Offshore workers are susceptible to a variety of accidents and injuries. You and your family are entitled to certain rights under maritime law.
There are a variety of accidents that can take place offshore–some of which can cause serious harm. Those who work on offshore platforms, oil and jack up rigs, as well as the vessels that service these work places, tend to be at great risk of injury. This is due, in part, to the general nature of the work itself, but accidents and injuries can also occur due to someone’s negligence.
What Type of Accidents Can Occur? An Offshore Accident Lawyer Explains.
The types of accidents that can take place will vary based on location. For example, some accidents can stem from explosions and fire. Individuals who work on vessels, platforms and rigs are routinely surrounded by materials that are flammable and perhaps explosive. If a ventilation system malfunctions, if fuel is stored improperly or if vessels crash into each other, explosions and fire can take place and the injuries from such accidents can be disastrous and even deadly.
Accidents can also occur due to falling objects. In fact, being hit by a flying or falling object is one of the more common injuries to occur on oil rigs and other vessels. Support structures, as well as large, heavy machinery that are not properly or correctly secured can potentially injure the people who are on deck.
Another type of accident that can take place is a slip and fall. In inclement weather, oil rigs and the decks of ships can be very difficult places to work. Wet surfaces tend to cause those working onboard to slip and fall. But it is not only bad weather than can lead to slips and falls. Loose stairway welds, corroded walkways, and ledges that do not have handrails can also play a role in causing a worker’s injuries.
The Injuries Stemming From Offshore Accidents
The injuries that an offshore worker might experience can include burns, spinal cord and brain injuries, back and orthopedic injuries, eye injuries and crush injuries. Burn injuries can lead to long-term or even life-long emotional and physical scars that can be quite severe. Spinal cord injuries or SCI can cause an individual to lose function in one or more of his or her limbs and/or they can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries, which are also known as TBI, are also injuries that workers can experience in extreme situations. If he or she sustains such an injury, the individual might experience issues with neurological functioning and long-term cognitive problems. Back and orthopedic injuries can negatively impact a worker’s ability to do his or her job. Additionally, when workers experience joint, tissue or bone injuries, the effects can be short or long-term and can range in intensity from minor to very serious.
Eye injuries, much like back injuries, can substantially hinder a worker’s ability to perform his or her job, as any type of injury to the eye can result in vision impairment or even vision loss. Workers can also sustain crush injuries to a few digits or the entire body, particularly if the worker gets trapped under or in between heavy objects.
Contact Maritime Law Firm that has Recovered Over $200 Million Dollars for Clients*
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that has resulted in injuries, contact an offshore injury lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. to learn more about your rights.
