Shipping Industry Still Recovering from Mississippi’s near Record Low Levels

This summer brought one of the worst droughts in recent decades to the Midwest. One of the most noticeable effects was on the Mississippi River which hit some of the lowest levels seen since 1988. The usual flow of water coming from throughout the Midwest which ordinarily keeps the Mississippi well-fed was drastically reduced. This created great difficulties for barges and other shipping vessels which could not traverse certain portions of the river. The Army Corps of Engineers began drastic measures to prevent stops to shipping and possible accidents along the river. About 15 dredging vessels were put into operation to scoop sediment from the bottom of the river to deepen shipping lanes. In total, nearly 60 vessels have run aground while trying to travel the lower portion of the Mississippi river. Some vessels dealt with the conditions by taking on less cargo. In other cases, such as that of paddle-wheel steamboats carrying tourists to various locations, boats have chosen to limit how far down the river they travel in an effort to avoid a dangerous incident. Vessels are often forced into closer proximity when river levels are so drastically decreased which can be a recipe for serious collisions and injuries so all involved must be especially diligent in such conditions. Make sure you are fully aware of your rights if you have been injured in a shipping accident in Mississippi. Talk to an offshore injury attorney now to discuss your case.

Who should speak with an offshore injury lawyer?

If you are a worker involved in any kind of maritime employment and were hurt while on the job then you should get the help of a knowledgeable lawyer right away. Whether you are a longshoreman, harbor worker or if you work on an oil rig, oil platform, cargo ship, barge, oil tanker, tugboat, shrimp boat, ferry, cruise ship or any other type of vessel, an injury can have a significant negative impact on your life and your family's. You may be entitled to compensation.

Contact an Offshore Injury Attorney Serving Mississippi

There are all manner of dangers associated with offshore employment and what may seem like just a minor lax in safety regulations can result in devastating injuries. Contact an attorney with us at the law offices of Arnold & Itkin today to discuss your case. We may be able to help you file a claim or take other actions to make sure you get compensation for your injuries.