Although most jobs come with risks, some will be more dangerous than others. Miners, lumberjacks, and utility lineman are at the top of the list of dangerous jobs. Another is working offshore. There are many hazards in this line of work including head injuries, amputations, burns, and back and spinal cord injuries. What do you need to know if you are injured while working offshore?
Steps to Take if You are Injured Offshore
Of course, the first thing you should do if you are injured is to seek medical attention. Even if you think the injury is not that bad, you should be checked out as quickly as possible. Sometimes symptoms of serious injury do not appear for hours or days. Once you return home, go to your doctor and get another examination. Doctors employed by the same company you work for may have more of an allegiance to the company than they do to you.
Make certain your accident is reported to your supervisor. A report should be filed. If you are in doubt, write your own report of the incident, and make a copy to keep. The report should have all the details including the date and time as well as the location of the accident. Include the names of coworkers and others that were present at the time of the accident. If there were contributing factors that you believe were responsible for the accident, include them. List the equipment or tools that you were using when the accident occurred. Don’t forget to include your injuries and treatment in the report.
Protect Yourself
One of the most important things you can do if you are injured while working offshore is to take steps to protect yourself. This includes not signing anything until you have read it, including the small print. If you do not understand what you are reading, you should seek legal advice to ensure you are not signing away your rights. In addition to not signing anything, you should not discuss the accident with anyone including coworkers. You may be surprised at how a skilled attorney can manipulate your words to use them against you.
When you are injured and unable to work, it may be in your best interests to talk to a lawyer experienced in dealing with these types of injuries. This is why firms such as Simon & O’Rourke Law Firm, P.C. provide a Maritime injury lawyer.
There are certain rights available to crew members working offshore. A lawyer can advise you on the federal laws such as The Jones Act that protects offshore workers. When you are injured, the medical bills, lost wages and emotional toll can be a lot to handle.
