Step 2: Seek Medical Attention ASAP

After a maritime injury, your health needs to be your top priority. Whether you’re onshore or offshore, seeking medical attention promptly is essential for your recovery — and for building a strong case. Delays in treatment can worsen injuries and make it harder to prove they’re work-related.

Here’s what to do, whether you’re on a vessel, offshore rig, or back on land:

Injured Offshore or at Sea?

If there’s a medical officer or medic onboard:

• Why It’s Critical: Larger ships or offshore rigs may have a medical officer or designated medic trained to handle workplace injuries. Reporting to them ensures your injury is recorded and treated as quickly as possible.
• What to Do:
  1. Notify the ship’s medical officer or rig medic about your injury immediately.
  2. Ensure your injury is documented in:
     • The ship’s logbook (for vessels).
     • The rig’s incident reporting system (for offshore platforms).
  3. Request treatment or first aid for your injury.

If there’s no medical officer or medic onboard:

• Why It’s Critical: On smaller vessels or less-equipped platforms, there may not be a designated medical officer. You’ll need to rely on the crew and available resources to stabilize your injury and document the incident.
• What to Do:
  1. Report your injury to the captain, first mate, or supervisor.
     • Ask them to log the incident in the ship’s logbook.
     • If they refuse, document the injury yourself (see Step 3: Gather Evidence).
  2. Use any available first aid kits or supplies to address your immediate needs.
  3. Request communication with shore-based medical services or the Coast Guard for remote guidance or evacuation if necessary.

Follow Up Onshore Immediately

• Why It’s Critical: Regardless of what care you received onboard, following up with a professional medical provider onshore ensures your injuries are fully evaluated and treated.
• What to Do:
  1. Visit the nearest emergency room or clinic as soon as you return to land.
  2. Provide the doctor with any documentation or notes about your injury and treatment onboard.
  3. Choose a doctor unaffiliated with your employer, if possible, to ensure unbiased care.

Land-Based Maritime Employees

• Why It’s Critical: Injuries often occur in the high-risk conditions of shipyards, docks, or other land-based maritime environments. Reporting and seeking treatment immediately ensures that the injury is documented and prevents further complications.
• What to Do:
  1. Notify your supervisor or site manager of your injury and request an incident report.
  2. Seek treatment at a nearby medical facility.
  3. Choose a doctor experienced in workplace injuries, and avoid relying solely on on-site first aid.
  4. Retain copies of the incident report and all medical records.

Example:
A dockworker handling cargo suffers a back injury while lifting heavy containers. They notify their supervisor and visit the on-site medical team for an initial evaluation but follow up at an external clinic to ensure proper diagnosis and documentation.

Avoid Employer-Recommended Doctors

• Why It’s Critical: Whether you’re injured offshore or on land, employers often recommend doctors who prioritize the company’s interests, which may result in downplayed injuries.
• What to Do:
  • Politely decline employer-recommended doctors if you have a choice.
  • Keep detailed records of all interactions with any medical professionals provided by your employer.

Document Everything

• Why It’s Critical: Medical records are some of the strongest evidence to link your injury to the workplace accident. They also show the severity of your injuries and required treatments.
• What to Do:
  • Request copies of all medical records, including offshore treatment notes, diagnostic tests, and prescriptions.
  • Track your symptoms and recovery progress, especially if your condition worsens.

What If My Employer Refuses Evacuation or Delays Treatment?

Vessel owners are obligated to provide prompt medical care. If treatment is delayed or denied, document their actions and consult an attorney.

Learn More: Ship Owners Are Obligated to Provide Prompt and Adequate Medical Care to an Injured Seamen

Can I Use My Health Insurance to Cover Medical Costs?

Yes, but this doesn’t waive your rights to claim maintenance and cure. Using health insurance can ensure your treatment isn’t delayed, though.

Learn More: Can I Use My Health Insurance to Pay for Medical Treatment?

Employer refusing to authorize treatment? Contact us immediately. We’ll help you get the care you deserve.