DON’TS After An Injury

Juldians 1 December 2023

DON’TS After An Injury

1

Don’t keep an injury to yourself. Report an injury, even if minor, as soon as it happens and always prior to leaving the vessel;

2

Don’t give a recorded or written statement about your injury to anyone, particularly if you have not spoken with a plaintiff’s maritime attorney;

3

Don’t sign any paperwork that has inaccurate information on it, admits fault, waives your claims or agrees to arbitration;

4

Don’t trust the insurance adjuster employer to have your best interest in mind;

5

Don’t leave without taking pictures of the accident scene, any equipment involved and your injuries;        

6

Don’t forget to get names and numbers of witnesses, crew and/or passengers on the vessel;

7

Don’t lie to anyone about anything. When in doubt about what to say, don’t answer rather than lie;

8

Don’t avoid getting medical treatment. Give an accurate description to any doctor or medical facility of how your injury happened and follow the Doctor’s order;

9

Don’t post about the accident and injury on social media;

Your health should be your first priority after any workplace accident. For workers out to sea, this may involve getting first aid until the vessel arrives at port, followed by transportation to the hospital.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea is a core item in the IMO. For more details about the international conventions regarding sick and injured seaman click here.