Due to the nature of the work involved in maritime jobs, those who are employed offshore are often exposed to hazardous situations that can leave them vulnerable to serious and debilitating injuries. In some cases, this could be a crush injury from heavy machinery, or it could perhaps be a spinal injury caused by falling on a slippery deck. The danger that an offshore worker faces, however, is never more prominent than when working around electricity.
During the course of their work, it is not unlikely that an offshore worker will be exposed to wiring and general electrical equipment. Should this wiring be exposed or should they otherwise come into contact with the electricity, the results can be devastating—resulting in everything from heart arrhythmia, to brain damage, and severe burns.
The wet conditions in which maritime workers are often placed can only worsen situations involving electricity. It is well known that water is a conductor for electricity; however, what most people don't realize is that seawater is also corrosive and can wear away at electrical equipment and wiring. When this occurs, or should there be an electrical short or an improperly grounded connection, the offshore worker can suffer from a severe electrical shock. Beyond that, it is important to note that the wet conditions can also affect the intensity of the burn.
There are few accidents that can cause as severe of injuries as those related to electric shock. Depending on the type of the electric current, the duration, the voltage of the source, and the pathway of the shock, the injuries can range from minor to severe—and could even be fatal. In most situations, a maritime worker who has been electrocuted will be exposed to the high voltage commonly found in industrial settings.
In many situations, the victim of the electrocution will have severe burns where the point of contact was made. These are often a primary source of concern in regards to medical treatment and will require immediate care to dress the wound. If the burn is severe enough, it could possibly require surgery or even a skin graft. If the burn is past the point where there is an adequate course of treatment, the injury could require amputation of the burned area. Regardless, someone who has suffered from electrical shock should seek immediate medical attention.
If you or your loved one was injured due to an accident involving electric shock or electrocution while working offshore, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act and other laws designed to protect injured seamen. The important thing is to contact a lawyer who can help you understand your options. Choose an attorney who has experience in cases involving the Jones Act and maritime law, such as an offshore injury attorney from the team at Arnold & Itkin LLP. We have secured billions of dollars for clients in our firm's history.
If you or a loved one has recently been electrocuted while working offshore, then you likely have grounds to file a claim. Our offshore injury attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP have proven time and time again that we can be trusted to help you protect your legal rights in the wake of an electric accident.
If the accident occurred because of negligence in upholding safety standards or failure to properly train the crew in handling dangerous equipment, then the employer should be held liable for the injuries. You can be confident knowing that, should you choose to work with our firm, our attorneys are more than prepared to do everything that we can to help you. Contact a Jones Act lawyer from the team at Arnold & Itkin LLP today by dialing (888) 346-5024.
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
