Offshore Oil Rig Injury Survivor Shares His Story

In August 2016, Jermaine Hines was working offshore on an oil rig when a routine task suddenly turned into a medical emergency. While handling heavy equipment, he heard a pop in his neck. In that same moment, he lost all feeling on the left side of his body and collapsed. He was quickly medevacked off the platform and taken to the emergency room. What followed was not just a physical injury, but a long and uncertain period where Jermaine had to fight for proper care, understanding, and support.

A Sudden Injury with Lasting Consequences

The injury left Jermaine facing serious physical limitations. Losing sensation was frightening, and the road ahead was unclear. Instead of receiving care that matched the seriousness of his condition, he says he felt pressure from the company to continue treatment he physically could not do.

Jermaine describes the message he received as blunt and uncompromising.

“They basically wanted me to do things their way or the highway.”

Rather than focusing on his condition or the reality of his injury, Jermaine felt boxed into a system that offered little flexibility or concern for what he was going through.

Feeling Ignored When It Mattered Most

As weeks went on, Jermaine says the lack of concern extended beyond his physical condition. He felt the company wasn’t paying attention to the injury's impact on him.

“All the way around, they put me in a bind. They weren’t concerned about anything that I was facing going on with me physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially.”

For someone dealing with a serious injury, that absence of support only made the situation harder. Jermaine was left trying to navigate medical decisions while feeling like his well-being was not a priority.

Finding the Right Help

That changed when Jermaine came to Arnold & Itkin. From the beginning, he says the focus shifted to his health and recovery. Arnold & Itkin ensured he was connected with a doctor who thoroughly evaluated his condition and followed up consistently. If issues arose, Jermaine says they were addressed without hesitation.

“Arnold & Itkin made sure that I had a doctor who was concerned about my well-being, who always had follow-ups. If I had any issues, they were on it.”

For Jermaine, that attention made a meaningful difference.

It was the first time since the injury that he felt his condition was being taken seriously.

Support Beyond Medical Care

Jermaine says the support went far beyond doctor visits. Having a team that guided him through the process helped ease the stress and uncertainty he had been carrying.

“They treated me like family, and that meant a lot to me because not only did they meet every need that I had, but they guided me all the way through it.”

Instead of feeling alone, Jermaine felt supported by people who understood what he was facing and were willing to step in when he needed help.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Today, Jermaine reflects on where he might be if he hadn’t reached out for help.

“If I didn’t have them on my team, I don’t know exactly where I would have been right now today.”

While the injury changed his life, Jermaine believes having the right support helped him get through one of the most difficult periods he has ever faced.

His story highlights the challenges offshore workers can face after serious injuries and how important it is to have advocates who prioritize health, dignity, and long-term well-being. At Arnold & Itkin, we are proud to stand with people like Jermaine and help them move forward when everything feels uncertain.