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Electrical Injuries A Risk For Maritime Workers

Posted in Jones Act

Although electrical injuries may be a risk for many forms of work, maritime workers could be at a particularly high risk of serious injury.

For maritime workers, the consistently wet work environment that they labor in increases the risk of suffering serious injuries if they come in contact with a live power line or exposed wiring, or experience a malfunctioning tool.

Electrical injuries run the gamut of severity, from mild shock to fatal electrocution. Other injuries can include burns, cardiac arrhythmia and loss of consciousness. When electrocuted, the current can cause the worker to be thrown, which can result in other injuries such as fractures, brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.

If the injuries are severe enough to cause nerve damage, all or part of limb function can be affected. That can translate to a dramatic decrease in their income as it may prevent the worker from returning to his regular job function.

Workers employed on vessels such as cruise lines, tankers, cargo ships, barges or tugboats may be covered under the Jones Act in the event of an electricity related injury. Maintenance and cure benefits may apply, which can cover medical expenses and living costs. Other damages may also be recovered.

For harbor workers, longshoremen, ship yard hands or workers in ship building facilities, compensation may be possible under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act.

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