Accidents and injuries due to activities that take place in open waters are especially unique to our community. No other law firm in the area has as much day-to-day hands on experience dealing with the special types of laws and circumstances surrounding these cases. We've drawn on this experience to create a list of DOs and DON'Ts to help keep your activities and behavior on course in the event you're ever injured as a result of a maritime or offshore accident.

DOs:

What To Do In Case Of An Offshore Or Maritime Accident:

1. Report the accident, including how and why it happened, who and what was involved, and your injuries.
   -Call for help and assistance. Insist on immediate medical care if the injury causes substantial pain or appears serious. -Be careful not to try to shield the people or equipment who caused or contributed to the accident or to minimize your injuries. -List all your injuries and problems to the supervisor, so they can be placed in the accident report. -Be sure an accident report is filled out and you are given a copy.
   
   
2. Attempt to get names, phone numbers, and the addresses of witnesses who were present or who know about the cause of the accident.
   
   
3. Get the necessary medical attention. Do not just hope the problems will just pass in a few days or weeks. If your injuries worsen or linger, see a doctor as soon as possible even if you have to pay for it yourself.
   -Avoid being referred to a "Company Doctor" if possible, and try to go to a doctor of your own choice who is familiar with you.
   -If you have a head or spinal injury, see an orthopaedic or neurological specialist.
   -Determine as early as possible if you will have to miss work and for how long.
   -Determine also what the "long-term prognosis" will be in terms of surgery or disability.
   
   
4. Limit your discussions of the case to necessary parties, such as members of your family or those providing medical treatment.
   
   
5. If your injuries persist for more than a few days, consult an attorney who is a specialist in maritime or offshore accidents.
   -Ask him about his experience.
   -Hand write a detailed version of the accident, injuries, treatment, and disability to take with you for the first meeting. Write down as many questions as you can think of on law and procedure in your injury case.
   -Ask about fees and expenses of the case.
   -Ask your family and friends if they know the attorney or his firm and what they think of him.
   -Don't hesitate to interview several attorneys or to ask what they feel they can do to help you.
   
   
6. Obtain the following documents for yourself or your attorney:
   -Copies of all medical reports and bills.
   -Copies of your wage records and income tax returns.
   -Copies of any accident reports or statements given by you.
   
   
7. Read any documents presented to you before you sign them. If you have any doubts about this, you should see an attorney.
   
   
8. Other documentation that can be very important and that you should try to obtain, where possible, include:
   -List of mileage to and from all health care visits (which can be reimbursed to you at a later time).
   -Copies of any radiology reports on tests given you, such as x-rays, CT Scans, Bone Scan, MRI or Myelogram.
   -Any log books you may have kept on your work offshore, showing time spent there and activities.
   -Names and addresses of co-employees who were working with you at the scene of the accident, whether for the same or a different company, who could be witnesses to this or other similar accidents.

DON'Ts:

What Not To Do In Case Of An Offshore Or Maritime Accident:

1. Don't be talked into not reporting the accident, even to preserve "safety records" of some company.
   
   
2. Don't sign releases or checks with release language printed on them.
   
   
3. Don't settle your case until you are satisfied you have recovered or reached maximum medical improvement.
   
   
4. Don't settle your case unless you have consulted an attorney. He may be able to answer your questions or fully explain your rights to you initially, even though your version of the accident and injuries may not be complete.
   
   
5. Don't do anything just because your employer or someone else says you "have to".