Maritime Spine Injuries

Jones Act Lawyer Serving Texas

Spine and spinal cord injuries are particularly traumatic because they may permanently affect motor control and sensation in the affected part of the body. Partial or total paralysis may be caused by a spine injury, leaving a Texas maritime worker unable to return to work or even perform the most basic day-to-day activities.

Due to the severe nature of spine injuries, a maritime worker who has experienced this type of injury should seriously consider involving an attorney to handle their Jones Act or other maritime law claim. A Texas Jones Act lawyer who is experienced in handling these cases and has the resources to properly investigate these matters can determine what caused the accident and the worker's injuries and can then seek full compensation under all relevant state and/or federal laws.

An offshore worker who has sustained a spinal cord injury may be entitled to financial relief to cover medical expenses, continued treatment, physical therapy, assistive devices, medication, loss of earnings, loss of future earnings, emotional trauma and room and board for the duration of the voyage. Taking immediate action and an aggressive stance can help ensure the worker has the best opportunity at recovering maximum compensation.

A Spine Injury May End a Maritime Career

Slipping and falling on a slippery deck, falling from a height while working on a derrick or raised platform, being struck by cargo or another heavy object or being thrown in an explosion are all examples of incidents that may cause a spine injury to occur. A direct blow to the spine or an unnatural twisting of the spinal column may result in fractures, dislocations or compression injuries that leave a Texas offshore worker temporarily or permanently paralyzed.

The location of injury along the spinal cord will influence what part of the body is paralyzed. A lower point of injury may result in paraplegia, affecting both legs and possibly the lower part of the trunk. A higher point of injury may result in quadriplegia, affecting both arms and legs and the entire torso.

A maritime worker who is paralyzed, who has lost the ability to perform fine motor skills or who suffers from any level of paralysis will most likely be unable to return to work on an oil platform, barge, tanker, crew boat, jack-up rig or other vessel. The highly physical nature of this work will prohibit it.

Texas Offshore Injury Attorneys

When you need a strong advocate for your rights as a seaman or other maritime worker, you can turn to the experienced professionals at Arnold & Itkin LLP. We know what it takes to go up against the largest oil companies in the U.S. and worldwide and are not afraid of fighting for our clients' rights. To learn more, contact a Texas offshore injury attorney today.