Maritime Injury Attorney
Nautical Injuries: Broken Bones
Offshore conditions are particularly notorious for causing dangerous situations for maritime workers. While the actual weather conditions can cause slippery decks, the nature of the work can result in oil spilled on walking surfaces, broken stairs, defective ladders and even heavy and sometimes malfunctioning equipment. All of these conditions can lead to an offshore employee suffering a catastrophic offshore injury.
One of the most common types of injuries that can be sustained in offshore working environments is that of a fracture of a broken bone. No matter whether it was sustained by falling from a deck, slipping on the stairs or being involved in an accident with a piece of heavy machinery, it is important to realize that you have rights that deserve to be protected. Maritime laws have long since been put into place to help you seek just compensation. It is in your best interests to contact a knowledgeable offshore injury lawyer who will be able to help you utilize these laws to help you defend your legal rights.
Brief Overview of Broken Bones and Fractures
While serving as the entire infrastructure of the human body, it is important to keep in mind that bones are not made from steel. They are incredibly fragile and should they be placed in the wrong position or subjected to the wrong amount of pressure, they can easily be dislocated, fractured or broken cleanly into two separate pieces. Some of the most common symptoms of a broken bone include the following:
- Limps or joints that are misshapen;
- Swelling of the area or immediate bruising;
- Intense pain, numbness or tingling;
- Bone protruding through the skin; and
- Inability to fully move the limb
If any of these symptoms are noted, it is highly encouraged that the person is kept entirely still until medical personnel arrives to assess the damage. In some cases a break to a vital portion of the body - such as the spine - can result in severe consequences such as paralysis. Medical treatment immediately will include washing any areas where the skin has broken to avoid infection, immobilizing the broken bone and helping apply cold to reduce swelling. The person might also need to be positioned in a way to help with shock. Long term treatment of broken bones include more permanent immobilization - this can include anything from a plaster cast to a splint or even surgical nails, screws, plates and wires. In some cases surgery is needed to implant these more permanent forms of immobilization and patients may even need bone grafting.
Importance of Hiring a Maritime Lawyer
When dealing with the ramifications of a broken bone, it is highly important that you do not feel as if you are hopeless. The truth is that there are steps that can and should be utilized in the effort to protect your legal rights. At Arnold & Itkin, we have seen the ramifications of broken bones and we are prepared to do everything possible in our efforts to provide our clients with the legal assistance that they truly deserve. If you would like to learn more about what can be done in the effort to maximize your recovery, it is encouraged that you pick up the phone and give our firm a call. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars over the years and are prepared to fight for your full financial compensation. Please do not hesitate to give us a call today to schedule your initial case evaluation to discuss your claim in more detail.
To learn about what more can be done, please contact an offshore injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin, LLP.
