Common Longshoreman Injuries

Longshoremen are exposed to various dangers every day in their work. Even though longshoremen are provided with proper equipment such as safety gear and training, accidents still occur.

Back Injuries

Back injuries remain one of most common longshoreman injuries. These injuries are due to the heavy lifting and falls that may occur as a part of the job. Even minor back injuries can cause problems such as range-of-motion issues. Surgery may be required to correct this job-related injury.

Pleural Diseases

Longshoremen can develop a pleural disease, including the hardening or thickening of the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Pleural diseases occur due to toxic chemicals or exposure to certain types of cargo used during the job.

Burns

Longshoreman can be also be injured by fire on the job. One of the major reasons they get burned is due to the flammability of the fuel used for their equipment, and due to explosions that occur due to the fuel’s flammability.

Loss of Limb

Incidents with heavy equipment, cargo and ropes can result in longshoremen losing fingers, hands, arms, feet and legs.

Compartment Injuries

Compartment injuries are caused by muscles, nerves and internal organs not receiving enough blood flow. If the lack of blood flow is to a limb, that limb may need to be amputated if the condition is not treated fast enough.

Drowning

Because longshoremen are close to large bodies of water at all times during their work day, a simple slip or fall can end in drowning or near drowning.

Slips and Falls

Dangerous working conditions, unseaworthy ships and negligent employers may cause people to experience slips and falls on the longshoremen’s jobs. These falls can lead to broken bones, back injuries and more serious conditions.

Crushing

Equipment, cargo and other types of machinery can crush longshoremen and cause serious longshoreman injuries.

Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by violent shaking or a hard blow to the head or neck, causing brain damage.

Spinal Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord causes partial or total paralysis in longshoremen.

If you or a loved one is a longshoreman and have been injured in an accident, you need an experienced trial attorney to advocate for your rights. The lawyers of Stevenson & Murray are seasoned litigators with extensive experience with longshoreman injury cases. Do you have questions? Call us today to discuss your case in a no-obligation consultation.