Is Your Louisiana Maritime Injury a Pain in the Neck?
Working as a maritime seaman can be a dangerous job. If you are a Jones Act seaman and have suffered a neck injury in this line of work, you want the best medical care and benefits you can get. Knowing more about your condition can help you to deal with your injury and recovery.
Neck injuries are often complicated and can range in severity from whiplash to spinal cord damage. In addition, oftentimes injury to one particular part of your neck can lead to damage in other parts. Keep in mind that while there are common types of neck injuries, you could be suffering from more than one.
Most neck trauma is limited to the soft tissue, or muscles. However, all conditions involve at least the muscle and may involve the nerves and spinal cord. Here are the most common neck traumas:
Crick in the Neck: While not usually a serious medical condition, a "crick" or "kink" can range from a simple muscle strain to a spasm or even a disc problem. You should see a doctor if your crick lasts longer than a week.
Muscle Strain: Heavy lifting or awkward movements usually cause this disorder. Again, if discomfort lasts a week, seek medical advice.
Neck Sprain: When the ligaments, which hold the bones in place, are damaged, a sprain can result, which ranges from mild to severe. If you suspect that your sprain is severe, you should contact a physician immediately.
Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Whiplash occurs when the head is quickly hyper-extended, then thrown forward. While this often results in a strain or sprain, it can also cause damage in the nerves and/or spinal cord.
Herniated Disc: When the soft tissue inside the disc is pushed out during a trauma, a herniated disc may occur. A more serious injury, this condition may be treated with medication and therapy or even surgery.
Neck Fracture: A broken cervical bone is one of the most serious neck injuries. Almost always caused by a force trauma like falling on the head. A spinal dislocation accompanies most fractures.
Spinal Dislocation: Spinal dislocation happens when a neck bone is forced out of its usual position. This injury can range from moderate, when the neck bone does not move fully out, to severe, when the bone is completely out of position. In this case, the ligaments rupture and may require surgery.
No matter how severe your neck injury is, this type of trauma must be taken seriously. If you or a loved one has a neck injury from a Louisiana maritime accident and you fear that you are not getting the proper care or concern from your employer, The Young Firm stands ready to lend a helping hand.
The Jones Act gives you, the working seaman, the right to pursue work-related claims in a court of law. With over 50 years experience in maritime and Jones Act law, this firm may be able to help you heal. Simply call toll free (866) 938-6113 or fill out the form on this page. And, be sure to download our FREE consumer guides, "Employee's Guide to Maritime Injury Law" and "6 Secrets Your Company May Not Tell You When You Get Injured Offshore."
