Occupational Disease Lawyer
Generally, when someone thinks about injuries happening at work, they think about accidents that happen quickly and without warning. A cable snaps, a deck is slippery, an important tool breaks, and so on.
However, not all Jones Act claims come strictly from maritime injuries. Some conditions such as illness or disability can take a very long time to manifest themselves, even if the illness was a direct result of an unsafe maritime work environment.
The Jones Act works to guarantee a safe work environment for marine crew members both during their work period and afterward. Maritime maintenance and cure can apply to diseases that develop over time, injuries that cause illness or long-term disabilities, and many other maritime industry hazards that may not show symptoms during the standard course of work the way an injury would.
Many common maritime occupational diseases and disabilities include:
- Heart disease
- Hearing loss
- Cancer
- Food or water poisoning
- Arthritis
- Tuberculosis
- Staph infection
- Pneumonia
- Carpal Tunnel
- Lead poisoning
- Dermatitis
- Asbestosis
- Mold related illnesses
- MRSA
- Histoplasmosis
- and other diseases and illnesses
Do I Need A Jones Act Disease & Illness Lawyer?
If you have experienced any of these diseases or similar illness while working aboard or offshore with a vessel, the Jones Act may entitle you to maintenance and cure, compensation, and other financial damages.
Proving an illness occurred on a vessel or was related to poor working conditions under maritime law can be a complex matter that requires a talented, experienced Jones Act attorney. Don’t try to fight the big shipowners alone – let O’Bryan Law help you fight for your rights at sea. Contact us today for your free case consultation.
