Brain Damage
OFFSHORE BRAIN DAMAGE LAWYERS
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Offshore workers are exposed to catastrophically unsafe conditions aboard sea vessels. Severe offshore brain damage can prevent an offshore worker from returning to work. Even without considering the natural dangers associated with these jobs—such as the unstable nature of the ocean and wet, slippery conditions onboard—human error and negligence can jeopardize an offshore worker’s health just as much, if not more. If you or a loved one is living with severe brain damage from a work-related injury, Contact The Carlson Law Firm to speak with an expert offshore brain damage lawyer.
In addition, our firm’s more than 40 years of experience, we also have top maritime injury attorney Reed Morgan. Morgan has achieved several significant trial victories and settlements for victims of offshore brain damage and employer misconduct. Employers who do not follow proper safety procedures, employees who are not fully trained, defective equipment, improperly maintained machinery: These and other scenarios create dangerously unsafe environments that can result in all types of offshore injuries, including brain damage and injuries. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.
What are the Common Causes of Offshore Brain Injuries?
The most common causes of offshore brain injuries include:
- Insufficient training
- Falling objects
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Being hit by cranes or other heavy equipment
- Oil or other slippery substances on the ship’s deck
- Falls overboard
- Assault by a fellow crew member
- Improper loading or unloading of cargo
- Failure to provide the crew with proper equipment
Sustaining a brain injury from offshore work can alter your life. If the vessel’s captain or the crew is negligent or injures another employee, the employee can hold the employer accountable. For example, if a crew member who fails to place a caution sign after mopping the deck and another employee slips, the employer is liable for any injuries sustained.
If you or a loved one sustained an injury from any of these instances, contact an offshore brain damage lawyer today. A maritime attorney from The Carlson Law Firm can help you determine your next steps. Moreover, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur in serious and seemingly minor accidents alike, often as the result of “open head injuries” or “closed head injuries.” Open head or penetrating brain injuries occur when the skull is pierced, such as by a piece of metal. Closed head injuries are caused by sudden impact or blunt force trauma, including the head trauma caused by a fall or being struck by a falling object.
TBI injuries are expensive and can cost millions of dollars in medical care and lost wages over the victim’s lifetime. TBI cases also involve complex legal and medical issues. There is treatment available to help stabilize brain injury victims, and even therapy options to help sufferers manage certain symptoms. However, there is currently no treatment available to actually reverse the damage caused by brain injuries. Victims of brain injury should still seek immediate medical attention; a medical professional will be able to help the victim receive the proper supply of oxygen to the brain in order to prevent further damage.
What are the Symptoms Of Brain Injuries?
TBI victims suffer from chronic pain, cognitive problems, orthopedic issues, depression, anger and anxiety. We know that traumatic brain injury victims face months, years or even a lifetime of surgeries, at-home care, medications and doctor visits. But there is also a tremendous impact on the families and loved ones as well. TBI symptoms can range from relatively minor—light-headedness and dizziness—to severe: Memory loss, cognitive damage, seizures, and changes in behavior. It is important to realize that any level of damage to the brain will have a direct and profound impact on the individual’s daily life. The victim could suffer from side effects and consequences that could even alter their personality and way of thinking. Symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Problems with balance
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Low every level
- Unequal pupils
Sensory Symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in ears
- Inability to smell
- Bad taste in mouth
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Difficulty remembering
- Confusion
- Inability to concentrate
- Mental fogginess
- Loss of focus
Emotional Symptoms:
- Easily angered or upset
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Depression
- Crying more than usual
- Lack of interest in usual activities
How does the Jones Act Protect Offshore Workers?
The Jones Act protects offshore workers by requiring employers to provide reasonably safe working environments. Because terrestrial laws, such as worker’s compensation, don’t apply to employees at sea, the Jones Act provides a path for offshore works employees to sue their employers for injuries sustained.
Primarily, the Jones Act covers mariners who work for private companies that import or export goods. In order to be protected by the Jones Act, workers must spend at least 30 percent of their work time on a “vessel in navigation” or a group of vessels under common ownership. Vessels considered in navigation are those that are afloat, operational, capable of moving and those moving on moving on navigable waters. For example, although not in motion, a docked ship capable of navigating on the water is considered a vessel in navigation.
Offshore workers protected by the Jones Act include:
- Masters
- Captains
- Officers
- Crew members
Even if you don’t meet the 30 percent requirement for coverage under the Jones Act, there is still assistance available for you. You will be covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. By contacting an offshore brain damage lawyer, you can figure out how the Jones Act affects your case. Our firm a team of maritime attorneys ready to assist you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How do I file a Brain Injury Claim Under the Jones Act?
A qualified offshore brain damage lawyer can help you navigate your offshore injury claim. Generally, the process for injury claims under the Jones Act is as follows:
- report the injury to your supervisor within seven days
- Make an official statement about the injury and who is at fault
- Seek immediate medical treatment (keep relevant medical records)
- Settling the claim or lawsuit with your employer
Proving employer negligence is considerably lower for at-sea workers. Generally, the threshold for proving an employer is at-fault is much lower than on land personal injury claims.
Offshore Damages
Much like traditional personal injury cases, damages include:
- Present and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses (such as physical therapy and medications)
- Present and future lost wages
Offshore brain damage can lead to extreme changes in a person’s life. Both family members and the affected victim will suffer from losses caused by the injury. But you can get relief. The first step our firm will take is making sure you are getting the medical treatment you need for your physical recovery. Contact an offshore brain damage lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm for a free consultation. We can answer any questions you may have about the Jones Act and how our firm will handle your case.
Did you Suffer a Brain Injury at Sea?
Traumatic brain injuries and offshore brain damage is a life-changing event. Along with the risk for physical disability, such as paralysis, brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, emotional instability, long-term pain and depression. If you, or a loved one, sustained an injury while working offshore contact The Carlson Law Firm. We care about your condition and can help you take the first steps to protect your legal rights. Further, we believe it is important to know what your options are, and how you can take action to protect yourself and your future after a serious offshore accident. Our attorneys can help you find the information you need.
Contact an Offshore Brain Damage Lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm for Help
The team of Maritime Injury Attorneys at The Carlson Law Firm have been helping victims of offshore accidents for over four decades. Because of our experience, we have the knowledge base and experience it takes to get you on the path to recovery. Don’t hesitate to call a Carlson Law Firm Offshore Brain Damage Lawyer. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation. We care, we can help.
