Are you sabotaging your maritime injury claim without realizing it? 

If you’ve been injured while working on a vessel, offshore rig, or in any other maritime setting, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. However, even the strongest claim can be derailed by common mistakes made early in the process. As Houston maritime lawyers, we’ve seen these missteps firsthand—and we’re here to help you avoid them.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and ensure your claim stays on track.

1. Delaying Medical Treatment

After an injury, your health and safety should be your top priority. Delaying medical treatment not only risks your well-being but can also harm your case. Insurance companies or employers may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or were caused by something unrelated to your job.

What to do instead: Seek immediate medical care from a doctor familiar with maritime injuries and follow their recommendations closely.

2. Failing to Report Your Injury

Many maritime workers hesitate to report injuries due to fear of retaliation or a desire to "tough it out." Unfortunately, failing to document your injury promptly can jeopardize your claim.

What to do instead: Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible and ensure that a written record is created. Be clear and detailed about what happened.

3. Speaking Freely to Your Employer or Insurer

It’s natural to want to cooperate with your employer or their insurance company after an injury. However, anything you say could be used against you to minimize or deny your claim.

What to do instead: Limit communication with your employer or their insurer and avoid providing recorded statements without consulting an experienced maritime lawyer.

4. Overlooking the Jones Act and Other Protections

Maritime law is highly specialized, and many injured workers aren’t aware of the full extent of their rights under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), or general maritime law.

What to do instead: Consult with a Houston maritime lawyer who can evaluate your case and determine which laws apply to your situation.

5. Returning to Work Too Soon

It’s tempting to get back to work quickly, especially if you’re worried about job security. However, returning before you’re fully recovered can worsen your injuries and signal to your employer or insurer that you’re not as injured as you claim.

What to do instead: Follow your doctor’s advice regarding your recovery timeline, and don’t let pressure from your employer influence your decisions.

6. Not Hiring an Experienced Maritime Lawyer

Maritime injury cases are complex and often involve powerful companies with significant resources. Without skilled legal representation, you risk being outmaneuvered.

What to do instead: Partner with a Houston maritime lawyer who has a proven track record in handling maritime injury claims. An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurers, gather evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

How VB Attorneys Can Help

At VB Attorneys, we understand the challenges maritime workers face after an injury. With extensive experience in maritime law, we’re committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Houston and beyond.

Don’t let mistakes jeopardize your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of maritime law. We are located in Houston but serve maritime workers nationwide.