Maritime and longshore workers often face numerous serious hazards while on the job. Exposure to the elements, proximity to heavy equipment and demanding physical job tasks can all lead to injury or worse.
Occasionally, maritime workers may experience near-drownings. They get swept or knocked overboard, but their co-workers are able to recover them from the water before a tragedy occurs. Despite receiving prompt medical care, workers who nearly drown may find that they can no longer continue working in a maritime environment because of the consequences of their circumstances.
Oxygen deprivation can damage the brain
Medical professionals and workplace safety specialists often highlight the importance of rapid recovery efforts when someone goes into the water. The reason is simple. The longer a person is in the water, the greater their risk of developing an anoxic brain injury.
Depending on the circumstances, people may begin developing permanent brain damage after as few as five minutes after going overboard. Brain injury symptoms can vary and may include changes in cognition, issues with sensory perception and motor function challenges.
Maritime and longshore workers dealing with permanent brain injury symptoms may not be able to safely perform their job functions anymore. They may need to take legal action to pursue compensation for lost wages, reduced future earning potential and medical expenses associated with treating their brain injuries.
Workers’ compensation does not protect those working at harbors or in maritime environments. Litigation may be the only way to offset the losses caused by maritime work injuries. Reviewing the circumstances of a near-drowning with a skilled legal team can help maritime workers pursue the financial compensation they deserve for their workplace injuries.