Maritime Law Blog

You work hard for your employer.  So when you are injured offshore while on the job, you expect the company to be there for you. But, all too often, companies will do their best to avoid responsibility for the accident. They may ask you to sign away or your rights, refuse an accident report, fill out an inaccurate accident report, ask you to return to work before you’ve healed, or fire you once you’ve come back to work.

 
• It is unethical for the company to ask you to sign something before providing medical attention. They may do this right after the accident or while you are waiting for medical treatment.  Do not sign anything unless you know exactly what you are signing.  You do not want to sign away your rights for compensation. 

• If you are injured in an accident, make sure an accident report is filed.  And, ask for a copy.

• If you are treated by a company doctor, get a second opinion. Some medical facilities are under contract to the company.  They are under pressure to keep minimize injuries and get you back to work as soon as possible.

 
If you have been injured while working offshore and you are not being treated fairly by your employer, send for our free book “Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law.” At The Young Firm, we want to make sure that you get all the compensation that you are entitled to. Call our New Orleans office and speak to a Jones Act attorney today.