Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make After a Mississippi Maritime Accident

You may have considered the risks of sustaining an injury in a maritime accident, because, after all, the work is strenuous and physically demanding. What you might not have considered is what happens after you are injured. Many offshore workers find themselves in unchartered territory after a serious injury.

When you are hurt in an accident, whether on a barge, tug, rig or other vessel, don’t expect to be given clear instructions from your employer or their insurance company on how to protect yourself. In fact, you need to recognize that their goal will probably be to safeguard their interests, not yours. Therefore, you need to know what mistakes to avoid so that you are compensated for as much as possible.

What Actions to Avoid

Below are some of the mistakes that can wreck your Mississippi maritime accident case:

1. Signing papers from the company, insurer or their lawyers. Their focus is on limiting their liability, so you need to be careful regarding what you sign. It is best to talk with a maritime attorney before putting your signature on anything.
2. Waiting to report your offshore accident. It is imperative that you notify your supervisor immediately after an accident. If you delay, you could hurt your case.
3. Giving a recorded statement. The insurance company might make it seem like no big deal to give your side of the story. They may tell you that they need to record the conversation for their file. What you have to understand is that a recorded statement could actually hurt you. If you say something you didn’t mean or if your words were misinterpreted, you are going to be facing an uphill battle trying to recover compensation.
4. Putting your trust in the promises made by your employer. Again, your employer’s top priority will more than likely be to limit their liability. Even if your employer has made promises to you following the accident, you still need to be careful and may want to talk to a lawyer.
5. Believing you have to see the company doctor. You may be pressured to see the company doctor, but the truth of the matter is that you are entitled to see the physician of your choice.

Lastly, whenever a serious injury is involved, you should consult with a maritime lawyer. An attorney will be able to advise you on your legal rights and will help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.

Need Advice?

For a free case evaluation, contact the law offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom by calling (877) 724-7800 or filling out our online form. We represent maritime injury cases in Mississippi, Alabama, 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.