The family of a Tennessee man who was one of two workers who died when the tugboat on which they worked sank, questions the seaworthiness of the vessel. This follows a report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board. The family might file a wrongful death lawsuit, pending a coast guard report.
The NTSB says unsecured or open hatches that allowed water to flow into the voids likely caused the tugboat’s sinking. The agency confirms the claims of the surviving family members that the negligence of the company that owns the boat contributed to the tragedy that claimed two lives. Reportedly, the body of one of the two deceased workers was never recovered.
Water flooded into the engine room, causing the boat to capsize. According to the NTSB report, the boat owners failed to maintain and care for the vessel properly. The agency also discovered that the same boat experienced several severe leaks on multiple occasions in the past. Investigators found records of such incidents that occurred in 2015, 2016 and again in 2017.
Whenever a Tennessee worker’s life is lost as the result of gross negligence by a third party or employer, the surviving family members might have grounds to pursue financial relief by filing a wrongful death claim. An attorney experienced in dealing with wrongful death cases can be an invaluable asset during the navigation of such a lawsuit. Legal counsel can establish negligence and assist with documenting all applicable economic and noneconomic damages before presenting the claim before the judge.
