The Jones Act: Decompression Sickness after a Horrific Diving Accident

Commercial divers are at risk for decompression sickness, often referred to as the bends. If you've been diagnosed with decompression sickness after a horrific diving accident, you'll be protected under The Jones Act, which allows you to sue your employer or vessel owner. It would be beneficial to have a Jones Act attorney review your case and provide legal guidance.

A Close Look at Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness is caused by under pressure breathing of gases such as nitrogen, which the body can't metabolize. The nitrogen in a diver's air tank will increase in pressure as the diver ascends. Over time, the nitrogen will build up in the diver's tissues. Therefore, dive tables, such as those crafted by the U.S. Navy, provide guidelines regarding depths and dive times to reduce the risk of decompression sickness.

Symptoms of decompression sickness include the following: 

• joint pain;
• itching;
• rashes;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• head, neck or chest pain;
• weakness or numbness;
• shortness of breath; and
• staggering. 

Treatment involves oxygen therapy, IV fluids, hyperbaric chamber therapy and close monitoring. A Jones Act attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. Your best bet is to seek immediate medical treatment after your horrific diving accident, and then contact an attorney. 

Contact a Jones Act Attorney

After you or a loved one has been involved in a horrific diving accident, you should discuss your options with a Jones Act attorney. The Jones Act law provides you with certain protections your employer may not want you to know about. A Jones Act attorney from The Young Firm in New Orleans, Louisiana can help you if you have suffered boating accident injuries, an offshore accident or other injuries that fall under maritime law. Though we are based in Louisiana, we are ready and able to help injured victims throughout the U.S. Order our free Maritime Injury Law guide and/or our guide to what to do when you are injured offshore to learn all about your rights as an injured worker.

When you are ready to get started with your Jones Act injury case, we urge you to contact us today for a FREE case evaluation - call 1-504-680-4100 or toll-free at 1-866-938-6113.