The Dangers of Cold Water Maritime Accidents

Hypothermia kills and it kills quickly.  However, if you fall overboard into cold water, hypothermia may not be the biggest threat to your life.

Within the first minute that you fall overboard, your breathing will begin to change.  It is possible to drown in that first minute if your head does not stay above water and there is little that can be done to save you, even though hypothermia has not yet set in.

If hypothermia does occur, you may begin to feel it within ten minutes of falling overboard.  Your muscles may stop working and you may be unable to move.  Within an hour, your body temperature may begin to fall and you may be confused or unconsciousness.  If you are not treated appropriately, then hypothermia may be your cause of death.

Each New York and New Jersey maritime lawyer understands the risks of cold water maritime work and understands the devastation that a maritime injury or death can have on a family.  When you call Hofmann & Schweitzer, your New York Jones Act attorney will work hard to get you the recovery that you deserve.  Please contact us at 1-800-362-9329 for more information about your rights and potential recovery.