Crush Injuries in the Maritime Industry
Crush injuries are a serious and often overlooked hazard in the maritime industry. These injuries occur when a part of the body is caught between two heavy objects, resulting in compressed tissue, broken bones, nerve damage, or even amputation.
In the maritime environment, where workers deal with massive loads, heavy machinery, and shifting cargo, the risk of crushing injuries is constant. A single moment of inattention or a mechanical malfunction can change a worker’s life forever.
Ahead, we’ll explore how and why these injuries happen, what makes them so dangerous, and what steps employers should take to prevent them. We’ll also look at legal options available to injured workers and why early reporting is essential.
Common Causes of Crush Injuries in Maritime Work
In maritime settings—such as on docks, in shipyards, or aboard vessels—crush injuries often result from:
- Falling cargo during loading or unloading operations
- Malfunctioning winches, cranes, or forklifts
- Conveyor belt or mooring line entanglements
- Improperly secured equipment or gear
- Being pinned between a vessel and a dock or bulkhead
The fast-paced, high-pressure nature of maritime work increases the risk of accidents. In many cases, the injuries are entirely preventable with appropriate safety measures, equipment maintenance, and training.
Why Are Crush Injuries So Dangerous?
Crushing injuries damage much more than skin and bone. When body parts are compressed, blood flow may be cut off for extended periods. This can lead to compartment syndrome, where pressure builds within muscle tissue, potentially causing permanent nerve and muscle damage. If untreated, it can lead to organ failure or death.
Tissue that has been crushed may also begin to break down, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream—a condition called crush syndrome. This can cause life-threatening complications, including kidney failure.
In short, a crush injury doesn’t just harm a limb—it can threaten the worker’s entire system. Rapid, skilled medical intervention is vital.
Crush Injury Treatment
The response to a crush injury must be immediate and thorough. First aid should begin on site with control of bleeding and pain, but definitive crush injury treatment happens in a medical facility. Depending on the severity, treatment may include:
- Surgical repair of broken bones and tissue
- Fasciotomy to relieve pressure within muscle compartments
- Fluid resuscitation to prevent kidney damage
- Physical therapy for long-term rehabilitation
- Amputation in extreme cases
Recovery is often long and painful, with a significant risk of permanent disability. For workers who rely on physical strength and mobility to do their jobs, the impact can be devastating.
The Role of Employers in Preventing Crushing Injuries
Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect maritime workers from preventable harm. This includes:
- Conducting hazard assessments
- Maintaining machinery and safety equipment
- Providing proper training
- Enforcing safe work protocols
Cutting corners on safety to meet deadlines or reduce costs puts lives at risk. In the event of a maritime work injury, employers who failed to implement basic precautions may be held accountable.
Reporting and Legal Recourse
Reporting a crush injury promptly is critical—not just for health reasons, but also for legal protection. Documentation begins the moment an incident is reported, which helps establish the facts and support any future claim.
Maritime workers are protected by specific federal laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These laws give injured workers the right to compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to consult with a maritime work injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. A lawyer with experience in maritime law can help injured workers understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue compensation if employer negligence played a role.
FAQs
What is a crushing injury?
A crushing injury happens when part of the body is trapped and compressed between heavy objects, causing damage to skin, bones, blood vessels, and internal tissues. These injuries are common in high-risk jobs like shipyard labor, offshore drilling, cargo handling, and other types of maritime work.
What should I do if I suffer a crush injury during maritime work?
Seek immediate medical attention and report the injury to your supervisor. Do not sign any documents or accept settlements without first speaking to a maritime work injury lawyer.
Can I be compensated if the accident was partially my fault?
Possibly. Under the Jones Act, injured workers may still receive compensation even if they were partly responsible, as long as employer negligence also played a role.
What is maintenance and cure, and how does it apply to my injury?
Maintenance and cure is a legal obligation that requires maritime employers to cover an injured worker’s medical expenses (“cure”) and provide daily living expenses (“maintenance”) until maximum medical recovery is reached. If you’ve suffered a crush injury while working aboard a vessel, you may be entitled to these benefits regardless of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim after a maritime injury?
Deadlines vary depending on the specific law that applies. Under the Jones Act, you generally have three years to file a lawsuit, but you should consult a lawyer immediately to protect your claim.
Talk to a Maritime Injury Lawyer Who Knows What’s at Stake
If you’ve suffered a crush injury while working offshore, in a shipyard, or on a vessel, you’re not just dealing with pain—you’re facing lost income, medical uncertainty, and pressure from employers or insurers to settle quickly. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris is dedicated exclusively to protecting injured maritime workers. Our legal team knows how the system works—and how employers try to avoid responsibility. We’ve helped countless workers secure the medical care, financial support, and long-term compensation they need to move forward.
Don’t wait. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to get you what the law says you deserve.
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