Maritime professionals ranging from cruise ship employees to professional fishermen work in dangerous environments. Both the vessels on which they work and the ocean itself can create numerous hazards. One of the biggest safety issues involves going overboard or otherwise ending up in the water. Workers who fall from a significant height or get swept overboard by waves could experience a near-drowning incident. Even those who consistently use personal flotation devices are at risk if they are unconscious while in the ocean. They may require resuscitation followed by emergency medical care.
Yet, simply retrieving someone from the water isn’t enough to ensure that their health recovers after an incident in a maritime work environment. Near-drownings frequently result in career-ending complications for the workers involved. Why can a near-drowning where someone survives force them to change their profession?
Injuries following a lack of oxygen to the brain
When someone experiences a near-drowning, they go without oxygen for a prolonged amount of time. That can result in potentially permanent brain damage in some cases. The longer someone suffers from inadequate oxygen supply, the greater the risk of permanent injuries. An anoxic brain injury can result from a near-drowning incident even if co-workers or medical professionals are capable of reviving the individual who ends up in the ocean. Brain injuries can produce symptoms ranging from changes in personality and issues with memory to motor function challenges.
Trauma that affects job performance
Going into the water and not being sure if help is coming can lead to serious trauma. Individuals who experience a near-drowning may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or severe anxiety that prevents them from returning to work. Maritime employees who can no longer perform their jobs they experience substantial financial setbacks. They may need assistance covering their medical costs and recouping their lost wages. A lawsuit is necessary in many cases because standard workers’ compensation does not cover maritime workplace injuries.
To seek compensation after a near-drowning or similar incident, an injured maritime employee typically needs proof of their losses and evidence that negligence on the part of their employer may have contributed to the situation. Learning about the rules that govern maritime workplace injuries can be beneficial for those who find themselves unable to continue their careers due to work-related concerns.