Electrical injuries can happen on a ship, even when all of the machinery and technology is well taken care of. If you were hurt while you were just doing your job, you should receive benefits. A Snohomish County merchant mariner injury lawyer can help you fight for any benefits that you deserve after an electrical accident.
What Are Some Common Types and Causes of Electrical Injuries?
There are a few common causes of electrical injuries on ships. Potential problems include:
Electrical fires: These fires can cause injuries to multiple crew members. Burns and smoke inhalation are obvious outcomes, but a fire can also sink a ship and send workers overboard.
Electrical shocks: Shocks can be mild, but many are severe and even minor injuries can result in significant harm. Burns, seizures, and heart attacks are typical outcomes. Sometimes workers are even thrown into the ground or other hard surfaces when getting shocked, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injury or broken bones.
These types of accidents can be caused by bad luck, but there is often an underlying cause that has put workers in danger. Improperly maintained machines, poor training for the workers, or a lack of proper safety procedures can all contribute to electrical injuries.
Can I Recieve Benefits After an Electrical Accident?
Yes, you can receive benefits after an electrical accident injures you. This is true in most cases, even if you were to blame for the incident that caused your electrical injuries.
You are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits. Maintenance benefits are meant to pay for your living expenses, like your rent. These benefits aren’t supposed to be used to pay for inessentials like a Netflix subscription though, so you may have to cut a few expenses as you recover from your injuries.
The cure benefits are meant to help you with that recovery. These can pay for your medical bills and treatments. Your maintenance and cure benefits continue to be awarded until you have recovered fully or as much as you possibly can.
What If Someone Else Was to Blame for My Electrical Injuries?
Sometimes no one is to blame for injuries that happen on a boat, but sometimes a clear line can be drawn from the negligence of an employer to the accident that harmed an employee. In cases like these, the employee can sue for additional benefits under the Jones Act.
If you can show that your employer was negligent, you can secure benefits aside from maintenance and cure benefits. Your compensation from a Jones Act claim can help make up for lost income, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, and other expenses and pain relating to your accident and electrical injuries.
Talk to a Maritime Lawyer Today
If you are confused about which benefits are owed to you or you need help holding a negligent employer accountable, we’re here to assist you. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC and schedule a consultation with our team today. We will do everything that we can to help you get the benefits that you deserve.
