Vessel owners must provide maritime workers with a safe way to get on and off a vessel.  Unfortunately, injury often occurs when a maritime worker is getting on and off a vessel. When they do, the vessel owner’s first argument may be to blame the maritime worker for the incident. The vessel owner’s second argument may be to blame someone else such as the dock or a passing vessel.

Maritime workers injured while trying to get on or off a vessel should speak to an experienced maritime lawyer as soon as possible. The maritime lawyer should ensure that the vessel owner is put on notice and that pertinent evidence is preserved such as CCTV, the gangway, and mooring ropes for analysis.