Head Injury: A major risk for maritime workers

Due to the dangerous nature of their jobs, maritime workers are at high risk for head injuries. Falls on slippery decks, loose cargo, rough seas, vessels in need of maintenance, and defective machinery are all common maritime causes of head injuries at sea. Head injuries range from mild to severe and may result in short-term problems or in long-term disabilities that seriously impact a maritime workers quality of life and ability to work.

There are two types of head injuries. A penetrating injury is one that occurs when an object pierces or breaks the skull and reaches the brain. A closed head injury occurs when the skull is not broken. They are usually caused by a sudden blow to the head that causes bruising, bleeding or swelling. A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts brain function. It may be disrupted only momentarily or the disruption may be permanent.

There are a wide range of possible symptoms of head injuries because the symptoms often depend on the part of the brain that is injured. Brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose and sometimes symptoms may not show up for months after the accident. Symptoms that effect speech or alertness may make it difficult for an accident victim to describe his injury.

General symptoms may include:

• Losing consciousness even for a moment

• Not remembering sustaining the injury

• Dizziness, vertigo or nausea

• Headache

• Confusion

• Memory problems

• Speech problems

• Mood changes

• Blurred vision, strange smells or a funny taste in the mouth

If you have sustained a head injury, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. Serious brain injuries can affect the accident victim for the rest of their life. Head injury patients may require expensive on-going medical treatment, physical therapy, occupation therapy, rehabilitation and other long-term special services.

Maritime law provides compensation for the injuries and losses of those who are injured while working at sea. If you have suffered a head injury, you may be eligible for recovery of medical expenses, on-going therapy, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and damages for pain and suffering. While you are recovering, you may be eligible for maintenance and cure to cover your medical care and your living expenses until you can return to work.

If your brain injury was caused by dangerous working conditions, negligence or the wrongful act of another crew member, you may eligible for benefits under the Jones Act or under General Maritime Law. A maritime injury attorney can help you determine which benefits you are eligible for. Contact the Louisiana Jones Act lawyers at The Young Firm today for a free consultation.