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Would You Like To Know Your Medical And Legal Options Following A Maritime Back or Neck Injury?

Back and neck injuries are common in the maritime industry.Employees in the maritime industry are required to perform some of the most physically demanding work in the world.  A strong neck and back is an absolute "must" for many of the jobs in the maritime industry.  Without a strong back and neck, in fact, many companies won't even consider hiring you for a maritime job.

Many companies in the maritime industry require pre-employment physical examinations, and then require you to do yearly physicals after your pre-employment physical.  The U.S. Coast Guard also has specific physical requirements for certain types of maritime jobs.

Unfortunately, neck and back injuries are very common in the marine industry.  And even more unfortunately, even if you hurt your neck or back through no fault of your own, you many not be able to go back to work, and most companies don't have any "legal" obligation to keep you employed.

What Can You Do If You Suffered A Neck Or Back Injury Doing Maritime-related Work?

Some neck and back injuries are more serious than others, and less serious injuries like "soft tissue" injuries or "sprains" probably won't prevent you from working in the future.  Typically these injuries heal up on their own or with some minimal level of treatment.  With these types of injuries, you should be back to work before long.  That means it is probably not worth your time to participate in legal proceedings or hire a lawyer to represent you.

On the other hand, some of the more serious injuries can have devastating long-term consequences for your maritime employment.  For example, you can injure the discs between your vertebrae.  These injuries are sometimes referred to as "slipped discs," or "herniated discs," or "disc protrusions."  You could also suffer an "annular tear," which means the discs have torn in some form or fashion. 

If you suffered a serious back injury, it is likely that your chances of future maritime work will be negatively impacted.  Some companies will refuse to hire you, flat out.  Your employer may even try to get you to accept a cheap settlement, then fire you once you've signed away your legal rights.

Read More About Spinal Injuries Here

Do I Need A Lawyer If I Think I May Have A Serious Back or Neck Injury?

Probably, at least if you want to make sure your legal rights are fully protected.

Although most people won't need a lawyer if they have a minor back injury, any major back injury in the maritime field is highly likely to have severe long-term consequences for your future employability.  Under federal maritime law, you may be entitled to seek "damages" (basically, an amount of money) to compensate your for all your future economic losses, especially if your employer was at fault for your injuries.

What Do You Recommend I Do If I Have Suffered A Serious Back Or Neck Injury?

First, make sure you are getting proper medical attention from qualified (preferably Board Certified) medical professionals with no connection or bias towards your company or the insurance company working for your company.

Second, don't sign any papers before you have them independently reviewed.  You may be signing away your legal rights if you aren't absolutely sure what the papers mean.

Third, you may want to consider a confidential consultation with a maritime lawyer to figure out your legal options.  Most maritime lawyers will give you a free private consultation so you will know your legal options.

Fourth, we've written a serious of really informative books and reports that will give you a real good idea of what to expect in a maritime case.  You can order our books and reports for free by clicking on this link.

You can also read the articles and news items below to get learn about maritime back and neck injury cases.

Some people want to talk to an attorney immediately.  If you want to talk to Mr. Beckcom immediately about your case, you can schedule a free telephone consultation by dialing 877.724.7800.


Blog for Maritime Back and Neck Injuries

Library for Maritime Back and Neck Injuries:

  • Montgomery Maritime Lawyer Describes Lumbar Sprain and Strain Injuries   
    Back injuries are frequently suffered by maritime workers due to the physical nature of their jobs. View this page for more from a Montgomery maritime lawyer.
  • Gulfport Maritime Injury Lawyer: Facts about Neck Strains   
    Suffer a maritime neck injury? View this page for an overview of neck strains by a Gulfport maritime injury lawyer
  • Frank Drapela v. United States of America [PDF]   
    A seaman who injured his neck while freeing up 165 deck rings by himself was again victorious in his claim for unseaworthiness in this federal appeals case.
  • When Your Maritime Injury is More Than Just a Pain in the Neck   
    You need to recognize if your maritime accident has led to more than a simple pain in the neck. Read this article to learn more and be sure to order a FREE copy of maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom’s book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.
  • Maritime workers: don’t wait to get help after your spine or back injury   
    Jones Act seamen and maritime workers are at risk of being injured on-the-job because of dangerous working conditions. Workers who suffer from a spine or back injury may not realize right away that they were hurt, and could miss out on important medical treatment and compensation from their employer.
  • A Broken Back Can Lead to Cauda Equina Syndrome   
    Cauda equine syndrome is a serious condition often caused by a broken back or other injury. This article discusses this painful condition, including the symptoms and prognosis. Contact an experienced Houston maritime injury lawyer at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 if you have been injured in a maritime accident.
  • Herniated Disc is a Painful Maritime Injury   
    A herniated disc is a painful injury that is often caused by a maritime accident. If you have injured your back while working offshore, you will want to read this article. Contact an experienced maritime accident attorney at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for more information.
  • What You Need to Know if You Injured Your Back in a Maritime Accident   
    Seamen are especially at risk of sustaining serious back injuries while working offshore. This article discusses back injuries caused by maritime accidents and the rights of injured seamen. Contact an experienced maritime attorney http://www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com/ at the law office of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 if you have suffered from a maritime injury.
  • Spinal Cord Injury Sustained Offshore   
    Maritime workers frequently sustain serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries. Vujasinovic & Beckcom discuss the symptoms and treatment of a spinal cord injury that occurred offshore, as well as the compensation available for the injured maritime worker. Contact our maritime lawyers at (877) 724-7800 for advice regarding your case.

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