No matter how many thrilling, peaceful, and unforgettable water adventures you have, even the most experienced sailors can have an marine accident. That is why you should always have a backup plan in case something unforeseen happens.
The secret to surviving the aftermath of an unexpected accident—which can swiftly escalate—is to be well-prepared. If you are ever in a marine accident, there are key things you must do immediately.
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Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If an injury occurs while you are at sea, you should see a doctor without delay. Make sure to record the injury in your medical records, regardless of how serious you think it is. It is common for employees in the maritime sector to disclose injuries that do not appear to be serious. Diseases and injuries affecting internal organs are prevalent. Injuries can become worse or permanent if not addressed appropriately.
See your go-to doctor as soon as possible, if at all possible. You should be able to take care of yourself, even though your employer may suggest a doctor. You must inform your doctor about your health problem, accident, or injury, including if it happened on the job.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
You can rely on your lawyer to point you in the direction of the evidence that will best support your case. Typically, this includes medical records, images of the marine accident site, witness accounts, and any relevant correspondence with the cruise line. If you want to use this evidence to back up your claim, you must keep it safe.
Keep Detailed Medical Records
After you’ve had treatment, request copies of your medical records. Diagnoses, treatment plans, prescribed medications, and possible test results should all be part of these records. These records contain detailed documentation of your injuries and treatment, both of which shed light on the situation and serve as important evidence.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
As quickly as possible, report the marine accident to the proper authorities. Utilize a marine radio or cellular phone if you happen to be in range. Not only does reporting facilitate rescue operations, but it also creates an official incident record that is crucial for legal proceedings. In your region, the coast guard or marine police will come to your aid.
Gather Witness Statements
Gather the names and contact details of anyone who may have witnessed the accident and ask them to sign a statement detailing what they saw. Statements from eyewitnesses can strengthen your story by lending credence to your account of what happened.
Inform Your Employer
Depending on the nature of your injury or illness, your employer may become aware of the situation right away. If not, make sure to notify your employer promptly. Your immediate health and well-being are of utmost importance, and you may feel less concerned about informing your employer if you have to leave work or become hospitalized.
Do not rely on a coworker to notify your employer. If possible, contact your employer right away to explain what happened. If you already have medical records, provide a copy to your employer.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
It can be especially challenging to negotiate the legal intricacies of an injury case when dealing with insurance companies. According to chopinlawfirm.com, “If you want to make sure you’re following the right procedure for documenting your injuries and increase the chances of your claim being successful, you need to consult with a high-profile offshore injury lawyer.” If you want help gathering and presenting evidence, hiring an attorney can be a beneficial choice.
Remain Silent and Do Not Sign Anything
It is critical that you keep your case’s specifics to yourself and only discuss them with your attorney. Should you need to pursue legal action against your employer, any remarks you make to coworkers or other individuals could potentially backfire against you. This includes statements that you share with others. Furthermore, you should avoid signing anything during the process, and you should never accept a settlement payment without first consulting with your attorney. Without a doubt, this is an important point to remember. When you sign a document, it becomes more difficult to seek additional compensation for your injuries. This may be true because you signed the document. Remember, your employer’s insurance company aims to pay out as little and as quickly as possible.
Negotiate a Settlement
Your insurance company will make a settlement offer once the adjuster finishes their investigation. You will receive the agreed-upon amount from the insurance company if you consent to the settlement. You have the option to attempt to negotiate a higher settlement with the insurance company if you are not satisfied with the initial offer.
If you accept a settlement offer, you will likely be unable to sue the insurance company in the future.
