After an injury at sea, your employer and their insurance company act quickly. They might seem concerned, but their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by closing your claim for as little as possible. They may pressure you to sign documents, give a recorded statement, or accept a quick settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. They are counting on your confusion and your lack of familiarity with your rights. This is where a skilled maritime injury lawyer becomes your most important ally. They step in to shield you from these tactics, manage all communications, and ensure your rights are defended from the very beginning.
Key Takeaways
- Know Your Rights Beyond Workers’ Comp: Maritime law provides special protections, like the Jones Act and “maintenance and cure,” that are designed to cover your medical care, living expenses, and lost income—often offering more than a standard state claim.
- Protect Your Claim from the Start: Your first moves are crucial. Get immediate medical attention, report the injury to your supervisor, and take photos of the scene. Do not sign any documents from your employer or their insurer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Partner with a Maritime Law Specialist: This is a complex legal field where a general attorney isn’t enough. You need a lawyer who focuses on maritime cases and works on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees unless they win your case.
What is Maritime Law?
If you work on the water, you’re protected by a unique and powerful set of laws. Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is one of the oldest legal codes in the world, designed specifically to govern issues that happen on navigable waters. Think of it as the rulebook for commerce and accidents on oceans, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. It’s a distinct field of law with its own procedures and remedies that are very different from the laws that apply on land.
When you’re injured at sea or on a vessel, your case isn’t treated like a typical slip-and-fall or car accident. Instead, it falls under this specialized legal framework. Understanding the basics of maritime law is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve after an injury. It ensures that seamen, longshoremen, and other maritime workers have a clear path to justice.
How Maritime Law Differs from Other Laws
The biggest difference with maritime law is that it’s a federal law that applies uniformly across the country. Unlike a standard personal injury case, which is usually governed by state law, a maritime claim follows a specific set of federal statutes and precedents. This is why you need an attorney who specializes in this area. These laws cover incidents on any vessel in navigable waters, from massive cargo ships and oil rigs to tugboats and fishing vessels. Even if your injury happened while the vessel was docked, maritime law likely applies as long as the vessel was capable of moving.
Your Key Legal Protections as a Maritime Worker
As a maritime worker, you have special protections that most land-based employees don’t. For instance, you generally aren’t covered by state workers’ compensation programs. Instead, laws like the Jones Act and the principle of “maintenance and cure” are there to support you. Maintenance and cure is a fundamental right for injured seamen. It requires your employer to pay for your reasonable medical expenses (cure) and basic living expenses (maintenance) while you recover, regardless of who was at fault for your injury. This is a critical lifeline that provides immediate financial support when you’re unable to work.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim
Time is a critical factor in any maritime injury case. Federal law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a claim. If you miss this window, you could lose your right to seek compensation forever. The specific deadline can vary depending on the nature of your claim and the circumstances of your injury. Because these time limits are so unforgiving, it’s essential to act quickly after an accident. The best way to protect your rights is to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand the deadlines that apply to your situation and get the process started.
What Does a Maritime Injury Lawyer Do?
When you’re injured on the water, the legal path forward is different from a typical land-based accident. A maritime injury lawyer is a specialist who understands the unique laws governing these incidents. Their entire focus is on helping injured maritime workers get the compensation they deserve. They handle the complex legal work, from investigating the incident to fighting for your rights against employers and insurance companies, so you can concentrate on your recovery. They are your dedicated advocate, ensuring your case is built on a solid legal foundation.
The Kinds of Cases They Handle
A maritime lawyer focuses on injuries that occur on or near the water. This isn’t just for sailors on massive cargo ships; their expertise covers a wide range of incidents. They represent people hurt while working on fishing boats, tugs, barges, oil rigs, and cruise ships, as well as recreational boaters. Whether your injury was caused by faulty equipment, an unsafe working environment, or another crew member’s negligence, a maritime lawyer knows how to handle the specific legal challenges. They understand the unique dangers of maritime work and how to build a strong personal injury claim within this specialized field.
How a Lawyer Protects Your Rights
After an injury, you might feel pressured by your employer or their insurance company to accept a quick, low settlement. A maritime lawyer steps in to protect you from these tactics. They operate under a special set of federal laws—admiralty and maritime law—which provides unique protections for injured workers. Your attorney will manage all communications, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and file a lawsuit if a fair agreement can’t be reached. Many injured workers don’t realize the full extent of their rights. Having an experienced legal team from a firm like Counsel Hound ensures your rights are defended at every turn.
Why You Need a Specialist
You wouldn’t ask a general doctor to perform heart surgery, and the same principle applies here. Maritime law is incredibly complex, with its own rules and deadlines that most lawyers aren’t familiar with. A general attorney may not know about key protections like the Jones Act or the doctrine of “unseaworthiness,” which are critical for your claim. A specialist understands the nuances of these cases, from gathering the right evidence to countering the arguments from large shipping companies. Working with a lawyer who specializes in maritime injuries gives you the best chance of securing the full compensation you need.
Common Maritime Injuries and On-the-Job Hurdles
Working at sea comes with unique risks, and when an accident happens, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Understanding the common causes of injuries and the challenges you might face from employers or insurance companies is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Typical Workplace Accidents
Many maritime accidents are not just bad luck—they are often the result of negligence. When employers cut corners on safety, workers are the ones who pay the price. Common examples of carelessness include broken or poorly maintained equipment, a lack of proper training, and failure to provide the right safety gear. Cluttered walkways, improperly stored cargo, and slippery decks also create dangerous conditions that can lead to serious personal injury. These hazards are preventable, and employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment. When they fail, they should be held accountable.
The Most Frequent Injuries at Sea
Given the environment, it’s no surprise that slip and fall accidents are the most common type of maritime injury. Wet and unstable surfaces are a constant reality on any vessel. Beyond falls, workers frequently suffer injuries from exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic fumes, especially in poorly ventilated or confined spaces. Other frequent injuries stem from the physical demands of the job, including strains from heavy lifting, repetitive motion injuries, and accidents involving dangerous machinery. These incidents can cause lasting harm, making it crucial to seek a thorough medical injury evaluation to understand the full extent of the damage.
How to Handle Employer and Insurance Tactics
After an injury, you might find that your employer and their insurance company are not on your side. It’s common for them to try to deny your claim, shift the blame onto you, or discourage you from seeking legal advice. They may rush you into signing documents that waive your rights or pressure you to accept a quick, lowball settlement. These tactics are designed to protect their bottom line, not your well-being. It’s important to be cautious and remember that you don’t have to face them alone. Learning about us can show you how a trusted legal team ensures your rights are protected.
What Evidence You Need to Collect
The moments after an injury are critical for gathering evidence. Your first priority should always be to get medical attention. This not only starts your recovery but also creates an official medical record of your injuries, which is vital for any future claim. If you are able, document the scene of the accident. Take clear photos or videos of the area where you were hurt, the specific hazard that caused the injury, and any equipment involved. If you’re unable to do this yourself, ask a trusted coworker to help. The more evidence you can preserve, the stronger your case will be when you contact us for a free consultation.
Your Legal Protections as a Maritime Worker
Working at sea comes with unique risks, and the law recognizes that. Maritime law provides a special set of protections that are very different from the workers’ compensation rules that apply to land-based jobs. These laws are designed to ensure that if you’re injured on the job, you have a clear path to getting the support you need to recover. Understanding these key protections is the first step toward securing your rights and getting fair compensation. Whether your injury was caused by someone’s carelessness or an unsafe condition, there are specific legal doctrines in place to help you cover your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Jones Act
The Jones Act is one of the most important laws for maritime workers. Think of it as a specific type of personal injury claim designed for seamen. If you qualify as a seaman and were injured because of your employer’s or a coworker’s negligence, this act allows you to sue your employer for damages. This isn’t just about covering your immediate medical bills; the Jones Act helps you recover compensation for lost wages (both past and future), the cost of ongoing medical care, and the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve endured. It’s a critical tool that holds employers accountable for providing a reasonably safe work environment.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Not every maritime worker is a “seaman” covered by the Jones Act. If you work on docks, in shipyards, or in other harbor areas but aren’t part of a vessel’s crew, you are likely protected by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This federal law functions more like a traditional workers’ compensation system. It provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages if you’re injured on the job. A key difference is that you don’t have to prove that your employer was at fault to receive these benefits. The LHWCA ensures you get necessary support while you recover from a work-related injury.
Maintenance and Cure
“Maintenance and Cure” is a fundamental right for seamen that has existed for centuries. It’s a form of no-fault compensation that your employer must provide if you become sick or injured while in service of the vessel, regardless of who was at fault. “Cure” refers to the employer’s duty to pay for your necessary medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement. “Maintenance” is a daily stipend intended to cover your basic living expenses, like rent and food, while you’re unable to work. This protection is vital for ensuring your basic needs are met during your recovery from a medical injury.
Unseaworthiness Claims
Vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide a “seaworthy” ship. This doesn’t just mean the vessel won’t sink; it means the ship, its equipment, and its crew must be reasonably fit for their intended purpose. If you were injured because of an unseaworthy condition—such as broken equipment, an insufficient crew, or unsafe working conditions—you can file an unseaworthiness claim. This is a separate claim from the Jones Act and doesn’t require you to prove negligence, only that an unsafe condition existed and caused your injury. This is similar to claims involving defective products on land, where the equipment itself creates the hazard.
What to Expect from the Claims Process
After an injury at sea, the path to getting compensation can seem complicated and full of legal hurdles. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re focused on your recovery. But understanding the claims process can give you a sense of control and clarity. The journey involves several key stages, from the moment the injury occurs to the final settlement. Each step is crucial for building a strong case and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and suffering.
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through this alone. The actions you take immediately after an accident and in the following weeks can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. By being prepared and knowing what to do, you can protect your rights and set the foundation for a successful case. A skilled attorney can guide you through every phase, handling the complex legal work so you can concentrate on getting better. This process is designed to secure your future, and having a clear map of what lies ahead makes all the difference. We can help you with your personal injury claim every step of the way.
First Steps to Take After an Injury
Immediately after an injury, your first priority is your health. Seek medical attention right away, even if you think the injury is minor. This creates an official medical record that connects your injury to the workplace incident. Next, report the accident to your supervisor as soon as possible. Make sure an official report is filed and ask for a copy for your records. Reporting the incident promptly is a critical step that establishes a timeline and shows you took the situation seriously from the start. Don’t downplay your symptoms; be honest about what happened and how you feel.
How to Document Your Case
Solid evidence is the backbone of a strong claim. If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of everything related to the incident. Photograph the area where you were hurt, the equipment involved, the specific hazard that caused the injury, and your injuries themselves. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses. It’s also vital that you do not sign any documents from your employer or their insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. They may try to offer a quick, low settlement or have you sign away your rights. Before you agree to anything, contact us for a free consultation to understand your options.
The Importance of Medical Evidence
Your medical records are one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in your case. It’s essential to see a doctor within a few days of your injury to formally document its extent and cause. Consistent medical treatment shows that your injuries are legitimate and ongoing. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully, whether it involves physical therapy, medication, or follow-up appointments. Skipping appointments or ignoring medical advice can be used against you by the opposing side to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. These records will be used to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs.
How the Settlement Process Works
Most maritime injury cases are resolved through a settlement rather than a court trial. The process typically begins with your attorney sending a demand letter to your employer or their insurance company, outlining the facts of your case and the compensation you’re seeking. This kicks off a period of negotiation. Your lawyer will handle all communications, fighting for a fair amount to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, your attorney will be prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial to get you the compensation you deserve.
Factors That Affect Your Claim’s Timeline
Every maritime injury claim is unique, so there’s no set timeline for how long it will take to resolve. Several factors can influence the duration, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and how willing the other party is to negotiate a fair settlement. Maritime law has strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitation, for filing a claim, so it’s important to act quickly. Large companies often have powerful legal teams that may try to delay the process. An experienced maritime lawyer will keep your case moving forward, meet all critical deadlines, and counter any delay tactics from the opposition.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
After a serious injury at sea, one of the biggest worries is money. How will you pay your bills? What about your family? The good news is that maritime law provides ways for you to get financial compensation to cover the harm you’ve suffered. This isn’t just about getting a check; it’s about securing your future and getting the resources you need to heal properly.
Compensation in a maritime case is designed to cover a wide range of losses. These are often broken down into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible costs you can track with receipts and pay stubs, like medical bills and lost income. Non-economic damages are for the personal, intangible losses that don’t have a clear price tag, such as pain and suffering. An experienced attorney’s job is to build a case that accounts for every single loss, ensuring you receive a settlement or award that truly reflects the full impact the injury has had on your life. The goal is to help you regain financial stability so you can focus on your recovery.
Covering Your Medical Expenses
Medical bills can pile up fast after an injury. Compensation is meant to cover all of your past, present, and future medical needs related to the accident. This includes everything from the initial emergency room visit and surgeries to ongoing physical therapy, prescription medications, and any necessary medical equipment like a wheelchair or home modifications. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of a medical injury caused by an unsafe work environment. A maritime lawyer helps you document these expenses and calculates the projected costs of future care, fighting to ensure you get the money you deserve to cover it all.
Recovering Lost Wages
When you can’t work, your entire family feels the financial strain. Maritime law allows you to recover the income you’ve lost while out of work. But it goes further than that. If your injury is severe enough to prevent you from returning to your old job or limits your ability to earn a living in the future, you can also seek compensation for “loss of future earning capacity.” This is a critical part of any claim, as it helps secure your financial stability for years to come. Your attorney will work to demonstrate how the injury has impacted your career and ensure your compensation reflects not just the paychecks you’ve missed, but the ones you’ll miss in the future.
Damages for Pain and Suffering
Some of the deepest impacts of a personal injury aren’t financial. The physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you experience are very real, and you deserve to be compensated for them. This is what’s known as “pain and suffering.” It also covers things like loss of enjoyment of life—the inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once loved. While no amount of money can undo your experience, this compensation is a legal acknowledgment of the profound personal toll the injury has taken. Proving these damages requires a skilled legal team that understands how to tell your story and show the true human cost of the negligence you endured.
Planning for Long-Term Care
A severe injury can change your life forever, often requiring lifelong medical attention or personal assistance. A successful maritime claim should provide for these future needs. The compensation you receive can be significantly larger than a standard workers’ compensation payout, and for good reason. It’s meant to cover potential long-term care, ongoing treatments, and any other support you’ll need to live as fully as possible. A forward-thinking legal team will help you plan for these possibilities, ensuring your settlement or verdict is substantial enough to provide peace of mind and security for the long haul. If you have questions about your specific situation, you can always contact us for a free consultation.
Common Myths About Maritime Injury Claims
After an injury at sea, you’re likely dealing with a lot of uncertainty. Unfortunately, misinformation can make a tough situation even more confusing. Your employer and their insurance company may not give you the full picture, and common myths about maritime law can prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. It’s important to separate fact from fiction so you can protect your rights and your future. Let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions about maritime injury claims.
Your Rights vs. What You’re Told
Right after an accident, your employer might hand you a stack of papers to sign. They may tell you it’s just standard procedure or an incident report. However, these documents could contain clauses that waive your rights or limit your ability to seek full compensation. Many injured workers don’t realize they are signing away their legal options. Before you sign anything, it’s crucial to understand that you have specific legal protections under maritime law. You have the right to seek independent medical care and consult with an attorney about your personal injury claim. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision that isn’t in your best interest.
How Insurance Companies Really Operate
It’s a hard truth, but insurance companies are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which often means paying out as little as possible on your claim. They might try to deny your claim outright, argue that you were at fault for the accident, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. Some adjusters may even discourage you from speaking with a lawyer. Remember, their friendly demeanor is a tactic. The team at Counsel Hound is familiar with these strategies and can advocate for your rights against them.
The Full Scope of Your Compensation
Many people mistakenly believe a maritime injury claim is the same as a standard workers’ compensation claim. In reality, they are very different. Because working on a vessel is recognized as a uniquely dangerous job, the compensation available through maritime law is often much greater than what you’d receive from a state workers’ comp system. A successful claim can cover not only your medical bills and lost wages but also damages for pain, suffering, and future loss of earning capacity. Don’t underestimate the value of your claim based on what you know about land-based personal injury cases; your situation is unique and deserves a thorough evaluation.
Why Legal Representation Matters
You might wonder if you really need a lawyer, especially if the insurance company makes a quick offer. The answer is a firm yes. Maritime law is an incredibly complex and specialized area of the legal system. An attorney who doesn’t focus on this field simply won’t know the specific laws and procedures that apply to your case. A skilled maritime lawyer will handle all negotiations with your employer and their insurer. While most cases are settled out of court, having an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial gives you significant leverage. If you’ve been injured, you can contact us for a free consultation to understand your options.
How to Choose the Right Maritime Injury Lawyer
Finding the right legal support after a maritime injury can feel like a monumental task, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The attorney you choose can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. This isn’t the time for a general practitioner; you need a specialist who understands the unique challenges of your case. Think of it as choosing a surgeon—you’d want one who has successfully performed your specific procedure hundreds of times. The same principle applies here. Your lawyer should be your advocate, your guide, and your strongest ally. Let’s walk through what to look for to ensure you have the right person in your corner.
What Qualifications to Look For
When you start your search, your top priority should be finding a lawyer who specializes in maritime law. A great personal injury attorney might not be the right fit if they don’t have a deep understanding of this specific legal area. Maritime law is a distinct field with its own set of federal statutes and legal precedents. Look for attorneys or law firms that prominently feature maritime or admiralty law as a core practice area. Their website and professional profiles should clearly state their experience with cases like the Jones Act, unseaworthiness claims, and maintenance and cure. This focus is a clear indicator that they have the dedicated knowledge required to handle your case effectively.
Why Specific Experience Matters
Maritime law is not just another branch of personal injury law; it’s a completely separate legal framework. An experienced maritime lawyer understands the complex regulations that govern injuries on navigable waters. They know how to counter the specific tactics that shipping companies and their insurance providers use to minimize claims. This specialized experience is critical because it means your attorney won’t be learning on the job. They will already be familiar with the necessary evidence, the right experts to consult, and the arguments that hold up in court. The team at Counsel Hound connects you with proven attorneys who have a track record of success in this demanding field.
How Do Lawyer Fees Work?
Worries about legal fees should never prevent you from seeking justice. Most reputable maritime injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In simple terms, this means you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they recover for you. If they don’t win your case, you don’t owe them a fee. This arrangement aligns your interests with your attorney’s—they are financially motivated to secure the best possible outcome for you. At Counsel Hound, we operate on a “no fees until we win” promise, ensuring everyone has access to top-tier legal representation. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Key Questions to Ask in a Consultation
Your initial consultation is your opportunity to interview a potential lawyer and decide if they’re the right fit. Before you sign anything from your employer or an insurance company, make sure you have this meeting. Come prepared with a list of questions to help you make an informed choice.
Here are a few essential questions to ask:
- How many maritime injury cases have you handled?
- What is your experience with injuries similar to mine?
- Who will be my primary point of contact at the firm?
- What are the potential strengths and weaknesses you see in my case?
- Can you explain your fee structure in detail?
Bring any evidence you’ve collected, such as photos of the accident scene, medical records, and contact information for witnesses.
How to Work With Your Maritime Attorney
Working with a maritime attorney is a partnership. Your role is to provide the facts and follow their guidance, while their job is to handle the legal complexities and fight for you. Open communication and a clear understanding of the process will help you work together effectively to build the strongest possible case. From gathering the right paperwork to developing a winning strategy, every step you take together is designed to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. This collaboration ensures that your rights are protected and that you can focus on your recovery while your legal team manages the fight.
What Documents to Provide
To build a strong case, your attorney needs solid evidence. Your first priority should be to gather all relevant paperwork related to your accident and employment. This includes the official accident report you filed with your employer, all medical records detailing your injuries and treatment, and your employment contract. It’s also helpful to provide any photos or videos you took of the accident scene, the equipment involved, and your injuries. Pay stubs and communication with your employer, like emails or texts, can also be crucial. Providing these documents upfront gives your lawyer the tools they need to start building your claim right away.
What to Expect from Communication
Your attorney will be your primary advocate, handling all communication with your employer and their insurance company. You can expect them to keep you updated on major developments, like settlement offers or requests for more information. They will negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. While most personal injury cases are resolved without going to court, your lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you at trial if a just agreement can’t be reached. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; a good lawyer will make sure you understand what’s happening with your case every step of the way.
Developing Your Legal Strategy
Maritime law is incredibly complex, with overlapping federal laws that can apply to a single incident. This is why working with a specialist is so important. Your attorney will analyze the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy. This often involves deciding which laws—like the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act—offer the strongest path to compensation. In some situations, they may be able to file claims under multiple laws to ensure you receive the maximum amount possible for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Avoiding Common Mistakes with Your Claim
After an injury, employers and insurance companies may act quickly to protect their own interests. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is signing any documents or giving a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. These documents often contain waivers that could limit your right to fair compensation. You should also avoid downplaying your injuries or returning to work before you are medically cleared. If possible, use your phone to take pictures of the vessel, the specific area where you were hurt, and any faulty equipment that contributed to the accident. This evidence can be invaluable later on.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important first steps after an injury at sea? Your absolute first priority is to get medical attention. This not only starts your recovery but also creates a formal record of your injuries. As soon as you are able, you must also report the incident to your supervisor and ensure an official accident report is filed. These two steps are critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights down the road.
I’m worried about legal fees. How can I afford a lawyer? This is a very common and understandable concern. Reputable maritime injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any fees upfront. The attorney’s payment is a percentage of the financial compensation they recover for you. If you don’t win your case, you owe no legal fees. This approach ensures that everyone can afford quality legal help, regardless of their financial situation.
What if my employer says the accident was my fault? Don’t be discouraged if your employer tries to shift the blame. This is a common tactic used to minimize their responsibility. Maritime law is complex, and even if you believe you were partially at fault, you may still have a very strong claim. The law often focuses on whether any negligence on your employer’s part or an unseaworthy condition on the vessel contributed to the incident. An experienced attorney can evaluate the situation and determine the best path forward.
Is a maritime claim just like a workers’ comp case? No, they are very different. A standard workers’ compensation claim is governed by state law and typically provides limited benefits for medical bills and a portion of lost wages. A maritime injury claim falls under federal law and allows you to seek a much broader range of compensation, including damages for future lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering. This is a key reason why you need a lawyer who specializes specifically in maritime law.
My employer offered me a quick settlement. Should I take it? You should be extremely cautious about accepting an early settlement offer. Insurance companies and employers often make low offers hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries and the long-term financial impact. These initial offers rarely account for future medical care, lost earning capacity, or your pain and suffering. It’s always best to have an experienced attorney review any offer before you sign away your rights.
