When working on one of the 4,000 oil rigs in the Gulf, each day can be filled with new dangers. Drilling for oil involves many heavy weighted items and areas where objects can fall—especially in situations involving explosion and fire. This is only further increased when adequate safety precautions have not been taken on an oil rig. One of the dangers that can be dealt with includes the possibility of suffering a crush injury.
A crush injury involves being squeezed between two objects or being hit by a heavy item. This pressure or force can cause more than just cuts; it can actually crush the body completely. Even stronger individuals and those whose jobs take a considerable amount of strength may be unable to stand under the force of heavy equipment or tools.
Crush injuries can lead to bruising and lacerations. Damage can also be internal and bleeding or nerve damage may not be initially recognized, allowing the condition to worsen. When the force is considerable it can break a person's bones or cause them to crush as well. When a bone is crushed it will be far more challenging for healthcare workers to repair it when compared to a typical clean break.
A crush injury can leave a person requiring emergency medical treatment or a stay in the hospital. These expenses can add up quick, leaving the victims paying costly bills. Some of the damage may be irreparable and those harmed can have to learn how to live with the disability. For many, there is the need to make adaptations to their car and home to accommodate the impairment.
A crush injury can be particularly devastating for a worker whose job involves labor. The injury may force them to leave work for a period of time or they may deal with issues even after returning to work. Since their job involves so much physical activity, an injury can be intensified. Some are even harmed to the point that they can no longer carry out the functions of their particular profession. They may need to be retrained and enter into a new field or may be left unable to work altogether.
In any of these scenarios, it is critical that compensation is sought. Negligence may have been involved and many innocent victims are left dealing with the ramifications of another person's mistake. This can be an employer who did not provide adequately safe areas for their workers.
Under the Jones Act, a worker can seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, and other expenses that resulted from the event. The most recent incident in the Gulf of Mexico was a reminder of just how real the possibility of oil rig explosions are and the devastation that they can cause.
Arnold & Itkin LLP has represented countless individuals, including workers that have been harmed in an oil rig explosion. We labored extensively to retain compensation for the victims of the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 in which workers were injured and even killed when the oil rig exploded. Our efforts have allowed us to recover billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for those we represent. Having qualified representation is imperative and can be the deciding factor in a number of cases. We have a thorough understanding of maritime law and the rights that our clients have. The first step is to speak with a knowledgeable offshore injury lawyer about your case.
You can do this by contacting our office and setting up a consultation. A crush injury doesn't have to dictate your life and by retaining compensation, you may be able to reduce the impact that it has over you.
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.
