Barge Hit Martin Luther King Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri

In 2010, a barge hit the Martin Luther King Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri, striking the pier and causing four barges to break away and move downstream. There was no apparent damage to the bridge, but engineers had inspected it to be sure, and no injuries were reported.

Though this is an older story, the situation is important in understanding how certain accident cases are handled. If a barge worker had been injured while on the job, then a claim other than worker’s compensation would apply. Since railroad workers and maritime workers do not have the same worker’s compensation claims as other workers, the federal government enacted the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) and the Jones Act. FELA claims are for railroad workers injured on the job, and Jones Act cases are for maritime workers injured while working.

At The Cagle Law Firm, an experienced St. Louis attorney can review your claim and help you file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident or injury or to help you determine if you have a wrongful death claim or a claim for personal injury damages. Contacting a personal injury attorney specializing in maritime law, including Jones Act cases, is essential to safeguard one’s financial stability and pursue the correct medical treatment. Zane T. Cagle has extensive experience working with maritime law in Missouri and Illinois. 

To determine if you have a Jones Act case or other questions regarding maritime law, call (314) 276-1681 for a free consultation.