Whether a maritime accident was unavoidable or due to the worker’s negligence, the seaman or other offshore employee is legally entitled to receive immediate and appropriate medical treatment if they sustain minor or severe injuries. It is not all about injuries, though. Sometimes the maritime employees can fall ill because of the harsh environmental conditions they are exposed to.
Getting offshore injury medical treatment as soon as possible is not only essential for health and recovery, but also for ensuring you get compensated for your illness or injuries.
Your employer or insurance provider is less likely to argue that the injuries are not work-related. If the maritime employer fails to comply with the above medical treatment requirements, they will be held liable for the worsening of the worker’s condition.
Where should a maritime worker go for treatment?
When people working at sea get injured, they have the right to receive treatment in a hospital or from the doctor they know and trust. The physician you choose for your offshore injury medical treatment matters greatly, as they greatly influence the outcome of your claim.
The written reports of your diagnosis, treatment procedures and testimonials provided by the doctor will help determine the benefits you will receive for the damages. Therefore, the treating physician should be highly experienced and articulate.
Additionally, its essential you speak with a trusted offshore injury lawyer to guide you to the best possible course of action for your treatment.
What if the maritime employer chooses a doctor for you?
Some offshore accidents can knock you unconscious for a few hours or days. In such a scenario, you will be taken to the nearest emergency hospital or the employer’s facility of choice.
If your medical condition is not a case of emergency, but the employer chooses a hospital or physician for you, the general maritime law will hold the employer liable for improper offshore injury medical treatment you may receive.
While the clinics and doctors selected by maritime employers are required to be objective, most of them do not have your best interests at heart. It is only natural to think this way because of the close and financial relationship treating physicians have with employers and insurance companies.
The company-selected doctors might opt for less expensive testing and treatment procedures to help keep the employer’s costs low, instead of prioritizing your health and recovery. If the doctor acts negligently and your injury gets improperly diagnosed or treated, it can worsen over time. Sometimes such doctors may also recommend workers to return to work even before they fully recover.
Seek professional help from a offshore injury lawyer
If you have been injured in an offshore accident and the employer’s company refuses to authorize medical treatment, it is best to talk to a maritime lawyer to help you navigate your case. An experienced local lawyer can gather strong medical evidence to support your claim against an employer or their insurance company.
Are you a Louisiana resident? Get in touch with a New Orleans Maritime Lawyer, The Mahone Firm, at today (504) 564-7342 for a free case evaluation.
