The maritime industry provides jobs for countless people in the oil, gas, fishing, and transportation industries. Unfortunately, injuries are all too common in this line of work, and many workers incur high medical expenses or lose wages after an accident. If you’ve been injured while working at sea or at a port, you should contact an experienced Alabama maritime injury lawyer today for a consultation.
Joint and Bone Injuries
Maritime work is physically grueling, and joint and bone injuries are quite common. For example, you might suffer any of the following:
- Concussion from being struck in the head by cargo or equipment
- Broken bones from being struck by a vessel or equipment
- Hip injuries from a slip and fall
- Shoulder injuries from handling heavy equipment or from slips and falls
- Spinal injuries from defective equipment or from being struck
- Repetitive stress injuries caused by doing the same motion over and over again for a long period of time
Maritime injuries are not limited to those who work on the open water, either. Port and dock workers can also suffer severe joint and bone injuries, just like other maritime workers.
These injuries are quite serious and can keep workers out of their jobs for months or longer. In the case of more serious injuries, maritime workers may be paralyzed and never able to return to work again. Compensation is needed to reimburse medical expenses, pay for rehabilitation, and replace lost income.
Falls into the Water
Falling into the water is not only common but is, unfortunately, one of the deadliest types of accidents. Many maritime workers can be swept off boats or tossed into the water by a strong wave. Maritime workers who fall into the water can drown or even die from hypothermia before being rescued. Injured workers or their survivors can sue to receive compensation for their injuries or for the loss of their loved one.
Chemical Injuries
Today, a lot of chemicals are transported over the sea, which can injure maritime workers who handle the cargo. These chemicals can cause fires which burn and maim workers or even lead to their deaths.
However, some chemicals injure workers in more subtle ways. For example, maritime workers might inhale chemicals, or the chemicals might soak through clothing and be absorbed by the skin. The resulting disease or respiratory ailment might take years or decades to develop.
Call an Alabama Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
No injury is too small, and what seems like a minor scrape or a bump on the head might turn into something much more serious over time. Maritime law is complex, and determining who or when to sue requires an experienced maritime injury lawyer.
At Clay, Massey & Associates, P.C., we have handled over 100 claims by injured maritime workers and can get you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve. We’ve even recently secured a seven-figure settlement on behalf of a worker who fell into an oil tank. Call us today at 251-433-1000 or contact us online.