Jones Act Lawyer

Maritime Traumas

When an injury is serious enough to cause disability, it can be very difficult to adjust to the changes in one’s life. Even if the physical damage is not permanent, coping with the stress and emotional upset of the original accident can be difficult. Adjustment disorders can impair a person’s ability to do his or her job or even enjoy his or her life. Symptoms of an adjustment disorder include:

• Persistent feelings of sorrow or hopelessness
• Anhedonia (an inability to enjoy pleasant activities)
• Increased anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Maladaptive behaviors, such as lashing out at others or substance abuse

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a painful reaction to an event that threatened a person’s life or physical integrity. It generally develops a month or so after the initial event and can persist for years if it is not treated. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Re-experiencing the accident in nightmares or flashbacks
• Persistent avoidance of reminders of the accident
• Increased arousal (i.e. insomnia, anxiety, and/or agitation)

How a Jones Act Attorney Can Help

It is easy to understand why a person struggling with these difficult symptoms may need assistance paying for treatment, or require some time off work while he or she recovers. The Jones Act acknowledges this by allowing compensation for mental anguish. However, there are complex rules governing who is and is not eligible.

Contact Us

An experienced attorney can inform you of your rights and work with you to build a convincing legal case. If you are a maritime worker who has been injured on the job, contact the Jones Act lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 800-220-9341.