Dredging crews do important but dangerous work. If you work in any of our busy waterways here in Houston, you need to know what to do if an accident occurs. Taking the right steps after a dredging accident can make all the difference for your health and your legal case. An attorney is also here to help guide you through the process and seek the full measure of compensation you deserve.
At Griffin Law Group, LLC, our dedicated Texas dredging worker accident attorneys are here to help you after an accident. From the first steps to the last, we stand by your side to ensure your rights are protected.
1. Get Immediate Medical Attention (and Choose Your Own Doctor)
After the accident, first focus on your health. Get medical assistance even if your injuries seem minor at first.
Dredging accidents often involve:
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Back and neck trauma
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Caught-between or entanglement injuries
Under maritime law, you have the right to choose your own doctor. You are not required to see a company-approved physician, even if your employer pressures you to do so. Independent medical documentation is one of the strongest tools you have.
2. Report the Accident Right Away
Maritime employers often argue that an injury “didn’t happen at work” if it isn’t reported immediately. To protect yourself:
- Notify your supervisor as soon as possible
- Provide basic facts only
- Avoid speculation or assigning blame
A simple statement like “I was injured when the equipment malfunctioned” is enough. Do not sign any detailed incident report without reviewing it carefully.
3. Document Everything You Can
Dredging equipment actions often happen because of some type of improper maintenance or unsafe procedures. Evidence can quickly disappear on the water, so gather evidence such as:
- Photos or videos of the equipment involved
- Images of the accident scene
- Names of witnesses
- Notes about what happened
- Copies of any forms or statements the company asks you to sign
4. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Company or Insurer
After a dredging accident, company investigators often arrive within hours. Their goal is to limit the employer’s liability, not to help you. Recorded statements are frequently used to:
- Shift blame onto the injured worker
- Make your injuries seem less severe than they are
- Make it seem like the accident couldn’t be avoided
You are not required to give a recorded statement. Politely decline until you have spoken with a maritime injury attorney.
5. Understand Your Rights Under the Jones Act
Most dredging workers qualify as seamen under the Jones Act because they spend a substantial amount of time working on vessels in navigation. This gives you rights that land-based workers do not have.
You could be owed:
- Maintenance and cure (living expenses and medical care)
- Compensation for lost wages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Future earning capacity losses
- Damages for disability or disfigurement
6. Consider Whether the Vessel Was “Unseaworthy”
A dredge or support vessel must be reasonably safe and properly equipped. A vessel may be considered unseaworthy if:
- Equipment was defective
- Machinery was not maintained
- Crew members were improperly trained
- Work areas were unsafe
- The vessel was understaffed
Unseaworthiness claims allow additional compensation beyond maintenance and cure.
7. Keep Track of All Expenses and Symptoms
Accidents involving dredging equipment often lead to long-term medical needs. Keep a record of:
- Medical bills
- Mileage to appointments
- Prescription costs
- Missed workdays
- Pain levels and physical limitations
8. Avoid Returning to Work Too Soon
Maritime employers sometimes pressure injured workers to return before they are medically ready. Returning too early can:
- Worsen your injuries
- Reduce your ability to recover full compensation
- Allow the company to argue that you were not seriously hurt
Follow your doctor’s recommendations, not the company’s.
Take Steps Rights Away After a Houston Dredging Equipment Accident
Dredging workers work with dangerous equipment to do their job every day. While this equipment is necessary for the job, you need to know how to handle the next steps if you’re injured by it on the job.
Consult a Texas dredging accident attorney at Griffin Law Group, LLC for help. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.