Most Common Types of Maritime Injuries

Maritime injuries are a significant risk for those working in the shipping, fishing, and offshore oil industries. The impact can be substantial, encompassing significant medical bills and, often, an inability to work during recovery. This can put immense financial strain on the injured and their families. Recognizing the common types of maritime injuries is crucial for prevention and seeking appropriate compensation when accidents occur.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll maritime injuries can impose. We are committed to providing Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. legal support to ensure that maritime workers receive the compensation they deserve when they need it most.

If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, call (713) 999-6666 today to schedule a FREE consultation. We are proud to represent clients in Houston and throughout Texas. Find out how a maritime injury attorney can help you navigate this challenging time.

What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury is any harm that occurs in a maritime setting, such as aboard ships, on offshore platforms, or while performing work related to maritime activities. These injuries can range from minor to severe and are covered under various maritime laws, including the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and general maritime law.

Maritime laws recognize the unique dangers faced by maritime workers and provide avenues for compensation and recovery that differ significantly from other employment sectors. Understanding these protections is important for maritime workers to navigate their rights effectively after an injury.

Read More: The Jones Act: Understanding the Purpose of Maritime Law

What Is the Leading Cause for Injuries Within the Maritime Workplace?

The leading causes of maritime injuries reflect the complex and hazardous nature of maritime environments. Key factors contributing to workplace injuries include:

Slips, Trips & Falls

The most common cause of maritime injuries. Slippery decks, moving ships, and cluttered walkways make falls a frequent hazard.

Machinery & Equipment

Accidents involving the operation of heavy machinery and equipment. These incidents often result from mechanical failure or human error during high-stakes operations such as lifting heavy loads or engine maintenance.

Inadequate Training & Safety Measures

Insufficient training for crew members on the safe operation of equipment and emergency procedures can lead to accidents. Additionally, a lack of adherence to safety protocols exacerbates the risk of injury.

Harsh Weather Conditions

Severe weather significantly increases the risk of accidents at sea. Workers may face rough seas, high winds, and extreme temperatures, all of which can lead to physical injuries.

Confined & Crowded Workspaces

The limited and congested spaces common on vessels increase the risk of injuries from collisions with objects and other crew members, often during rushed operations.

Each of these factors highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards and continuous training in the maritime industry. Understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention and is essential for maintaining a safe working environment on the seas.

If injuries do occur, workers need to seek experienced legal assistance to navigate the complexities of maritime law and ensure their rights are protected.

What Are the Most Common Maritime Injuries?

Maritime work environments are notably hazardous, leading to a variety of common injuries among seafarers. Here are some of the most frequently reported maritime injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Often resulting from slips, falls, or being struck by heavy objects. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can occur during heavy lifting or falls, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones & Fractures: Common in slip and falls or accidents involving machinery, these injuries can range from simple fractures requiring minimal recovery to compound fractures needing surgical intervention.
• Burns: Exposure to fires, explosions, or hot machinery can cause serious burns, which are not only extremely painful but also prone to infections and require long-term medical treatment.
• Lacerations & Cuts: Working with sharp tools or machinery, handling ropes and wires, or encountering jagged structural elements on ships can lead to significant cuts or lacerations.
• Amputations: Severe injuries may lead to amputations, especially when limbs are crushed or severely damaged during accidents with machinery or heavy equipment.
• Hypothermia or Heat-Related Illnesses: Extreme temperatures, whether cold or hot, can lead to serious health issues like hypothermia or heat stroke, particularly when workers are exposed for prolonged periods.
• Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels from engines and machinery without adequate ear protection can lead to temporary or permanent hearing impairment.
• Chemical Exposure: Handling or accidental exposure to hazardous substances used on ships can cause chemical burns or poisoning.

Each of these injuries carries the potential for severe consequences, impacting a maritime worker’s ability to earn a living and perform daily activities. Legal support from a knowledgeable Houston maritime injury lawyer is imperative when handling claims. They can ensure injured maritime workers receive the compensation necessary for their recovery and future security.

What Types of Damages Are Available for Maritime Injuries?

Maritime injuries can lead to significant financial and personal losses, which are categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages compensate for less tangible impacts.

Victims of maritime injuries may be eligible to claim various types of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses (Past & Future)
• Lost Wages
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity
• Pain & Suffering
• Permanent Disability
• Scarring & Disfigurement
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Loss of Consortium

Understanding the full scope of damages you are entitled to can be complex. It’s essential to consult with a Houston maritime injury attorney who can help you explore your legal options and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for all aspects of your injury.

Read More: Does Maritime Law Apply To Your Case?

Contact a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer Today!

If you or a loved one has suffered a maritime injury, seek legal counsel promptly to protect your rights. Patrick Daniel Law has vast experience handling maritime injury claims and is equipped to help you navigate the complexities of maritime law.

Read More: What Does a Maritime Injury Lawyer Do?

Our Houston maritime injury lawyer advocates for clients and is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a FREE consultation and take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.