PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.

Many people think of PTSD as something only war veterans experience. The truth is, anyone who has experienced a traumatic event can develop PTSD, even maritime workers. Under the Jones Act, maritime workers who suffer from job-related PTSD after a traumatic event may be able to seek compensation if their condition was the result of negligence on the part of their employers, captain or co-workers.

Maritime Workers and PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD usually manifest themselves soon after the traumatic event, but in some cases they may not appear for months or years later, and may come and go over time.  The victim may behave normally until the symptoms are triggered by a period of stress or news of a similar accident.

Depending on its severity, PTSD may prevent a maritime worker from returning to work, enjoying normal activities, and impose other difficulties that were non-existent before the traumatic event.

There are four types of PTSD symptoms according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

  • Reliving the event (or re-experiencing symptoms) – including flashbacks, bad memories or nightmares
  • Avoiding situations that could trigger memories of the traumatic event
  • Having more negative beliefs and feelings
  • Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal)

Other problems maritime workers with PTSD may experience include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Drinking or drug problems
  • Physical symptoms or chronic pain
  • Employment problems
  • Relationship problems, including divorce

Causes of Maritime Worker PTSD

Maritime work is often stressful and dangerous. Severe injuries and deaths occur among maritime workers at rates significantly higher than workers in other industries. Accidents on port docks, vessels at sea, or offshore oil rigs can be devastating. There are many situations a maritime worker may encounter that can cause them to develop PTSD, such as:

  • Being aboard a sinking vessel
  • Falling overboard
  • A collision at sea or in port
  • Hypothermia
  • Explosion
  • Fire
  • Lost limbs or amputated fingers
  • Broken bones
  • Crush injuries
  • Injuries due to falling objects
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Assault or battery (including sexual assault)
  • Mechanical accidents (crane accidents, snapbacks, etc.)

For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must last for more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work. The duration of the disorder varies. For some, recovery occurs within 6 months, while others may experience symptoms that last much longer. In some instances, the condition can become chronic.

PTSD is diagnosed by a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who has experience treating people suffering from mental trauma.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in order to be diagnosed with PTSD, a maritime worker must exhibit all of the following for at least one month:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom
  • At least one avoidance symptom
  • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • At least two cognition and mood symptoms

Psychotherapy and medication are the two main types of treatment prescribed for PTSD.

Speak to an Experienced Maritime Injury Attorney

Maritime injuries can be both mental and physical. If you are a maritime worker who believes you may be suffering from PTSD after an on-the-job accident that was caused due to negligence, it’s important that you seek help right away.

For more than 40 years, the maritime attorneys at Lambert Zainey have helped injured maritime workers get the compensation they deserve under the Jones Act and other maritime laws.  Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.