Towboat and marine industry conditions are notorious for exposing maritime workers to unsafe work conditions. While the actual weather conditions can cause slippery decks, the nature of the work can result in oil spilled on walking surfaces, broken stairs, defective ladders, and heavy and sometimes malfunctioning equipment. All of these conditions can lead to a marine employee suffering a serious or even devastating injury.
Broken bones are one of the serious injuries that can be sustained in the marine industry working environment. No matter whether it was sustained by falling from a deck, slipping on the stairs, or being involved in an accident with a piece of heavy machinery, it is important to realize that you have rights that deserve to be protected. Marine industry laws were put into place to protect your right to compensation if you get inured on the job. It is in your best interests to contact a knowledgeable Jones Act attorney who will be able to help you utilize these laws to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Brief Overview of Broken Bones and Fractures
Human bones are not able to withstand some of the extreme forces they encounter in the towboat and marine industry. Under such extreme conditions, they can easily be dislocated, fractured or broken cleanly into two separate pieces.
Some of the most common symptoms of a broken bone include the following:
• Swelling of the area or immediate bruising of the area where the injury occurred;
• Intense pain, numbness, or tingling;
• Bone protruding through the skin; and
• Inability to fully move the limb
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate assistance from one of your co-workers and be kept still until medical personnel arrives to assess the damage. In the most severe cases – such as those involving the spine – you may suffer severe consequences such as paralysis. Medical treatment immediately will include washing any areas where the skin has broken to avoid infection, immobilizing the broken bone, and helping apply cold to reduce swelling.
Long term treatment of broken bones include more permanent immobilization – this can include anything from a plaster cast to a splint or even surgical nails, screws, plates, and wires. In some cases surgery is needed to implant these more permanent forms of immobilization and patients may even need bone grafting.
As with other injuries, there are important steps that you should follow if you or a loved one experience a broken bone. At the Dysart Law Firm, P.C., we are prepared to do everything possible to provide our clients with the legal assistance they truly deserve. If you would like to learn more about what can be done in the effort to maximize your recovery, it is encouraged that you pick up the phone and give our firm a call. We are prepared to fight to help you obtain full compensation for your injuries. Please do not hesitate to give us a call today to schedule your initial case evaluation and learn about your rights in more detail.
To learn about what more can be done, please contact a Jones Act attorney at the Dysart Law Firm, P.C., right now.