The number one mistake injured offshore workers make that can wreck their case
One of the interesting things about representing hundreds of offshore workers,
Jones Act seamen, and maritime workers is that you get a unique perspective on how to most efficiently and effectively represent these workers.
You also learn the tricks and traps that insurance companies and the offshore companies will use to try to wreck the case.
I have seen injured offshore workers make a lot of really simply mistakes before they call me which can really hurt their case.
In fact, what happens in some cases is that the injured offshore worker
will have already hired an attorney, and a mistake or complication will
arise in the case, and then I will get a phone call from the injured
worker's attorney.
By then, it may be too late to do anything. Or it may be a matter of damage control. Or it may be a problem that can be fixed.
But the number one mistake I see when representing and advising injured
offshore workers, Jones Act seamen, and maritime workers is
hiring the wrong attorney for their case.
Maritime law is complicated. Most attorneys (probably 99% or more)
have never handled and will never handle a maritime injury, Jones Act,
or offshore injury case.
What will happen is the injured worker will call some attorney who did
their will or got them out of a traffic ticket or who was recommended
by their uncle. That attorney may have never handled a Jones Act
case. The attorney may not know the difference between maintenance and
cure.
But the injured worker will hire that attorney anyway.
Taking advice from such an attorney can be a very bad idea, and in
fact, can wreck your case (or reduce the amount of money you get).
The Internet makes it possible to do a lot of research on attorneys.
You can find a lot of basic background information about attorneys.
(But keep in mind, attorneys can say they handle Jones Act or maritime
injury cases when they don't.)
Then, you should make list of who to call and get in contact with at
least 3-4 different attorneys, and ask them probing questions to figure
out whether they know what they are doing.
For more information about the process, if you are an injured offshore worker or family member, you can get a free copy of "
The Insider's Guide to Winning Maritime Injury Claims."
Want to know more about maritime injury cases?
We strive to provide the best, most professional, and most effective
representation to workers in the offshore industry. We are based in
Houston, Texas. We represent offshore workers all over the world.
To learn more about our law firm and what we can do for you, please visit the following websites:
www.vbattorneys.com
www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com
www.houstoninjuryaccidentlaw.com
If you want to know more about offshore injury claims, please take a moment to read the following articles:
1.
How to hire the best lawyer for your Jones Act or offshore injury case
2.
What is the Jones Act?
3.
What is a Longshoreman and What Are Their Legal Rights When Injured?
4.
The difference between the Jones Act and the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act
5.
The Truth About Offshore Injury Claims.
6.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured Offshore
7.
What you should know if you were hurt offshore and your employer is giving you a hard time
8.
Should I give my employer or the insurance company a "recorded statement?"
9.
Do I need to hire a lawyer for my Jones Act or offshore injury claim?
10.
What happens when you file a Jones Act lawsuit.
11.
6 Critical Things you must know if you are injured at sea
12.
The Secrets Your Employer May Not Want You To Know If You Are Injured Offshore.