Dishonest Offshore Employers: Tricks-of-the-Trade Fitts Zehl, LLP Attorneys Houston Texas

Offshore working conditions are difficult and dangerous. Even on a calm day at sea, the threats faced by maritime employees are substantial. In a working environment that tough, the last thing you need is your employer, or his insurance company, trying to fool you into doing something that may damage your case in the future. Here are a few tricks you should watch out for if you are injured offshore and in need of medical assistance:

•1.) Trying to get you to make a recorded statement soon after your injury.

•2.) Trying to deny you medical aid until you give a recorded statement.

•3.) Trying to make you sign something before you receive medical treatment.

•4.) Demanding that you see a company doctor.

•5.) Trying to pay you less than your full wages while you recover.

•6.) Trying to rush you back to work before you are ready.

•7.) Telling you that unless you can go back to work immediately they'll have to get someone else to take your place, permanently.

•8.) Trying to ruin your reputation throughout the industry so that you can't find another job.

•9.) Advising you not to hire a lawyer and then following that with an unreasonably low settlement offer.

These are just some of the tricks that have been pulled on injured seamen by their employers over the years. Do not fall for them. You are not required to say or sign anything. The bottom line is that your employer's interests are different from yours. If something your employer or his insurance company does feels wrong, it probably is. Contact the experienced Texas maritime lawyers at Fitts Zehl, LLP by phone at (800) 993-4887 or by email at rzehl@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com.

How To Choose A Doctor Following An Offshore Injury
Posted by: rzehl
March 30, 2010

Immediately following an injury at sea, your employer will almost certainly try to send you to a company doctor for medical treatment. Remember, you have the right to see any doctor of your choosing, you are never required to see a company doctor. Unfortunately, company doctors do not work for you and do not have your best interest at heart. They will often diagnose injured offshore workers with minor or superficial injuries in order to get them back to work at minimal cost to their employers.

When trying to select a doctor, be sure to choose someone who:

•· You feel comfortable with;

•· Shows interest in helping you improve;

•· Is not affiliated with your employer in any way;

•· Has a knowledgeable, experienced staff and

•· Is capable of navigating the complex claims process.

Don't settle for a light-duty release from the company doctor, contact an experienced maritime lawyer like the lawyers at Fitts Zehl, LLP today to explore your options.

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Do Not Sign Anything Until You Consult an Attorney!
Posted by: rzehl
January 07, 2009

Without a doubt, one of the most difficult days in the life of a seaman will be the day he is injured on the job. After an offshore accident, a maritime laborer can be vulnerable to deception on the part of his employer’s insurance company. In those trying moments following an injury, remember that you should not sign anything! Too many times, our clients have been given paperwork to sign, following an injury, that has limited their ability to recover. These documents are difficult to defeat once they are signed so it is imperative that you not sign any documents until you have consulted with an experienced maritime lawyer. Don’t be fooled into signing your claim away!

If you or someone you know has been injured offshore, contact the experienced Jones Act lawyers at the Fitts Zehl Law Firm by phone at (713) 491-6064 or by email at info@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com. Our staff of accomplished maritime attorneys will work hard to get you compensated and back on your feet as soon as possible.

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Recorded Statements-Should I Give One After an Injury?
Posted by: rzehl
September 23, 2008

Following an offshore injury, there's a good chance that your employer's insurance company is going to ask you for a recorded statement. They may even tell you that it's a necessary step in the evaluation of your claim and that the sooner you give a statement, the sooner you can be compensated.

Regardless of what the insurance company tells you, it is not in your best interest to give a recorded statement without first consulting an independent maritime attorney. Otherwise, you risk compromising your case. In reality, recorded statements are taken by insurance companies in order to catch you saying things that may hurt your claim or allow them to avoid paying you at all.

In addition, do not sign any paperwork given to you by the insurance company until you have had it reviewed by an independent maritime lawyer of your own choosing. By signing paperwork without the aid of independent counsel, you might just be signing away your right to compensation. Remember, the insurance company does not work for you.

IF you or someone you know has been injured offshore, contact the experienced Jones Act lawyers at the Fitts Zehl Law Firm by email at info@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com or by phone at (800) 99-FITTS.

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Dishonest Offshore Employers: Tricks-of-the-Trade

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