Maritime Back Injuries
Back injuries are common in many lines of work, and nowhere is this clearer than in maritime jobs.
The responsibilities of most maritime workers, combined with the conditions they tend to encounter, make back strain and back injuries a sadly common fact of life. These injuries can be potentially life-changing in many ways – more severe injuries can result in a loss of mobility, an inability to work, or even partial or complete paralysis in many cases, and the causes of such injuries are varied and numerous.
Common Symptoms of Maritime Back Injuries
When working on the high seas, back injuries are a constant danger for workers. Workers who experience a maritime back injury can suffer from any of the following symptoms, among others:
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractured vertebrae
- Nerve damage
- Broken or herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Pinched or compressed nerves
- Broken tailbone
- Spondylolysis
Even if promptly treated, an injury to the back could be a life-changing injury, and each of these injuries must be treated seriously.
Maritime Back Injury Causes
The rough conditions and repetitive activity required to work in most offshore positions can lead to back strain and back injury. Some of the more common causes can include:
- Lack of training on proper lifting technique
- Over-filled containers resulting in too much weight being lifted
- Slipping and falling on a wet surface
- Being struck by moving equipment
- Unassisted lifting of heavy objects
- Fatigue from overworking
- Lack of proper fall protection equipment
- Repetitive actions
Even the most benign of causes can lead to the most serious back injuries, and many back injuries are brought about by conditions that could’ve been prevented with more foresight from the vessel owner.
What Should I Do If I Have Suffered A Maritime Back Injury?
If you or a loved one have suffered an injured back while working offshore, you should seek immediate medical attention to have the injury properly diagnosed and treated.
These injuries often lead to a loss of ability to earn income, and may require years of painful physical therapy. If your back injury was caused by unsafe conditions or employer negligence on the water, the maritime injury attorneys of O’Bryan Law can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to begin a review of your case.
