Most Common Maritime Back Injuries: 10 Back Injuries Covered Under the Jones Act

Working on the water comes with unique risks, and some of the most serious injuries maritime workers suffer involve the back. Whether lifting heavy equipment, slipping on a wet deck, or being thrown against machinery in rough seas, back injuries can leave you unable to work and facing costly medical bills. Fortunately, maritime law—including the Jones Act—protects injured seamen and offers pathways to compensation.

Below, we’ll break down the most common maritime back injuries and explain how the Jones Act can help you recover what you need to move forward.

Why Are Back Injuries So Common in Maritime Work?

Maritime environments are inherently hazardous. Long hours, heavy lifting, awkward body positions, and constant movement of vessels all put stress on the spine. Even with training and safety protocols, accidents happen—and when they do, back injuries are among the most frequent.

10 Common Back Injuries Covered Under the Jones Act

Under the Jones Act, qualifying seamen have the right to pursue compensation if their employer’s negligence contributed to their injury. These are some of the most common back injuries maritime workers experience:

1. Herniated Discs
   Heavy lifting or sudden impacts can cause discs between the vertebrae to bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves and causing severe pain.

2. Spinal Fractures
   Falls or being struck by equipment can fracture vertebrae, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

3. Lumbar Sprains and Strains
   Overexertion and repetitive lifting often lead to tears in muscles and ligaments in the lower back.

4. Compression Injuries
   Heavy loads or falls can compress the spine, damaging vertebrae and discs.

5. Sciatica
   When a disc injury or swelling irritates the sciatic nerve, pain radiates down the leg, sometimes disabling a worker.

6. Facet Joint Injuries
   These small joints along the spine can be damaged in collisions or falls, causing chronic pain and limited movement.

7. Spondylolisthesis
   Vertebrae may slip out of place due to trauma, leading to instability and nerve compression.

8. Degenerative Disc Disease
   Repetitive strain over time can accelerate wear on spinal discs, resulting in disabling pain.

9. Spinal Cord Injuries
   Severe accidents can damage the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis.

10. Cervical Spine Injuries
    Though often thought of as neck injuries, damage to the cervical spine can impact back function and mobility.

Your Rights Under the Jones Act

If you suffered a back injury while working as a seaman or maritime worker, the Jones Act allows you to:

• Pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and disability.

• Bring claims against your employer for negligence, such as failing to provide a safe work environment.

• Seek maintenance and cure, which requires your employer to cover your medical care and living expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement.

What Should You Do After a Maritime Back Injury?

1. Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible.

2. Seek medical attention, even if the pain seems minor—early treatment can prevent worsening.

3. Document everything—including accident details, medical records, and communications with your employer.

4. Contact an experienced maritime injury lawyer to protect your rights and start building your claim.

Speak to a New Orleans Maritime Injury Lawyer

At The Chopin Law Firm, we have decades of experience representing maritime workers injured on the Gulf Coast, including those hurt on vessels navigating the Mississippi River and beyond. Our team understands the Jones Act inside and out and can help you secure the benefits and compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one sustained a back injury on the water, call us at (504) 323-9525 or contact us online for a free consultation.