Personal Injury Law

Iowa man falls into Mississippi, swept under barge and is killed.

By Steve Lombardi

A man fell from a barge into the Mississippi River and died. The man was at the Blackhawk Fleet Terminal when he fell from a barge into the river. Apparently he was working on the barge, fell off into the water and was swept under another barge. The accident happened near Buffalo on the Mississippi River.

For a discussion of the law of jurisdiction concerning these waters see Wunnenberg vs. Bluff Harbor Marina, Inc. and Burlington Marine, File No. 5024367, February 20, 2009. In this case the Iowa Industrial Commission determined the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) did not apply and awarded benefits.

HOLDING: It is concluded that the claimant is not covered by the provisions of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner has subject matter jurisdiction of this claim and based on the stipulations in the hearing report, Renee Wunnenberg is entitled to death benefits as set forth in Iowa law.

How does a lock and dam work?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCa7IU2uzsg

What do the Mississippi River barges look like?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxZKoB3VuGg

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on June 01, 2009 (boomark / email).