Working at sea can be dangerous. Whether you’re a deckhand on a tugboat, a crew member on a cargo ship, or an offshore oil rig worker, you know the risks that come with your job. When an accident happens, maritime law offers powerful protections for injured seamen, but recovering the compensation you deserve isn’t always simple.
Too often, injured maritime workers make avoidable mistakes that weaken their cases, delay recovery, or leave them with far less than they need to rebuild their lives. If you want to protect your rights under maritime & admiralty law, you need to know what to do — and what not to do.
Below, we break down 5 common mistakes to avoid in a maritime injury lawsuit so you can take the right steps if you or a loved one has been hurt at sea.
Key Points
- Understand your rights under maritime & admiralty law, including the Jones Act.
- Avoid delays in reporting your injury or getting medical treatment.
- Don’t rely solely on your employer or their insurance to “do the right thing.”
- Gather evidence and documentation as soon as possible.
- Work with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to protect your claim.
One of the biggest mistakes injured maritime workers make is waiting too long to report an accident. Many seamen worry they’ll lose their job, be labeled a complainer, or get treated differently by their employer. But failing to report your injury immediately can seriously hurt your case.
Why it matters:
- The Jones Act and other maritime & admiralty laws require prompt notice of injury.
- Delay allows your employer or their insurance to argue your injury didn’t happen on the job.
- You risk missing important deadlines that protect your right to file a claim.
What to do instead:
- Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as it happens.
- Make sure the incident is documented in writing — keep a copy if possible.
- Get witness statements from co-workers if they saw what happened.
2. Not Seeking Medical Treatment Right Away
Another costly mistake is failing to get prompt medical care. Some workers think they can tough it out, or they fear that seeing a doctor will make them look weak. Unfortunately, gaps in your medical record can destroy your credibility in court.
Why it matters:
- Insurance adjusters look for reasons to deny or reduce your claim.
- Any delay in treatment gives them an excuse to say your injury is not as serious as you claim.
- Maritime injuries like head trauma, spinal damage, or internal injuries can worsen quickly if left untreated.
What to do instead:
- Seek medical care immediately after the accident.
- Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctor.
- Keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, and receipts related to your injury.
If you’re unsure about your rights to choose your own doctor, speak with a maritime injury lawyer who understands the Jones Act and related laws.
Insurance companies representing your employer are not on your side. One common tactic is to get you to give a recorded statement while you’re still recovering or unsure about the details. What you say can be used against you later.
Why it matters:
- Even innocent mistakes in your statement can be twisted to challenge your credibility.
- You may unintentionally say something that limits your compensation.
- Once your statement is on record, it’s hard to correct it later.
What to do instead:
- Politely decline to give any recorded or written statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
- Consult a qualified maritime & admiralty law attorney to help you understand your rights.
- Let your lawyer communicate with the insurance adjusters on your behalf.
4. Failing to Gather Evidence Early
In any maritime injury lawsuit, evidence is key. Ships change crews, repairs are made, and accident scenes can look very different days or weeks later. If you don’t preserve important details early, you risk losing critical proof that supports your case.
Why it matters:
- Without solid evidence, your employer can argue the accident didn’t happen as you claim.
- Photos, witness statements, and maintenance logs can make or break a Jones Act claim.
- Lost or incomplete evidence can lead to reduced settlements.
What to do instead:
- Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions.
- Get names and contact info for witnesses.
- Keep any written communication with your employer about the incident.
- Save copies of any medical records, work logs, or accident reports.
A trusted maritime injury lawyer will know how to gather additional evidence, like ship logs, safety records, and expert testimony, to strengthen your claim.
Maritime & admiralty law is complicated. It’s not the same as a standard workers’ compensation claim. Trying to handle it on your own or with an attorney who doesn’t focus on maritime cases can cost you your rightful compensation.
Why it matters:
- The Jones Act, Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and other maritime laws each have specific requirements.
- Your employer and their insurance have experienced lawyers working against you.
- You could miss deadlines, sign away important rights, or accept a settlement that’s far too low.
What to do instead:
- Choose a lawyer with real experience in maritime & admiralty cases.
- Look for someone who understands injuries on tugboats, cargo ships, offshore rigs, and other vessels.
- A good maritime injury lawyer will handle negotiations, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Need help understanding your rights? Download our helpful newsletter on your rights after an injury on a tugboat, cargo ship, or oil rig.
Every day, hardworking men and women in the maritime industry face risks that few other jobs can match. If you or someone you love has been hurt while working at sea, don’t let avoidable mistakes jeopardize your future.
Here’s a quick recap of what to remember:
- Report your injury right away.
- Get medical treatment and keep thorough records.
- Never give statements to insurance without legal guidance.
- Preserve evidence as soon as possible.
- Work with an experienced maritime injury lawyer who understands the unique challenges of maritime & admiralty law.
If you have questions about your maritime injury case or need a team that fights for injured seamen and offshore workers, contact us today. At Templer & Hirsch, we’re here to help you navigate these rough waters and fight for the justice you deserve.
