Brain injuries can be much more complicated than other types of maritime injuries. They frequently require longer medical treatment than other forms of maritime injuries, and they come at a larger price. Every function of your body is controlled by your brain, and even minor head injuries might result in a traumatic brain injury.
One or more of the following symptoms may arise from a brain injury:
Blurred vision
Headaches
Problems with balance
Issues with thought or memory
Depression
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
Nightmares
Working on vessels can be dangerous due to the variety of risks that come with the maritime profession, including hazardous products, equipment, and slick conditions onboard. Maritime workers are employed in one of the most dangerous industries in the country. They all too frequently suffer life-altering maritime injuries, such as brain damage.
Brain injuries might be minor, with few symptoms and no long-term consequences, or they can be severe and life-altering. The following are common kinds of brain injuries that can happen while working on or near the water:
Closed Head Injury - A closed head injury is one in which the skull does not crack or fracture. It can cause damage like swelling or bruising of the brain. These injuries are more challenging to diagnose than open head injuries, yet they can be just as dangerous.
Open Head Injury - An open head injury happens when the skull fractures. This can happen when a foreign object pierces the brain and skull. It might cause hemorrhage as well as strain on the brain.
Concussion - A concussion happens when the brain shakes within the skull. It is one of the most common maritime head injuries. A blow to the head, or if adequately powerful, another part of the body, can make the trembling motion that results in the brain hitting with the inside of the skull. Multiple concussions can cause cumulative harm.
Scalp Wounds - A surface wound, infection or, bleeding in the scalp can be a consequence of a head injury.
These maritime injuries can result in far more harm and difficulties than is immediately apparent. Fractures or penetration of the skull, loss of consciousness, nausea, fatigue, a stiff neck, or headache are all immediate indications.
Accidents resulting in brain injuries can occur in any hectic, physically demanding work environment. Maritime industry jobs are particularly dangerous. Negligence might also play a role in these types of accidents. Slips and falls caused by obstructions or slippery surfaces, cargo accidents, and equipment mishaps are all common causes of traumatic brain injuries.
The severity of a brain injury can range from slight to severe and even fatal. If you have suffered a brain injury as a result of a workplace accident, you should be aware of your rights and the compensation to which you are entitled under federal maritime law. An offshore injury attorney may be able to help.
Sometimes mishaps are unavoidable, but more often than not, they are the result of negligence. If you or your coworkers were not properly trained to conduct shipboard duties, if you were not provided with adequate safety training or equipment, or if surfaces were not kept clean and obstacle-free, your maritime employer may be responsible for monetary damages resulting from a brain injury.
If you are a commercial seaman, you have rights under maritime law if you suffer a brain injury in service of a vessel. You may have the right to claim for damages if your employer or employer's insurance refuses to pay your medical bills and lost wages as a result of being unable to work. This is where Mariner Law, PLLC can be of assistance. A seasoned maritime lawyer can help you understand the remedies that are available and navigate the claims process.
Mariner Law, PLLC knows admiralty law. The firm is familiar with seamen, their jobs, the vessels they work on, and their fears about the future. Maritime Attorney Adam Deitz is committed to obtaining compensation for his injured clients through the Jones Act, LHWCA, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure.
If you or a loved one was negligently caused a traumatic brain injury on the water, you may be entitled to compensation. Brain injuries can impact every aspect of life for victims and their families. Mariner Law, PLLC is standing by to assist you in investigating your case and evaluating your damages. Call a Jones Act lawyer at (253) 600-2531 now. The firm proudly serves mariner clients in Washington, Oregon, New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and nationwide.