The Active Life of a Louisiana Seaman Can Lead to Back Injuries

No one knows better than a Gulf Coast seaman just how dangerous offshore work can be. And when accidents do occur, too often back injuries are the result. The spinal cord, which runs the entire length of the neck and back, is essential to everything we do. Injuries to the spinal cord include both back and neck injuries. When trauma causes damage to the spinal cord, many problems can result.

Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are most likely to incur back injuries, probably due to the likelihood that they work and play at more stressful activities than the average person. A seaman who works on board any type of vessel is, therefore, more likely to sustain this type of injury.

There are several symptoms to be aware of in any type of injury to the back. The symptoms of back injury include two main areas of the spinal cord: chest level (or thoracic) and lower back (or lumbar sacral). Both types of injury exhibit similar symptoms:

• Loss of control of bowel and/or bladder function
• Numbness in the back and or legs
• Changes in sensory function
• Muscle spasticity
• Pain
• A weakness or even paralysis in and around the injury

Any injury to the spinal cord is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately by a competent health care provider. It is very important to get to a doctor as quickly as possible. Don't wait; the time you take will have a direct effect on your eventual outcome.

If you or a loved one has sustained a back injury in a maritime accident in the greater Louisiana area, you need to be sure your Jones Act rights are being upheld. The professional Louisiana Jones Act lawyers at The Young Firm are experts in Jones Act Law. Don't hesitate to call toll free (866) 938-6113 or locally (504) 680-4100 for some good advice, and be sure to read our FREE consumer guides: "Employees' Guide to Maritime Injury Law" and "6 Secrets Your Employer May Not Tell You When You Get Injured Offshore."