Working an offshore job can be dangerous even if you and everyone else on your vessel is as responsible as possible. Fortunately, if you do end up getting hurt or sick while working on a commercial ship, you likely have access to federally required benefits that should help you cover medical bills and mitigate income loss until you are healthy enough to work again.
However, just because you have the right to seek benefits after a maritime injury does not mean you are guaranteed those benefits, especially if you are not familiar with the basic actions you should take to maximize the support available to you. Here is a brief overview of what you should do if you were injured while working at sea. A maritime accident attorney from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could explain each of these actions in more detail during a confidential consultation.
Get Medical Care Both Onboard and On Shore
As soon as you become aware that you have gotten hurt or sick while working away from land, you should first go to your ship’s doctor, infirmary, or other medical support, and get a preliminary checkup. Once you are back on shore, you should get examined by another medical professional so you can make sure you are not at risk of suffering preventable long-term harm.
Follow Your Vessel’s Accident Reporting Procedures
Every commercial ship has slightly different procedures for reporting on-the-job accidents, but the rules for your vessel should be prominently displayed in a public area or should be something your immediate supervisor can advise you about. Make sure to report your accident in writing and be honest about the facts of what happened, but try not to make guesses about how your accident happened or who was to blame for it.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
You will need plenty of evidence from multiple sources in order to file a successful benefits claim after getting hurt on a maritime job. If possible, write down names of people who witnessed your accident, take pictures of the accident scene, and keep copies of all relevant documents, such as medical records, reports filed with your supervisor(s), and personal journal or diary entries about the accident.
Speak With Legal Counsel Before Signing Anything After Being Hurt at Sea
Finally, you should strongly consider contacting a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible after sustaining an injury while working at sea. Your employer or their insurance provider may try to pressure you into signing statements or accepting early settlement offers, which might keep you from getting all of the benefits you deserve. A qualified legal professional from our firm could help ensure these kinds of problems do not interfere with your recovery. Call us at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today to discuss your options.
