St. Louis Workplace Injury Lawyer – Compensation for Drowning Accidents

Drowning is a fatal injury that a worker can sustain as a result of a work-related accident.

Drowning is the process of suffering respiratory impairment from immersion or submission in liquid. Another term that is commonly used in the context of work-related injuries is near drowning, which refers to a condition that involves water inhalation and unconsciousness following a drowning event. It can lead to secondary complications or even death for up to 72 hours after the drowning event.

Occupations with a Higher Risk of Drowning

Work-related drowning can either occur in water or in other liquids, which is referred to as industrial drowning. Unfortunately, drownings take place suddenly and rapidly and the worker is often taken by surprise and has no time to react.  The Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System of the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies drowning under traumatic injuries and disorders. Drowning is not a common work-related accident. It can occur in some types of jobs, which include:

• construction
• workers in fish hatcheries
• commercial fishermen
• longshoremen
• dock workers

Injuries Resulting From Drowning

Work-related drowning is extremely serious and the consequences are usually grim. Most drownings result in the death of the worker but if the worker survives, various types of injuries can occur. Around a third of drowning survivors suffer moderate to severe neurologic sequelae. It is defined as biochemical, electrical, or structural abnormalities in the spinal cord, brain, or nerves. Common signs and symptoms are:

• loss of sensation
• poor coordination
• muscle weakness
• paralysis

Workplace Injury and Accident Causes