include:
- Decompression Sickness (The Bends): Caused by rapidly ascending from deep waters without allowing enough time for nitrogen to leave the body. This condition can cause severe joint pain, paralysis, or even death.
- Diving Equipment Failure: Malfunctions with diving helmets, oxygen tanks, or other safety gear can lead to catastrophic accidents, often leaving divers trapped underwater.
- Pressure Injuries: The extreme pressure experienced while diving can cause physical harm to the body, particularly to the lungs, sinuses, and ears.
- Drowning: Although rare, accidents involving drowning can occur due to equipment failure or entrapment while submerged.
- Hypothermia: Extended exposure to cold water can result in hypothermia, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.
- Physical Injury: Accidents on offshore platforms or while transporting equipment can cause fractures, dislocations, or other injuries.
Injuries resulting from commercial diving accidents can be severe, leaving victims with long-term medical care needs, loss of income, and diminished quality of life. If you have been injured in a commercial diving accident, the lawyers at Hollingsworth Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Commercial Diving Accidents
A variety of factors can cause commercial diving accidents. In many cases, negligence or unsafe practices are to blame. Some of the most common causes of diving accidents include:
- Inadequate Training: Commercial divers must undergo rigorous training to handle the complexities of diving. If an employer fails to provide adequate training, divers are at a greater risk of injury.
- Faulty Equipment: Poorly maintained or malfunctioning diving equipment is one of the most common causes of diving accidents. Employers and equipment manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that all gear is up to industry standards and in good working condition.
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Commercial diving is performed in a highly demanding environment that requires proper supervision and safety protocols. If safety measures are overlooked, workers can be exposed to unnecessary risks, leading to accidents.
- Failure to Monitor Divers: Monitoring divers is critical to ensuring their safety while working underwater. Employers must implement safety procedures to track the divers’ health, air supply, and progress throughout the dive.
- Inadequate Medical Assistance: Quick access to medical assistance is crucial in commercial diving. If a diver suffers an injury, delays in medical care can worsen the situation and even be fatal.
- Negligence of Third Parties: In some cases, third parties such as contractors or suppliers may contribute to a diving accident by providing subpar equipment or failing to meet industry standards.
Legal Options for Victims of Commercial Diving Accidents
You may have legal recourse if injured in a commercial diving accident. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our experienced commercial diving accident lawyers can help you explore the legal options available, including:
- Personal Injury Claims: If another party’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. This may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured while working as a commercial diver, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation provides financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, regardless of fault. However, workers’ compensation may not cover all the damages you may be entitled to, so it is essential to speak with a lawyer to evaluate your situation.
- Product Liability Claims: If your commercial diving accident was caused by faulty equipment, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective gear. These claims can help recover damages related to the failure of diving equipment.
- Negligence Claims Against Third Parties: If the accident was caused by a third party’s negligence, such as a contractor, maintenance crew, or other service providers, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against them for damages.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Commercial diving accidents can result in significant financial burdens, especially if the injuries are long-term or permanent. You may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for past, present, and future medical bills related to the injury, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost wages: If the injury prevents you from returning to work, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income and future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Disability or disfigurement: If your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Wrongful death: In the tragic event that a loved one dies in a commercial diving accident, family members may be eligible for compensation for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other related damages.
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What to Do After a Commercial Diving Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial diving accident, there are several essential steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like decompression sickness, may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Report the accident: Notify your employer or supervisor about the accident immediately. A formal report should be filed to document the incident.
- Collect evidence: If possible, take photographs of the accident site, damaged equipment, or visible injuries. Record any details that may be relevant to the case.
- Contact an attorney: Contact a Houston commercial diving accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can build your case.
Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our experienced Houston-based commercial diving accident attorneys serve the offshore and maritime industries. We are committed to advocating for injured workers and offering personalized legal support.
Reasons to choose us include:
- Proven Success: We’ve secured millions in compensation for clients in offshore and maritime injury cases.
- Industry: Our deep understanding of commercial diving allows us to build strong, effective cases.
- Compassionate Representation: We prioritize your well-being, providing empathetic and dedicated legal support.
- Free Consultation: We offer free consultations to guide you through the legal process.
- No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we win your case, ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand in your way.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial diving accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call 713-637-4560 our Offshore & Maritime Accident at Hollingsworth Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our commercial diving accident attorneys in Houston. We will evaluate your case and explain your legal options so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Let us use our experience and dedication to help you. With our team on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
