As a seaman, you use your arms and shoulders to lift, pull, tug, turn and haul. These actions are an essential part of your job, but repetitive stress and on-ship accidents can cause serious arm and shoulder injury. Shoulder and arm injuries are very common among seamen working offshore.
Arm and shoulder injuries include:
Some shoulder and arm injuries heal quickly with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, others injuries may require surgery and long-term physical therapy. Serious shoulder and arm problems can leave a seaman permanently disabled or living in chronic pain. Even a minor injury may prevent a seaman from working for an extended period of time.
If you were injured while working aboard a ship, tug boat, barge, fishing boat, offshore oil platform, or tour boat, you are covered by federal maritime law and the Jones Act. Whether your injury was caused by daily wear and tear as you performed your duties over and over or by a slip and fall or a cargo accident, you are eligible to receive maintenance and cure benefits while you are recovering from your injury and are unable to work.
If your injury is due to unsafe conditions aboard ship, you may be able to claim Jones Act damages. Jones Act damages may include compensation for lost wages; lost earning capacity; medical, physical therapy and rehabilitation costs; pain and suffering; loss of enjoyment of life and disability. An experienced maritime injury attorney can determine if you have a claim and will provide you with a case evaluation.
For additional information about your Jones Act rights, request our free tool kit of information which includes a copy of the book: “Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law“. If you’d like to discuss your own case, contact the Young Firm at 504-680-4100 and ask to schedule a free consultation with a maritime injury attorney. There is no obligation.
