Maritime workers injured on the job are entitled to receive compensation, but making certain mistakes can prevent your claim from being successful. These are the most common mistakes that injured seamen should avoid when making a maritime claim.
Not Getting a Second Opinion
Many maritime workers only see their ship’s doctor after becoming injured. Yet, most often, these doctors are employed by the owner of the vessel or the employment company. Therefore, the more treatment costs they can minimize and the sooner they can return you to work, the higher their financial reward will be.
Getting a second opinion from another doctor will get you diagnosed and treated and provide complete details about your injury for your claim.
Not Being Honest
Where it comes to making a successful maritime injury claim, there’s no room for lies or exaggerations about how or why your injury happened. In fact, being dishonest can result in you losing your case.
Going Back to Work too Soon
Recovering instead of working and getting paid can be stressful. After all, your bills don’t stop just because you are injured. However, you should know that returning to work before you’ve recovered not only places your health, but also your claim in jeopardy.
Going back to work earlier than you should will send a message to your employer’s insurance company that your injuries may not be as serious as they appear. This can limit the compensation you receive. Waiting until you heal is better for you and your claim.
Not Filing Your Claim ASAP
Every maritime claim has a statute of limitations, which is the amount of time allotted for you to file a claim before your case is forever closed. Sometimes, you may have as little as six months or less to file. An experienced maritime accident attorney will know what the statute of limitations is for your specific claim and ensure that your maritime lawsuit is filed in time.
Neglecting to Hire an Attorney Experienced with Maritime Law
Your employer may have promised to take care of your legal needs. You may be their employee, but your company will put its own interests before yours. Even if you do trust your employer, hiring your own Jones Act lawyer just makes sense. Doing so will ensure there’s always someone who’ll protect your rights and has the experience to do so properly.
The Jones Act Attorneys Who Get Results
Maritime employees face many unique risks while working on vessels, which can result in serious or fatal injuries. Schechter, Shaffer, and Harris, LLP—Maintenance and Cure—have always advocated strongly for injured maritime workers and the families of those who have lost their lives while at sea.
Our legal team possesses a combined 100+ years of experience in maritime law and have recovered over $800 million dollars for our clients. You don’t pay unless we win your case and get you money. If you’ve been injured while working at sea, don’t hesitate. Call our maritime lawyers now at 1-800-836-5830.
