Four Tactics the Insurance Company Will Use to Try to Trick You

Look, it's kind of silly to think that after you are injured, the insurance company is going to treat you right. After all, insurance companies don't make money paying legal claims. When you are seriously hurt in a maritime accident, don’t be surprised if the insurance company employs tactics to lower your settlement offer. Your employer will be focused on protecting the interest of the company, while the insurance company will be looking for ways to hold on to more of its money.

As an injured maritime worker, you need to be aware of some of the tactics used by insurance companies and employers. Below are four common strategies used to deny maritime injury claims and lower settlements.


1. Ask you to give a recorded statement. Don’t be surprised if you are immediately contacted by your employer’s insurance company following a serious offshore accident. The insurance representative may ask for a recorded statement. You may be told that this statement will help the investigation or help you get your settlement faster. Be aware that you could say something that would impact your claim. In fact, that is exactly what the insurance company is hoping will happen.

2. Set you up to see a company doctor. Your employer may ask you to see the company doctor following your maritime accident. Seeing the company doctor is not a good idea. You are not obligated to receive treatment from the company doctor when you are injured offshore. If your employer is looking for ways to minimize your claim, going to the company doctor could actually hurt your case. You have the right to choose your own doctor.

3. Tell you that you need to sign “some forms.” If you have been asked to sign some papers so that you can quickly get your settlement, you need contact a maritime attorney. http://www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com/faq-detail.cfm?id=4601 You could end up signing something that can adversely affect your case. Even signing a medical authorization could make a difference in your settlement offer.

4. Pressure you to return to work before you are ready. Don’t return to work just because pressure has been placed on you. It is up to you and your physician to determine when your condition has improved enough that you are able to get back to work.

For more information regarding the tactics used by insurance companies following a maritime accident, contact the Houston Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800. We will be able to explain your legal rights under the Jones Act and other applicable laws.