Types Of Injuries Offshore & Maritime Workers Suffer

Back Injuries

While not always catastrophic, back injuries can severely impact a maritime worker’s ability to perform their job and permanently affect their future earning potential. Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and chronic pain conditions from maritime back injuries are compensable under the Jones Act, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity if the injury prevents return to maritime work.

Burns

Burn injuries can be among the most severe, with long-term physical and emotional consequences including permanent scarring, nerve damage, and the need for repeated surgical procedures including skin grafts. Employers who fail to maintain fire suppression systems, properly store flammable materials, or provide adequate protective gear bear direct Jones Act and unseaworthiness liability for burn injuries.

Brain Injuries (TBI)

Workers who suffer traumatic brain injuries can have permanent problems with cognitive function, memory, personality, and neurological control. TBI damages in a Jones Act claim include all current and future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, including the non-economic impact of cognitive decline and personality change.

Amputations

The loss of limbs or digits may occur during a maritime accident, or be necessary as a result of injuries sustained in an accident. Amputation claims must account for the full lifetime cost of prosthetics — modern devices cost $20,000 to $100,000 and require replacement every three to five years. See our full post on maritime workers and amputation injuries.

Crush Injuries

Workers trapped between or under heavy objects can suffer crush injuries to the whole body or to specific limbs. Crush injuries frequently cause compartment syndrome, nerve damage, and permanent loss of function. When inadequate safety protocols or defective equipment caused the entrapment, the employer’s Jones Act liability is direct.

Orthopedic Injuries

When bones, tissue, or joints are injured in a maritime accident, the short and long-term effects can range from minor to severe. Torn rotator cuffs, knee injuries, and fractures that result from falls on wet decks, snap-back lines, or equipment failures are compensable under the Jones Act, including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care if the injury results in chronic impairment.

Eye Injuries

Injuries that affect the eyes can lead to vision loss or permanent impairment, rendering a maritime worker unable to return to their job. Eye injuries from chemical exposure, equipment failure, or flying debris are compensable under the Jones Act, with damages including permanent disability and lost earning capacity.

Acoustic Trauma

Hearing damage from prolonged exposure to engine noise, drilling equipment, or explosive events can have permanent effects on a maritime worker’s ability to work and function in daily life. Acoustic trauma claims require audiological documentation connecting the hearing loss to workplace noise exposure.

Emotional Distress

PTSD and other emotional trauma can be just as serious as physical injuries. Even in the case of a near-miss accident where a maritime worker genuinely feared for their life, severe emotional distress is compensable under the zone of danger doctrine. Employers are also required to cover psychological treatment under maintenance and cure. See our post on emotional distress and the zone of danger.

Hypothermia

Maritime workers who are exposed to cold weather or immersion in cold water face serious risk of hypothermia — and employers who fail to provide adequate cold weather gear, functioning man-overboard equipment, or proper training are legally liable under the Jones Act when hypothermia results.

Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure can result in serious long-term health problems including cancer, mesothelioma, and chronic lung disease. Maritime workers are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals through inhalation or direct contact. The discovery rule may allow the three-year limitations period to begin from when you were diagnosed, not from the original exposure date.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Injuries to the spine can lead to paralysis and permanent loss of limb function. Spinal cord injury damages in a Jones Act claim must account for lifetime care costs, which for a complete SCI can reach several million dollars. Expert medical and vocational testimony is required to establish the full extent of these claims.