Offshore work is hard work, and nobody knows this more than the men and women making their livings at sea right now. The unfortunate side-effect of a tough job is the possibility of being seriously injured in a maritime accident. If you’ve been hurt while working offshore, you need to be on the lookout for some tricks that your employer may try to keep from paying you the compensation you deserve.

Is your employer trying to keep you from getting the compensation you deserve?

Anyone who performs any kind of offshore work quickly comes to appreciate how dangerous it can be. While the excitement and unpredictability of the work can be a draw for some offshore employees, unexpected weather problems, less than optimal working conditions, long hours, and backbreaking work can all contribute to offshore injuries.

Some injured maritime workers take it for granted that if they are hurt their employer will take care of them, especially if they have been a loyal employee for many years. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. Since most maritime workers are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance, they must rely on the Jones act in order to secure payment for work-related injuries.

The Jones Act requires that you sue your employer for damages. Not surprisingly, no employer will welcome a lawsuit with open arms, and many will go to great lengths to discourage injured workers from suing for benefits.

If you’ve been injured offshore and need help paying for medical bills and lost wages, you may need the help of an experienced maritime law and Jones Act attorney like those at The Young Firm. You should definitely consider hiring an attorney if your employer is trying any of the following tricks to keep you from seeking benefits.

Look out for maritime employers who tell their employees:

  • That they must see the company doctor after an injury
  • To create a recorded statement after an injury
  • They won’t get any medical aid until the employee has given a recorded statement
  • They won’t get medical aid until the employee signs a statement
  • They have to go back to work before the employee’s injuries are healed
  • To go back to work or they’ll find somebody else to do their job
  • They’ll be blackballed in the maritime industry and will never get another job
  • They can have a quick settlement if they don’t talk to a lawyer

These tactics are all a way of scaring workers into doing things that could compromise their case. For example, if you go back to work before you are healed and later try to file a Jones Act case, your employer will try to claim that you are clearly not injured because you went back to work.

Don’t do you employer any favors. You need to look out for your own rights and make sure that you receive the medical care and compensation that you deserve after an offshore accident.

To get help with a maritime injury or Jones Act case from a law firm with experience handing maritime injury cases please contact The Young Firm. We have an impressive case history and our New Orleans based attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The Young Firm

400 Poydras Street, Suite 2090

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Phone: (504) 680-4100

Toll Free: (866) 968-6113


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