Hands are involved in almost everything we do. We use our hands and fingers to punch buttons, operate touchscreens, tighten industrial nuts and bolts, and, most importantly, touch other people. It is imperative to seek treatment for hand injuries as soon as possible. But even when timely addressed by medical professionals, hand injuries can still lead to lasting incapacity and maybe an inability to continue working in the maritime industry.
Workers on fishing vessels, tugs, barges, ferries, supply ships, and other commercial vessels depend on their hands to complete tasks. Finger and hand injuries are among the most common maritime injuries. When the hands' bones, nerves, arteries, veins, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are damaged, many seamen and other maritime employees may not be able to return to work until they have fully recovered.
The following are the most prevalent hand injuries suffered by maritime workers:
Amputations: Hands and fingers are particularly vulnerable to becoming entangled in heavy machinery and amputation. When a worker's gloves become trapped on drum ends or machinery, this is a common occurrence. Rings or other jewelry can also become trapped in equipment or pinch points.
Burns: Seafarers and offshore workers are exposed to a variety of hot objects, and if gloves aren't worn to protect against burns, hand injuries can result.
Injuries caused by crushing: The hands of ship employees are at risk of being crushed by large cargo, containers, or other heavy equipment. Crush injuries are exceedingly severe, and injury to any of the 27bones in a worker's hand might have a substantial influence on his ability to complete daily duties.
Employers and ship owners must generally provide a safe workplace and a seaworthy vessel to their employees under the Jones Act, the Longshore Act, and maritime law. Workers should be adequately trained and given the protective gear in order to avoid maritime injuries. Employees who are harmed due to their employer's or coworkers' negligence may be entitled to compensation for lost pay, future earnings, medical expenditures, disfigurement, physical rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
If you've suffered hand injuries while working on the navigable waters, you'll need the support of a seasoned admiralty attorney to get the compensation you're entitled to. Mariner Law, PLLC represents injured mariners exclusively. The firm’s clients include mariners who have suffered injures while working on fishing vessels, fish processors, ships, tugs, barges, dredges, and derricks. Hand injuries, amputations, and partial amputations have resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments and judgements for crew members who have suffered life-altering maritime injuries.
As both a mariner and a maritime attorney, Adam Deitz understands how hand and arm injuries affect you and your capacity to work in the future. He also understands how accidents occur on ships and how they can be avoided by following safe onboard procedures.
Maritime Attorney Adam Deitz has deep experience handling Jones Act and unseaworthiness cases resulting in hand injuries. Call (253) 600-2531 now for a free consultation with a Jones Act lawyer to better understand your rights and remedies under the law. The firm proudly serves mariner clients in Washington, Oregon, New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and nationwide.