Working at sea can be dangerous, and when an injury happens, it can turn life upside down. Fortunately, your New Orleans, LA Jones Act lawyer can help you secure much-needed compensation. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have over 40 years of experience with Jones Act claims and other personal injury cases. Read on to see what you should do after a maritime injury, and contact us today to get started with a legal team you can trust.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
The first priority after an injury at sea is getting medical care. Many vessels have limited resources for treating catastrophic injuries, so reporting the incident right away is important. This allows the crew to provide first aid or arrange for emergency transport to shore if needed. Even if an injury seems minor at first, it should still be reported and evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries can worsen over time if they are not treated quickly.
Report The Injury To Your Employer
After seeking medical care, the next step is to notify your employer about the injury. This creates a record of the incident and helps establish when and how it happened. Be as detailed as possible when providing information about what caused the injury, who was involved, and where it occurred. Your New Orleans Jones Act lawyer can use this information while building your case.
Gather Evidence While You Can
If you are able, collect information about the incident. This may include taking photos of the area where the injury occurred, noting any unsafe conditions, and speaking with coworkers who saw what happened. Witness statements can be especially valuable for your boat accident lawyer.
Evidence is strongest when gathered soon after the incident. Conditions on a vessel can change quickly, and important details can be lost if too much time passes.
Learn About Your Rights Under The Jones Act
The Jones Act provides protections for seamen who are injured while working at sea. It allows injured workers to seek compensation if their employer or another party was negligent. This can include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future loss of earning capacity.
Pursuing a claim under the Jones Act requires a clear understanding of how the law applies to your situation. A watercraft injury lawyer can help explain your options, guide you through the process, and work to hold the responsible parties accountable. Having someone with experience in maritime law on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Timing Matters
Maritime injury cases have strict time limits for filing claims. Waiting too long can mean losing the right to seek compensation. Acting quickly with your New Orleans Jones Act lawyer helps preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and build a strong case.
Taking The Next Step After An Injury
Being injured while working at sea can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we work with maritime employees to help them recover compensation and move forward after serious injuries. Over our 40+ years of experience, we’ve won millions of dollars for our clients – and since we work on a contingency fee basis, we only get paid if you get paid. You deserve compensation. Contact us today, and see how a maritime accident lawyer from our team can help.
