Important News for Every Injured Louisiana Seaman – A Recorded Statement Can Wait

Have you been injured on the job while working as a Gulf Coast maritime worker? Be sure you are following the proper steps to get the best possible treatment and compensation. Many times your employer will ask for a recorded statement following your injury. Do you have to give one? Should you? Here are some general guidelines:

• You are not required by law to give a recorded statement to your employer after an accident, even though your employer may say the company is required to do it to pay for your medical treatment.
• Most of the time, a company will hire an insurance provider to "document your injury." Keep in mind that he overall goal for both employer and insurance company is to save themselves money.
• If you do give a recorded statement you need to be very careful. Your employer will ask about the accident and can use anything you say in court later on. 
• Your employer may come to your house or even the hospital to get a recorded statement. You have the right to have your spouse or another trusted person at your side.
• If you are on any type of medication that may influence your answers, be sure never to give a recorded statement.
• You do not have to answer all of the questions you are asked in a recorded statement. It is your right to say you do not wish to discuss who was at fault. It is fine to say, "I don't want to talk about fault at this time."
• Your employer wants you to say that neither he nor any one else was at fault. If your employer refuses to let you wait to discuss any issue, you know he is not on your side. 
• Always avoid giving a recorded statement if you can. It is best to wait until you have spoken to a professional expert in maritime law.

When accidents happen at sea, it is very important that the injured seaman knows his or her rights. Call the maritime experts at The Young Firm toll free at (866) 938-6113 to discuss this and other matters. We are here to represent your best interests.