Deckhands should immediately report an injury to their supervisors, seek medical care, and consult a lawyer about filing a maritime accident claim. Taking these steps can help deckhands get appropriate compensation after an accident.
A New Orleans Jones Act lawyer can provide more information about the proper steps to take after a work injury as a deckhand. The Jones Act covers most deckhands, giving these workers an option to secure proper damages.
Report an Accidental Injury to a Supervisor
If you sustain injuries while working as a deckhand, you should immediately report the incident to your supervisor. Reporting the incident will create official documentation of the incident, establishing that it happened when and where you say it did.
You should request a copy of the incident report and any other paperwork that you sign. Reporting an accident is one of the first things a deckhand should do following a work injury.
Collect Information About the Accident
If possible, you should gather information about the accident that caused your injuries. You can:
- Take pictures of the injuries and where the incident occurred
- Write down exactly what you remember from the accident
- Record contact information for anyone who saw the accident
Your lawyer may use this information to help with your legal claim.
Deckhands Should Seek Medical Care After an Injury
You need to get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible after an incident on the job. You can visit a medical officer if your vessel has one for any care they can provide. You should visit a doctor once you get back to shore if you need any treatment.
For example, doctors can assist with:
- Cuts from dirty equipment
- Broken bones from falls on the wet deck
- Concussions or neck injuries
When you visit a doctor, you should provide detailed information about how you sustained your injuries. The medical team can diagnose your condition and provide a professional assessment of the extent of your injuries.
Deckhands receive protection under the Maintenance and Cure doctrine, so you have the right to treatment from the doctor of your choice.
Injured Deckhands Should Contact a Lawyer for Help
It’s essential that you reach out to a New Orleans maritime injury lawyer after sustaining an injury while working as a deckhand. An attorney can explain all the rights you have under the Jones Act and through maritime law.
Your lawyer will advocate for you and explain in more detail what a deckhand should do following a work injury. You should contact an attorney before:
Providing a Statement to Your Employer
Your employer can use anything you say about the accident that caused your injury against you in an attempt to avoid paying for your losses. Therefore, legal professionals strongly suggest that you avoid giving a statement of any kind until you talk to a lawyer.
Agreeing to a Settlement
The insurance company representing your employer may try to push you into accepting a subpar settlement after an accident. You should allow your attorney to review the offer before you sign any paperwork.
Returning to Work
Your employer may push you to quickly return to your job as a deckhand. However, if you return before you fully recover from your injuries, it can impact your claim and aggravate your condition.
You should always talk to your attorney before you make a decision about going back to work.
How Will a Lawyer Help a Deckhand After a Work Injury?
Your attorney can address all your legal needs after an accident on the job. Hiring a lawyer means you’ll have someone on your side to:
Bring You Fair Compensation
A lawyer can help you seek compensation for all the losses you sustain due to a work injury. For example, you may get money to pay for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost pay
- Pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering
Your lawyer can track all of the expenses associated with your accident and include them in your claim.
Collect Evidence on Your Behalf
An attorney can step in to gather evidence to show that your injury happened while working as a deckhand. Establishing the facts about your accident can make it easier for you to secure fair compensation.
Keep Your Claim Moving
You have a limited amount of time to seek compensation after a work injury as a deckhand. A lawyer can explain all the important time limitations for injured maritime workers and expedite the legal process.
Beginning the legal process quickly can also improve your chances of securing compensation for your losses.
Talk to Us About Building a Claim After an Injury as a Deckhand
Are you wondering what a deckhand should do following a work injury? In this situation, a deckhand should report the incident, get medical care, and reach out to a lawyer from our team at Scott Vicknair Law.
We can review your situation and help you determine whether you have a valid compensation claim. Call or complete our online contact form to find out more.
