Injured Alabama Maritime Workers Have Questions, We Have the Answers

When you were trained as a commercial maritime worker, was knowing what to do when you are offered a low settlement for your injury a part of the training? Of course not. You may have received training on how to do your job in a safe manner, but your employer probably didn’t explain what would “really” happen when you were seriously injured and needed compensation. Now you are left with questions and don’t know where to get honest answers.

At the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, we have seen and heard a lot regarding Alabama maritime accidents. We know the struggles that workers face when they are severely injured offshore. Our lawyers also recognize the challenge of trying to obtain a fair settlement for maritime injuries. We have therefore compiled a list of questions that injured Alabama offshore workers frequently ask, as well as the answers:

1. Should I sign the papers my employer, the insurance company or their lawyers sent me? Until you talk with an experienced Jones Act lawyer about your case, you should refrain from signing any papers. You could end up signing away your rights to fair compensation.
2. Am I required to go to the company doctor? No. You have the right to see the doctor of your choice. Don’t let your employer pressure you into seeing the company doctor. In fact, doing so could affect your case.
3. How do I know if I am covered under the Jones Act? This federal law is designed to protect injured seamen. In general, a seaman is someone who spends most of his or her working time on the water. An attorney can help you determine if you are a Jones Act seaman.
4. Will the industry blackball me if I pursue a maritime injury lawsuit? This question is one we hear often. Unless you have a history of filing frivolous lawsuits, you more than likely will not be blackballed in the maritime industry.
5. How will I pay for medical treatment? Under the Jones Act, workers are entitled to maintenance and cure. Maintenance is meant to cover living expenses during your recovery, while cure is supposed to pay for your medical treatment associated with your maritime injury.

If you have been hurt in a maritime accident in Alabama, you should get legal help. A Jones Act lawyer will be able to answer all of your questions and guide you through the process of recovering damages.

For a free case evaluation, contact an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom by calling (877) 724-7800 or filling out our online form. We represent maritime injury cases in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and throughout the country.

Be sure to order a free copy of maritime lawyer Brian Beckcom’s book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.