Maritime work demands a lot from your body, especially your arms and shoulders. Your upper body is constantly under pressure from loading cargo to operating machinery. Unfortunately, the nature of the job, combined with the potential for unsafe practices, can lead to serious arm and shoulder injuries.
Many of these injuries are preventable, yet they occur when employers fail to provide safe working conditions. If you’re dealing with an injury caused by employer negligence, a maritime accident injury lawyer can seek the compensation you deserve.
In the maritime industry, injuries to the arms and shoulders are often severe. These injuries cause pain, restricted movement, and sometimes permanent damage.
Here are some of the most common arm and shoulder maritime injuries:
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help keep the shoulder joint stable and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. It can become strained or torn in maritime jobs, where you frequently lift heavy objects overhead or perform repetitive shoulder movements. A rotator cuff tear can cause intense pain and weakness, significantly reducing your range of motion.
Even basic tasks like reaching for objects or lifting items can become excruciating if you’ve suffered a rotator cuff tear. Maritime workers are especially prone to this injury because of the physical nature of their job. When employers fail to provide lifting aids, like cranes or dollies, or don’t enforce proper lifting techniques, your risk for rotator cuff tears increases.
Tendinitis is another common issue for maritime workers, especially when performing repetitive tasks with little rest. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in your arm or shoulder become inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive motion. In a maritime setting, workers who constantly carry or lift loads or operate machinery that requires repetitive arm movements are particularly at risk.
The pain from tendinitis can prevent you from completing your tasks and, if untreated, may worsen over time. Tendinitis is preventable with sufficient rest breaks and rotating tasks, but these preventative steps aren’t prioritized in many fast-paced maritime environments. If your employer didn’t provide the breaks you needed, or if you were assigned repetitive work without alternatives, they may be partly responsible for your tendinitis.
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones and soft tissues, helping joints move smoothly. When these sacs become inflamed – a condition known as bursitis – your shoulder can become stiff, swollen, and painful. Maritime workers who haul or lift items continuously are at a higher risk of developing bursitis because of the frequent shoulder strain involved.
Bursitis makes lifting, pushing, or pulling painful, which are all essential movements in maritime tasks. Employers should take steps to rotate workers’ duties and reduce continuous lifting to prevent bursitis. If they fail to implement these safety measures and you develop bursitis, it may be worth consulting a maritime accident injury lawyer to discuss your options for seeking compensation.
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket, often due to a sudden, forceful impact. Maritime workers may dislocate their shoulders in a fall from ladders or platforms, during a slip on a wet deck, or after being jolted by machinery in confined spaces. Dislocations are extremely painful and often lead to long-term issues, including a higher risk of future dislocations.
Dislocated shoulders require medical treatment, and recovery can be lengthy. If you work in an environment with high fall risks, like ladders or wet surfaces, and your employer doesn’t take proper precautions to make these areas safe, you might suffer from a dislocation. Employers should provide safe, non-slip surfaces and secure climbing equipment to minimize the risk of dislocations and other fall-related injuries.
Fractures in the arms or shoulders can occur if you slip, fall from a height, or experience a direct impact, such as a heavy object striking your arm. These fractures are often severe and require immediate medical care. They can sometimes lead to surgery or prolonged rehabilitation.
In a maritime setting, falls from ladders, platforms, or a wet deck can lead to such fractures. Employers are responsible for ensuring all walkways, platforms, and ladders are maintained and safe to prevent falls. If they ignore necessary safety checks and you end up with a fractured arm or shoulder, you may be eligible for compensation.
Muscle strains happen when muscles in the arm or shoulder stretch or tear due to overexertion or improper lifting techniques. Though they may seem minor, muscle strains can cause debilitating pain and prevent you from performing basic duties, such as lifting or carrying items, which are essential in maritime work.
Overexertion injuries like muscle strains often occur when employers push workers to handle loads beyond what’s safe or fail to provide appropriate lifting equipment. Suppose you sustained a muscle strain because of excessive demands or lack of proper support. In that case, your employer may be at fault, and a maritime accident injury lawyer can build a case for compensation.
Employers are responsible for creating a safe work environment in a maritime setting. Unfortunately, when profit or time pressures take precedence, safety can fall by the wayside, creating conditions ripe for injury. Let’s look at some scenarios where employer negligence can lead to arm and shoulder injuries.
In the maritime industry, workers frequently operate cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery. Proper training is essential, as improper handling can lead to accidents, resulting in arm and shoulder injuries. Employers who skip or rush training put workers at risk, especially when lifting or moving heavy cargo. Workers might use incorrect lifting techniques without proper instruction, leading to strains, tears, and even fractures. If your injury resulted from inadequate training, a maritime accident injury lawyer can pursue a compensation claim.
Many arm and shoulder injuries result from lifting heavy or awkward loads. Employers should provide adequate lifting aids, like cranes, dollies, and pulleys, to reduce workers’ strain. Yet some employers fail to provide this equipment or don’t maintain it properly.
The likelihood of injury skyrockets when you’re forced to lift loads beyond what’s safe for a single person. Shoulder strains, dislocations, and torn rotator cuffs can all result from inadequate equipment. An attorney can gather evidence demonstrating improper lifting aids contributed to your injury.
Maritime employers are responsible for maintaining safety equipment like gloves, braces, and slings, which can support your arms and shoulders during heavy lifting. When employers ignore maintenance on such equipment, it can wear out, become ineffective, or even malfunction, increasing your risk of injury.
In these cases, an attorney will work to show that your employer’s failure to maintain essential safety equipment contributed directly to your injury, strengthening your case.
Maritime work is often fast-paced and can require long hours. Employers sometimes pressure workers to continue without adequate breaks, leading to fatigue. Overworked muscles, particularly in the arms and shoulders, are more prone to strains and injuries.
When you’re exhausted, using proper lifting techniques or responding quickly to changing conditions is harder, making injuries more likely. If your employer ignored guidelines for rest breaks and you sustained an injury, a maritime accident injury lawyer can argue that the lack of rest led to your injury.
Slippery surfaces, narrow walkways, and poor lighting are common hazards on maritime vessels. Employers must keep these areas clear and safe, but when they neglect to do so, falls and sudden movements can lead to serious injuries. A slip on a slick deck can result in a fall that dislocates your shoulder or fractures an arm.
If hazardous conditions led to your injury, an attorney can work with you to gather evidence, like maintenance logs and eyewitness accounts, to build a case showing how employer negligence contributed to your injury.
Dealing with an arm or shoulder injury can disrupt your life, especially if the injury keeps you from working and affects your daily activities. A maritime accident injury lawyer can support you through the challenges of securing compensation and holding your employer accountable if negligence played a role. Here’s how they can benefit you in this difficult time.
A lawyer can build a strong case if unsafe conditions, lack of training, or poor equipment led to your injury. They’ll gather critical evidence, including maintenance records, training documents, and even statements from your coworkers. By collecting this information, your attorney can argue that your employer’s negligence directly contributed to your injury.
For example, if your employer didn’t provide adequate lifting equipment or failed to maintain non-slip surfaces, your lawyer can use this information to establish that your injury was preventable. With a comprehensive collection of evidence, they can present a clear picture of how negligence led to your pain and suffering.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of your injury or offering low settlements. Your lawyer will communicate directly with the insurance company, advocating for a fair settlement that reflects your injury’s impact.
Insurance companies may downplay your injury or claim you can return to work sooner than expected. By working with an attorney, you’ll have someone in your corner who understands insurers’ tactics and won’t let them take advantage of your situation. This support lets you focus on healing while your lawyer fights for a settlement that covers your needs.
An arm or shoulder injury can affect much more than your immediate health; it can limit your ability to work, reduce your quality of life, and cause ongoing pain. Your attorney will calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure you seek fair compensation. These damages can include:
If your injury is likely to cause long-term issues, your attorney will also factor in the need for ongoing care, ensuring that any settlement or award provides for future medical needs.
Sometimes, reaching a fair settlement outside of court isn’t possible. If this happens in your case, a maritime accident injury lawyer can prepare for trial. They’ll represent you in front of a judge or jury, presenting evidence to show how your employer’s negligence contributed to your injury and the extent of its impact on your life.
Going to court may seem daunting, but having a prepared and knowledgeable attorney by your side can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. They’ll handle all the legal proceedings, giving you peace of mind and a strong chance at the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with an arm or shoulder injury in the maritime industry can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to recover while navigating complex legal matters. A maritime accident injury lawyer can make this process easier by handling the legal work, negotiating with insurers, and building a compelling case for employer negligence. With the right legal support, you’ll have a better chance of obtaining fair compensation, allowing you to focus on returning to a healthier, more stable life.
When you’ve suffered an arm or shoulder injury due to employer negligence, the road to recovery can seem daunting. Medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of an injury can pile up, making it hard to move forward. But with the support of a maritime accident injury lawyer, you can take action to secure your future.
By gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and advocating for fair compensation, an attorney can help you regain control and seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered. Please get in touch with a maritime accident injury lawyer to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
