When Your Maritime Injury is More Than Just a Pain in the Neck

Let’s face it – a maritime injury is inconvenient. It might force you to take time off work and may even push you into bed rest. Instead of earning a good income, spending time with your family and enjoying other activities, you are facing doctor appointments, the filling of prescriptions and of course, the ever mounting pile of bills. However, sometimes a maritime accident can turn into more than “just a pain in the neck.” If you are experiencing neck pain after your accident, you need to be aware of a condition commonly referred to as a slipped disc (a.k.a. herniated disc).

What is a slipped disc?
To understand this type of injury, you need to become familiar with the anatomy of the spine. The spine consists of bony vertebrae, discs, nerves and the spinal cord. The discs can be viewed as shock absorbers between the bones in the spine. These discs can rupture or even split, causing part of the discs to escape into the surrounding tissue. As a result, pressure could be placed on the spinal cord or a nerve fiber.

What are some of the symptoms?
A slipped disc can occur in the neck or back. According to WebMD, when it occurs in the neck, some of the symptoms could include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Pain in the shoulder neck, arm or hand

Are there any treatment options available?
A doctor will be able to diagnose a slipped disc after conducting an examination and reviewing imaging studies, such as an x-ray. Once the condition is identified, treatment will ensue. If the injury is minor, the doctor might suggest at-home care, including the application of hot and cold packs and rest. Some of the common forms of treatment include prescription medication, surgery and physical therapy.

What can I do?
As an injured maritime worker, you may be entitled to compensation for your neck injury. Under the Jones Act, seamen can pursue maintenance and cure. If the injury is severe and negligence was involved, further compensation could be available.

The best thing for you to do at this point is to contact a maritime attorney for advice. Collecting the money you deserve after an offshore accident isn’t an easy task. An experienced lawyer can help.

For a free case evaluation, contact our office by calling 877.724.7800.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom’s book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. It has information you need to read, as an injured worker.