St. Louis Barge Worker Injury Attorneys
Barge Accident Broken Bones
There are a number of ways that a worker on a barge can suffer serious injuries involving broken bones. Barges are notoriously dangerous workplaces because of large machinery, heavy cargo, and hazardous weather conditions. Anyone who has suffered broken bones in a Missouri barge accident would be well advised to consult with a skilled injury lawyer who can help victims and their families understand their legal rights and options.
Most Common Bones Broken in Barge Accidents
There are many hazardous conditions that can lead to a serious injury on a barge. Head injuries can occur as a result of slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. Traumatic head injuries can also happen as a result of falls from elevations or when objects are dropped from an elevation. The most severe barge accidents may result in fractured vertebrae in the neck or back, which can cause quadriplegia, paraplegia, paralysis, or chronic pain.
Victims of barge accidents would be well advised to promptly report the injury to their manager or supervisor and to seek medical attention. Immediate diagnosis and treatment is necessary for the victim to have a chance at a speedy and complete recovery. Also, it is important to establish a medical history of when the injury accident occurred and what types of injuries were suffered.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills and therapy expenses after a broken bone accident can add up very quickly. In the case of a broken bone injury, victims are first taken to an emergency room, where the fees can be steep. The doctor will probably want to get an x-ray done in order to diagnose the injury and in serious injury cases, an expensive MRI or CAT scan may be required as well. Once the doctor has an understanding of the injuries suffered, he or she will have to determine if surgery is needed to repair the broken bone. In some cases, the swelling around the injury is so bad that the victim will have to return to the hospital for additional treatment. Return visits, tests, surgeries, and physical therapy fees can add up quickly. As long as the broken bone injury resulted from work-related activity, the victim may be able to seek financial compensation for all medical expenses and lost wages.
The Jones Act and Claim Compensation
Missouri workers injured in a barge accident have the right to hold their employer accountable for the losses suffered because of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act. To receive compensation for a barge accident, the victim will have to prove that the employer's negligence contributed to the incident. A skilled Jones Act attorney will know how to determine liability for the accident and how to seek fair compensation for the damages and losses sustained by the injured worker.
The St. Louis barge injury attorneys at Page Law have a long history of helping our clients secure the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. Call our offices today for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
