Groton, Connecticut: Submarine Capital of the U.S. and Notable Accidents

“Groton, Connecticut: Submarine Capital of the U.S. and Notable Accidents” is more than just a phrase; it reflects a rich history of naval innovation, along with the inherent risks faced by those who work in this high-stakes industry.

Groton is home to the Naval Submarine Base New London and General Dynamics Electric Boat, where submarines are built, maintained, and trained. This rich history has provided the city with economic prosperity and unique dangers, to which many have fallen victim. While new safety measures have been put in place to avoid a repeat of past tragedies, the accidents that occurred can still teach the maritime industry about the utmost necessity for safety.

Hire a Maritime Lawyer

Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law is one of eastern Connecticut’s most experienced maritime law firms, representing injured submarine workers and maritime employees in New London, Groton, and beyond.

Our workers compensation attorneys in Groton hold the Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating and are recognized by Super Lawyers® for exceptional legal skill. We understand the unique challenges of maritime and Defense Base Act claims, combining in-depth industry knowledge with strategic advocacy to secure full and fair compensation for our clients.

Local Impact of Groton’s Submarine Industry

Groton is the Submarine Capital of the United States. The area hosts thousands of shipbuilders, engineers, and support staff who work on Navy submarines. This industry is the driving force in the local economy, bringing in highly skilled laborers and a number of supporting local industries.

Occupational injuries and illnesses affect employees and contractors in this line of work. From the fast-paced shipyard floor to the waterfront testing area, the shipbuilding industry requires a highly skilled labor force. Working at General Dynamics or the submarine base has its occupational hazards, despite providing economic opportunity to the area. Local citizens take pride in supporting the national defense industry and protecting the industry’s workers.

The Size and Scope of the U.S. Shipyard Workforce

The U.S. shipyard industry, which includes submarine construction and maintenance, employs roughly 165,000 workers across the country. This highly skilled workforce is responsible for building, repairing, and overhauling naval and commercial vessels, including the advanced submarines produced in Groton. Occupations in this field are important to national defense and economic stability, but they can be dangerous because of the use of heavy equipment, exposure to harmful materials, and work in confined spaces.

The large workforce highlights the importance of safety measures, regular training, and injury prevention for the safety of employees. It is also a sign of the industry’s ability to meet production and maintenance demands.

Hazards of Submarine Construction and Maintenance

A wide variety of skilled trades are involved in submarine construction, repair, and maintenance. High-risk activities common to this environment include:

• Welding and other fabrication processes
• Heavy lifting
• Working at heights
• Operating in confined spaces
• Handling hazardous materials

Some of the materials used in submarine construction are generally very dangerous, so strict safety procedures must be followed. Carelessness can result in serious injury or death.

There are also significant risk factors related to high-pressure systems, electrical systems, and moving equipment. In most circumstances, proper personal protective equipment and extensive safety training are required. Maintenance employers are required to provide regular inspection and maintenance of equipment, along with adherence to all safety regulations.

The complicated onboard systems of submarines turn what would normally be standard maintenance tasks into operations with unexpected hazards.

FAQs

Contact a Maritime Lawyer Experienced in Maritime Law Cases

Submarine industry workers in Groton and across eastern Connecticut face a number of different legal challenges, which are unlike most other types of work-related injuries. As the largest law firm in the region, we have decades of experience in representing clients injured in shipyards, on naval bases, and in other maritime environments.

Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Defense Base Act. We have a thorough understanding of maritime and workers’ compensation laws, so we know how to work with those areas of law to provide optimal representation for our clients.

We are proud to serve the Submarine Capital of the U.S. and fight for the rights of the workers who keep this important industry operating. Contact Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law today to let us help you.