Working on navigable waters is inherently dangerous. As a result, many workers are injured on the job, leaving them in a difficult position where they need to pay for extensive medical care and cope with their pain and suffering at a time when their wages are dried up and their savings are eaten away by their unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, many of these victims are uncertain of whether their injuries qualify them for compensation, which sometimes causes them to miss out on an opportunity to recover the compensation they need.
In this post, we want to look at some of the most suffered maritime injuries so that you have a better idea of whether your accident injuries qualify you for legal action and, potentially, the recovery of compensation. Just keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list, and if you’ve been injured on a vessel, then you should consult with your attorney to determine your next steps.
Common maritime injuries that may qualify you for legal action
There’s a host of injuries that can be suffered on a vessel. Amongst them are the following common injuries, any one of which may give you the foundation to pursue a maritime injury case:
- Slip and fall injuries: Wet decks, oily platforms, icy walkways, and unsteady footing can all lead to a slip and fall. While some of these incidences only result in minor bumps and bruises, others cause more serious injuries, like herniated discs, broken bones, and head and neck injuries. These injuries should be compensable.
- Injuries suffered by falling overboard: Falling overboard is one of the leading causes of death for those who work on vessels. This is because workers who fall overboard are often lost at sea. But even those who survive falling overboard can suffer from hypothermia, and they may experience other injuries that require an extensive recovery time. Rough seas, poor footing, and reaching overboard can all lead to a fall.
- Equipment accident injuries: The equipment used on vessels can cause significant pinching and crushing injuries. Forklifts, winches, and cranes can all strike a worker, breaking bones, severely puncturing or lacerating the skin, and causing other injuries that can lead to infection.
- Burn injuries: Vessel workers are often exposed to hot surfaces and toxic materials. As a result, they are sometimes susceptible to serious burns, even those that are chemical in nature. Kitchens and engine rooms are primary areas where these injuries are suffered.
- Injuries attributable to enclosed spaces: Workers who become trapped in an enclosed space can be crushed by shifting cargo, or they may be forced to inhale toxic fumes that make them sick and even cause brain damage. These are significant harms that may require extensive time and financial resources to facilitate a successful recovery.
- Repetitive motion injuries: Some workers on vessels conduct the same movements repeatedly. This repetitive motion is hard on your body and can lead to injuries that damage your nerves, tendons, and ligaments. This can render it nearly impossible for you to adequately perform your job duties.
Are you ready to seek compensation for your maritime injuries?
Recovering from a maritime injury can be painful, time-consuming, and costly. Fortunately, you may have legal recourse to set your recovery on the right track. But you’re not going to be automatically given the financial support that you need. Instead, you’re going to have to advocate for the compensation that you deserve, perhaps through a Jones Act claim. So, now is the time to gain an understanding of the law and how you can gather and present evidence to support your maritime injury case.