MARITIME INJURY- WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INJURED ?

If injured, there are a few very important steps that you must take in order to protect your right to recover under the Jones Act in the future.These steps are as follows :

1. If injured, immediately report the injury to the appropriate person. Make sure the accident report is COMPLETE. If there was a dangerous condition or problem that caused or contributed to your injury, then report it to your boss so that others will not also get injured and describe it on the accident report. You should not give a recorded, written or sworn statement until after you have spoken with an attorney.

Do not continue to work as it can make your injury worst. While waiting for medical attention or while waiting to get taken off the ship or vessel it is advisable to also:

2. Get co-workers to write a statement as to what the conditions were at the time of the accident.

3. Obtain statements from witnesses to your offshore or maritime accident.

4. Get the names and addresses and phone numbers of all of the co-workers that may become witnesses for you. Trying to obtain these months later can sometime be a real headache.

5. Get medical attention immediately from the doctor of your OWN choosing. Many times the company will try to get you to go to their doctor or clinic and get you immediately back to work. Resist a doctor of their choosing..!! rather find one who has treated other injured friends or co-workers and who understands the physical requirements of your job and your type of injury. Also beware if the company hires a "rehab" nurse. Remember they work for the company and do not have a right to attend your medical appointments or talk to your Doctors without your permission. They often will try and be a good and trusted friend of yours. Do not tell the rehab nurse ANYTHING in confidence as you may see it again used against you. The rehab nurse works for the other side.!!

6. The Statute of Limitations in a Jones Act case is generally THREE (3) years from the date of the injury. There are exceptions to this general rule, however such as seaman assigned to vessel owned, operated, or contracted by the United States government. Actions against the vessel owner for unseaworthiness, must also be brought within three (3) years from the date of the seaman's injury. There are other situations in which a Jones Act cause of action or lawsuit is not available to the injured worker or that it is not the best choice of remedies or cause of action available to the maritime plaintiff. In those situations the injury and the applicable facts may be governed under a Statute of Limitations as SHORT AS ONE YEAR from the date of the negligent act in question. It is for this reason alone to see a maritime lawyer as soon as possible to investigate the facts of your case. Once a Statute of Limitations to file a claim or suit passes, it is very difficult and most of the times impossible to restore your rights.

7. Select an attorney who understands the Jones Act. Many attorneys advertise and represent that they do Jones Act and Maritime injury cases, when in fact, most of these attorneys don't know even know what the Jones Act is, how it applies, or what to do to protect their client's rights under the law.

If you have been injured on a ship, rig or vessel that you believe was unseaworthy or that your injuries were caused in part by the negligent conduct of your Jones Act employer or fellow seaman or due the negligence of a third party company or it's employee or due to a defective or dangerous product, then call a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer for a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at 1-800-883-9858 or 1-800-468-4878.