Offshore Back Injury Lawyers

Back & Neck Injuries Affecting Maritime Workers

An offshore jobsite is one of the most tedious and dangerous locations for an individual to be employed. Crew members may be at risk of suffering serious back and neck injuries caused by falling objects, heavy equipment, winches, fires, or explosions. Falls from heights and slip and fall accidents are also potential sources of neck and back injuries. 

When these injuries occur, they may leave an offshore worker unable to return to work for some time—if at all. Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses will add up quickly, and it can be difficult to get fair compensation in a reasonable amount of time. Arnold & Itkin’s trial lawyers are committed to protecting maritime workers’ rights to the treatment and support they need after serious neck and back injuries. We have helped after every major maritime disaster in the last 20 years, and we have won more than $20 billion on behalf of our clients. We are ready to see how we can help you. 

Contact our offshore back injury attorneys at (888) 346-5024 for a free consultation.

Types of Back & Neck Injuries

Because offshore work is physically demanding and involves both volatile substances and heavy machinery, back and neck injuries are possible in various scenarios. Repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and accidents can all cause such trauma. 

Offshore back and neck injuries may vary in severity, including:

• Strains and Sprains: The most common back and neck injuries are strains (overstretched or torn muscles) and sprains (tears or stretches in ligaments), often the result of heavy lifting, sudden movements, or repetitive tasks.
• Herniated Discs: This occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. It can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg, depending on the disc's location.
• Whiplash: Commonly associated with sudden jolts, as experienced in maritime accidents or falls, whiplash affects the soft tissues of the neck and can cause significant, lasting pain and reduced mobility.
• Spinal Fractures: A more serious injury that can occur due to falls from heights or severe accidents and trauma, a spinal fracture can lead to chronic pain and may require surgical intervention.
• Spinal Cord Damage: This is the most severe form of back and neck injury and can lead to paralysis, depending on the injury's location and severity. Spinal cord injuries can result from traumatic impacts or penetrating injuries.
• Chronic Pain Conditions: Repeated or severe injuries to the back and/or neck area can lead to chronic pain syndromes, which occur when the pain persists long after an initial injury has healed.

The severity of a neck or back injury affecting an offshore worker will depend on the nature of the incident itself and how quickly and effectively the injury is tended to. Because some offshore platforms are located tens or hundreds of miles from shore, medical transport may be necessary for a worker to receive treatment.

Other Causes of Back Injuries at Offshore Job Sites

Other causes of offshore neck and back injuries may include “slip and fall” or “trip and fall” accidents. These types of mishaps include:

• Slipping on a wet or oily surface
• Tripping over unstable machinery or equipment
• Falling from a dangerous height on an oil rig or vessel

A falling or swinging object can also cause an offshore worker to suffer a serious, crushing back or neck injury. If the back injury is severe enough, it can even lead to damage to the muscles surrounding the spinal column or back. In the most severe cases, it may even damage the spinal cord, putting the victim at risk for full or partial paralysis.

Contact an Offshore Back Injury Attorney

Trying to put the pieces back together after a serious back or neck injury can seem impossible. Your employer might be pressuring you to return to work before you’re ready. You may be unhappy with the doctor or facility where you are receiving treatment. You might be unable to return to your same position. You may wonder whether you are being treated fairly by your employer, the insurance company, and any other parties involved after your accident. 

When you work with our team at Arnold & Itkin, you get world-class representation by a team that truly cares about what you are going through. Our clients are our family, and we fight with everything we have to help them face brighter futures. No matter the opponent and no matter the odds, our offshore back injury lawyers will work toward the best possible result—because it matters to our clients, their families, and offshore safety as a whole. 

Learn more about your rights and options by calling (888) 346-5024 or contacting us online. Your consultation is completely free.