Workplace Injuries When You Work on the Water

Maritime commerce has been part of the culture and economy of Maryland for hundreds of years, and to this day, a significant number of people in the area make a living working on and around the water. Dockworkers, ship repairman, crew members, longshoreman, and shipbreakers are all found working in Maryland’s various waterways, just as they were since before Maryland became a state.

This extremely dangerous work often involves moving heavy containers from place to place, slip and fall hazards, heavy machinery, and other injury risks at every turn. Not surprisingly, each year, these dangers injure thousands of people working in the shipping industry. Fortunately, they are often entitled to compensation under state or federal law.

Common injuries that people sustain while working on or around the water include:

• Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur whenever a person sustains head trauma, which can happen when an object, fall, or the force of an explosion hits your head. In serious cases, TBIs can leave victims with cognitive problems that can last for the rest of their lives.
• Burns. While it may seem strange around the water, burns are a relatively common maritime injury. Shipping often involves the transportation of hazardous materials that can catch fire or explode, and the sheer amount of fuel used in the industry created a significant risk of burn injuries.
• Repetitive strain injuries. Many shipping jobs involve repetitive movements that involve lifting or moving heavy objects from place to place that with time can result in serious medical conditions.
• Brain injuries related to oxygen deprivation. As well we are all aware, it is impossible to breathe under water. Workers trapped under water or who fall into the water while unconscious can incur serious brain injuries related to oxygen deprivation.
• Accidental amputations. When you work around heavy machinery and containers with the potential to crush your body, accidents can result in injuries that sever limbs or damage them so badly that surgeons need to surgically remove them.
• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can occur when trauma to the spinal column or cord interferes with the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. These injuries have the potential to leave victims paralyzed below the sites of their injuries.

Various Laws May Entitle You to Compensation

The many laws under which a victim could potentially bring a claim, including the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, often complicate cases involving maritime injuries. In addition, some accident victims may file a Maryland workers’ compensation claim or a state law negligence claim. For this reason, anyone injured while working on or around the water needs to speak to an attorney familiar with all aspects of maritime law.

Call Us Today to Speak to a Maritime Injury Lawyer About Your Case

If you sustained an injury in an accident while working on or around the water, speak to one of the experienced maritime lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC, as soon as you can. Our legal team will review the facts of your case and determine whether you can make a legal claim under state or federal law. To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call our office today at (844) 632-7274 or send us an email through our online contact form.