Offshore workers put their lives on the line every single day, doing a job that is both incredibly dangerous and incredibly important. Despite many advances in safety practices, workers are still hurt offshore in Louisiana far too often.
If you’ve been injured in an offshore accident, you may not know what to do. Here are a few tips if you’ve been hurt offshore in Louisiana or anywhere else along the Gulf Coast.
Tips if You’ve Been Hurt Offshore in Louisiana
1. Report the Accident and Injury
As soon as you get injured, you need to report the injury to make sure that it is documented. The last thing you want to do is to be in a situation where there is no record of your injury and the other side has the ability to say that your injury never happened.
2. Request Medical Care for Your Injuries
Once you’ve reported your injury, your employer should make sure that you are able to see a doctor. However, if you are not offered medical care, make sure that you ask for it. You’re entitled to have a doctor treat you for your injuries.
3. Don’t Get Pressured to Go Back to Work Until You’re Physically Able
Many times injured offshore workers will be pressured into returning to work earlier than they should. After all, it is in your employer’s best interests for you to be back working, rather than getting paid to sit at home hurt.
Unless you’re physically capable of doing your job, don’t get pushed to go back to work too early. This may end your employer’s obligation to pay you workers’ compensation benefits and can put you at risk of getting hurt again.
4. Request Your Own Doctor if You’re Unhappy with the Company Doctor
You’re entitled to get a second opinion on your injuries and to receive treatment from a different doctor. Remember that you can jeopardize this right if you agree that the company doctor is your doctor.
Call a Louisiana Offshore Injury Attorney
The laws that govern offshore and maritime injuries are complicated and can be confusing. If you’ve been hurt offshore, The Mahone Firm is here to help. Call (504) 564-7342 for a free and confidential case evaluation with an offshore injury lawyer.
