The massive oil spill in the Gulf Coast in 2010 taught us countless lessons. In addition to the extensive environmental damage we now realize a blowout can cause, we also learned that work associated with oil rigs can be extremely dangerous. Eleven men were killed in the explosion of Deepwater Horizon and 17 more were injured.

Of course, maritime accidents can occur on all kinds of different vessels besides oil rigs, as one Louisiana woman discovered. She was actually working as an oil spill cleanup worker in July 2010 on a boat that was performing operations in response to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill. The woman says that she was trying to deploy boom material when she was suddenly tossed around forcefully on the deck, resulting in both physical and mental injuries.

The woman says the company she was working for, American Pollution Control Corp., was negligent for failing to provide a safe place to work. She also accused them of failing to provide or maintain equipment, and of providing an unseaworthy vessel that wasn't equipped with the appropriate gear and equipment. She's suing for lost earnings, medical expenses, punitive damages and attorney fees, among other damages and is requesting a jury trial.

The largest oil spill in U.S. history served as a reminder of the dangers of working in maritime industries, whether it's petroleum, fishing or pollution control. Accidents are common, particularly in the Gulf Coast area. The good news is that due to the local abundance of these industries, an experienced maritime attorney who can fight for you is within reach.

Source: The Louisiana Record, "Oil spill worker sues after being tossed about on deck of boat," Michelle Keahey, Jan. 30, 2012