Working offshore in the Gulf Coast maritime industry is tough, dangerous, and often thankless. When injuries happen offshore, they can be catastrophic, and the steps you take immediately after can make or break your ability to recover compensation. Unfortunately, many offshore workers don’t realize just how important those first few hours and days are.
At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we’ve helped countless injured workers in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast get justice under maritime law. If you’ve been injured offshore, here are five critical steps to take to protect your health, your rights, and your financial future.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the priority. After an offshore injury, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment, even if the injury seems minor. Many maritime injuries, such as concussions, internal trauma, or musculoskeletal damage, can take hours or even days to show symptoms. Delaying treatment can make your injury worse and give the company’s insurer an excuse to deny your claim.
Ideally, ask to be examined by your own physician. If that’s not possible, make sure you follow up with a trusted doctor as soon as you return to shore. Early treatment also provides vital documentation that connects your injury to your offshore job duties.
2. Notify Your Employer
Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs, your next step is to notify your employer or supervisor. Don’t assume that a coworker will handle this for you, even in emergency situations. Reporting the incident yourself creates a direct link between the injury and your job, which can be important under the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
Make the report in writing if possible, and keep a copy for your records. Stick to the facts—where, when, and how the incident occurred—and avoid speculation. This written record will serve as a critical piece of evidence if you pursue a claim later.
3. Gather All Relevant Evidence
Documentation is key to a successful maritime injury claim. While it may not be the first thing on your mind after an injury, gathering evidence as soon as you can is incredibly important.
Take photos of the scene, including any equipment involved, hazardous conditions, or lack of safety measures. If coworkers witnessed the incident, get their contact information and written statements. Save any clothing or gear damaged in the accident, and request copies of any incident reports filed by your employer.
These details help your attorney establish liability, which is essential in cases involving negligence or unsafe working conditions.
4. Stay Quiet and Don’t Sign Anything
You may be approached by your employer, an insurance adjuster, or company lawyers asking for your side of the story or offering a settlement. Be careful—anything you say can be used against you later. Even casual conversations with coworkers can come back to haunt you during litigation.
Don’t sign any forms, waivers, or agreements until you’ve spoken with a maritime injury attorney who can review them first. Offshore employers and their insurers are not looking out for your best interests. One wrong move could seriously limit the compensation you’re eligible to receive.
5. Contact a Louisiana Maritime Injury Lawyer
Maritime law is a highly specialized field. If you’ve been injured offshore, you need an attorney who knows how to navigate federal protections like the Jones Act, the LHWCA, and other maritime statutes.
An experienced maritime lawyer can assess your case, help you file the right claim, and protect your rights from day one. Timing matters, many maritime claims have strict deadlines, and missing them could mean forfeiting your right to compensation entirely.
At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we’ve dedicated our practice to fighting for injured maritime workers across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll offshore injuries cause, and we know how to fight back.
Don’t Let the Company Control the Narrative
Offshore companies move fast to protect themselves after an injury. They may begin gathering evidence, shaping the story, and pushing you toward a lowball settlement before you even know the extent of your injuries. The earlier you involve a trusted attorney, the better your chances of stopping these tactics in their tracks.
By following the right steps and surrounding yourself with the right team, you can level the playing field—and take the first step toward securing your future.
Contact The Maritime Injury Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured offshore, don’t wait. You need to seek medical care, report the accident, collect evidence, stay silent, and talk to a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible.
The Maritime Injury Law Firm has the experience, grit, and focus needed to fight back against the companies that put profits over safety. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. You’ve got one shot—make it count.
