Alabama Port Worker Killed in Maritime Accident
An Alabama State Port Authority worker died last month in a maritime accident at the McDuffie Coal Terminal.
The worker, who has been identified as Larry D. George, was conducting repairs on equipment in the coal hopper, which is a storage space about 100 feet underground. He seems to have slipped and fallen head first into the coal hopper. At the time a rail car was pouring coal into the hopper and George was quickly submerged in the coal; he suffered a heart attack. 
Other employees managed to uncover the maritime worker and he was administered CPR before being rushed to the Mobile infirmary, and ultimately pronounced dead.
The McDuffie coal terminal is located on the Mobile River in Alabama, and is the largest port import terminal in the U.S. Overall, it is the second largest U.S. coal terminal with a designed capacity of 20 millions tons a year. The CEO of the port authority has expressed shock at the incident.
Port Employees are Maritime Workers Too
As a port worker employed by the Alabama State Port Authority, George was likely covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA exists to protect maritime workers who neither qualify as Jones Act seamen, nor are eligible for state worker's compensation. Examples of longshoremen include, port workers, like George, who conduct activities such as loading and unloading and repairing vessels and rigs, etc. These unsung workers include electricians, welders, carpenters, and others who work silently behind the scenes to keep the wheels of our port commerce running smoothly. When they are injured or killed on the job, they or their survivors deserve to receive full compensation. A maritime lawyer can help families affected by maritime injuries and death recover the benefits due to them.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident, contact a maritime injury lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.
