Maritime work plays a vital role in New Mexico’s economy, supporting industries such as transportation, energy, construction, and commercial operations along navigable waterways. However, maritime jobs are also among the most physically demanding and dangerous occupations in the country.
Whether working aboard commercial vessels, oil platforms, docks, or inland waterways, maritime workers are exposed to heavy machinery, unstable surfaces, unpredictable weather, and long hours in physically demanding environments. Even when safety protocols are followed, accidents can still occur due to negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe working conditions.
When maritime accidents happen, the injuries are often severe and life changing. If you have been injured while working on or near New Mexico’s waterways, Falcon Law Group’s experienced maritime injury lawyers are ready to help you seek justice and compensation.
Contact us online or call 210-526-2997 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Maritime Injuries in New Mexico
Maritime work environments expose workers to numerous hazards that frequently result in serious injuries.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of maritime injuries. Wet decks, loose equipment, uneven walkways, and poor lighting conditions can easily cause workers to lose their footing. These accidents often result in broken bones, torn ligaments, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In severe cases, falls from elevated platforms or vessels can be fatal.
Vessel Collisions and Equipment Failures
Accidents involving boats, barges, or other watercraft can lead to devastating consequences. Vessel collisions may cause crushing injuries, amputations, severe burns, or fatalities. Equipment failures (malfunctioning winches, cranes, ladders, or safety harnesses) can also place workers in immediate danger. When employers fail to properly maintain equipment or address known hazards, they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Drowning and Near-Drowning Accidents
Maritime workers face a constant risk of falling overboard. Strong currents, rough waters, or inadequate safety measures can make recovery difficult or impossible. Drowning and near-drowning accidents can result in hypothermia, oxygen deprivation, neurological damage, or death. Even survivors often face long-term physical and cognitive impairments.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Maritime operations often involve fuels, chemicals, solvents, and toxic fumes. Prolonged or sudden exposure to hazardous substances can cause chemical burns, respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, and other serious health conditions. These injuries frequently require evaluation by New Mexico injury lawyers experienced in handling complex workplace hazard claims.
Legal Options for Injured Maritime Workers
Maritime workers may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act, maintenance and cure benefits, or third-party personal injury claims. These laws provide protections for workers injured due to negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Our New Mexico work injury lawyers help evaluate your case and pursue all potential sources of compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal maritime law designed to protect seamen who are injured while working aboard vessels in navigable waters. Under the Jones Act, injured seamen have the right to file personal injury claims against their employers when negligence, unsafe working conditions, or defective equipment contribute to an accident.
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation systems, the Jones Act allows injured workers to pursue full compensation, including damages for pain and suffering and future loss of earning capacity. Employers may be held liable for failing to provide proper training, adequate staffing, safe equipment, or a seaworthy vessel.
Because Jones Act claims are complex and heavily contested, having an experienced maritime injury attorney on your side is essential.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal workers’ compensation program that provides benefits to maritime employees who are not classified as seamen. This includes dockworkers, harbor workers, shipbuilders, ship repairers, and many offshore contractors.
The LHWCA provides compensation for medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits for injuries occurring on or near navigable waters. However, these claims involve strict filing deadlines, detailed documentation requirements, and complex legal standards. Mistakes can result in delayed benefits or denied claims.
At Falcon Law Group, our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and pursue every available legal remedy.
Who Is Liable for Maritime Injuries?
Maritime injury cases are governed by a unique combination of federal and state laws, including the Jones Act, the LHWCA, and general maritime law. Liability may rest with employers, vessel owners, equipment manufacturers, contractors, or other third parties responsible for unsafe conditions.
Determining who is legally responsible is a critical step in securing fair compensation. Falcon Law Group conducts thorough investigations to identify all liable parties, preserve evidence, and build strong claims on behalf of injured workers. Working with an experienced maritime injury attorney or personal injury lawyer in New Mexico significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact Falcon Law Group Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Mexico maritime accident, don’t delay seeking legal help. Contact Falcon Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
