My maritime employer has been pressuring me to get back to work, but Im not sure if I am ready. I hurt my back when I fell on the deck and I am still in pain. Should I just go back to work, so I dont risk losing my job?

A: When you are injured in an offshore accident, it is not uncommon for your employer to start putting pressure on you to return to work.  There have even been cases when a company doctor will release an employee, when the employee doesn’t feel like he is recovered enough to perform his job tasks. 

You know if you are physically able to work and you shouldn’t let your employer bully you.  If the company doctor has cleared you to return to work and you don’t agree with the decision, you can get a second opinion from a doctor of your choosing.

It is important that you understand that if you return to work before you are completely recovered from your maritime injury, you could hurt your chances of filing a Jones Act claim later, if needed.  Your employer will make the argument that you were well enough to get back to your job.  There are many other problems that can arise if you work before your injuries have healed.

For more information, contact an experienced Houston maritime attorney at our office.