If you get hurt on the job, that doesn’t just affect you physically. Workplace injuries can also cause psychological trauma and emotional distress. In some cases, you can be compensated for this. A Snohomish County factory trawler injury lawyer from our firm can tell you more.

What Kinds of Events Can Cause Emotional Distress?

So many types of workplace accidents can cause emotional distress for maritime workers. Accidents, like crashes or machinery failures, can cause serious injuries and distress to go along with them, but that’s not the only worry. Some of these jobs in the maritime industry can also be quite isolating and tiring. If workers are not properly cared for, the development of mental health issues should not be a surprise.

How Do I Sue Over Emotional Distress?

Normally, when a maritime worker gets hurt they can claim “maintenance and cure” benefits. These can help pay for living expenses and medical bills, and they are awarded no matter who was at fault for the accident that caused harm. They do not reimburse you for emotional distress though.

To be compensated for that, you have to make a claim under the Jones Act. This allows maritime workers to sue an employer who was negligent. Whether your accident was caused by inadequate training or poorly maintained machinery, you may be able to make a claim of “unseaworthiness” or negligence and receive additional compensation.

Do I Need to Have Physical Injuries to Sue For Emotional Distress?

Not necessarily, but the unfortunate truth is that having physical injuries can also make a case for emotional distress more convincing. Someone with a serious injury, like paralysis or an amputated limb, may be able to make a more persuasive case for damages due to emotional distress.

However, you should not be discouraged. Our maritime lawyers will do their best to fight for the compensation you deserve no matter what kind of physical injuries you did or did not suffer from. If you have compelling evidence and testimony from medical professionals, you can still make a case for compensation.

What Can Compensation Cover?

Your compensation should help you cover the cost of treating your physical injuries, but it also needs to address your emotional distress and psychological trauma. A fair compensation offer would help make up for things like:

  • Medical treatments
  • Physical and psychological therapy
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Meet With Our Legal Team

So if you have suffered emotional distress as a result of your work in the maritime industry, know that you do not have to pursue compensation on your own. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about how the Jones Act could help you.