Injured Working for Kirby Offshore Marine? – How to File a Jones Act Claim

As the country's leading tank barge operator, Kirby Corporation carries bulk liquid products along all three U.S. Coasts, throughout the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Mississippi River System, and into Alaskan and Hawaiian waters. Kirby Offshore Marine has been involved in numerous accidents, injuries, and fatalities since its inception in 1921. 

VB Attorneys have handled a number of cases involving injured Kirby Offshore Marine and Kirby Inland Marine workers, including:

• Kirby Marine Settles Case Brought by Injured Navy Veteran
• VB Attorneys Files Maritime Injury Lawsuit Against Kirby Offshore Marine
• VB Attorneys Going to Trial Against Kirby Offshore Marine for Jones Act Client

Kirby Marine employees and their families need to understand their rights and options in the event of a workplace injury or other major maritime accident. If you are looking for help with a Kirby Marine case, our law firm has a winning track record and can help get you the results you deserve.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured While Working for Kirby Marine? 

If a negligent employer or dangerous workplace contributed to your injury, you have legal rights under the Jones Act. This act includes a series of laws passed in the 1920s designed to protect American maritime workers in cases of illness or injury.

At VB Attorneys, we have a team of experienced maritime injury lawyers ready to assist if you have been hurt while working for Kirby Marine. We are passionate about getting maritime workers the help they need to get their lives back on track.

4 Steps to File a Jones Act Claim

Jones Act claims must be filed within a certain period of time, so any delay in starting the process could harm your chances of success. Be sure to follow each step carefully: 

1. Inform Your Captain, Employer, or Senior Officer of the Injury
   If you are injured in navigable waters or at a dock, you must notify your captain, employer, or a senior officer within seven days. The captain must record the injury in the ship's log and complete the Report of Marine Accident, Injury, or Death (CG-2692) form in accordance with federal regulations. It is important to report your injury as soon as possible. If you wait too long the insurer of the vessel or shipping company may argue that you weren't seriously injured enough to justify filing a claim.
2. Fill Out an Accident Report 
   As soon as possible, you should fill out your company's accident report paperwork. Provide as many details as possible about the accident and ensure you are not impaired by medications and have a clear mind before doing so.
3. Seek Medical Attention
   No matter how minor your injuries seem, it is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional as they may worsen and become severe over time. Immediately visit a doctor, emergency medical personnel, or the medical officer on board and make sure you document everything. Keep track of all treatments received on your ship and, if necessary, request diagnostic tests. Whether the injury is serious or not, do not remain on duty.
4. Get in Touch with a Jones Act Lawyer
   Employers may put pressure on maritime workers to take responsibility for accidents, even when the incident occurred because of unsafe workplace conditions or employer negligence. Get in touch with our experienced Jones Act lawyers if you are unsure of who caused the accident or feel coerced into accepting an unfair settlement. 

For a more in-depth guide on filing Jones Act claims, see our article: 7 Steps to File a Jones Act Claim | Maritime Injury Claims Process.

Our Maritime Injury Lawyers Can Help 

As one of the nation's leading law firms dealing with Jones Act cases, VB Attorneys has successfully handled multiple lawsuits against some of the largest maritime and offshore companies. Get in touch with us today and learn how we can help.