Maritime and offshore accidents are some of the most dangerous incidents a worker or passenger can experience. Whether you’re on a vessel, an offshore platform, a tugboat, a barge, or working in a harbor, a single mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries — or worse.

Unlike typical workplace accidents, maritime injuries fall under special laws that determine your rights, your compensation, and who is truly responsible.

At Felton Made Law, we represent injured seamen, offshore workers, longshoremen, harbor workers, passengers, and crew members nationwide.

For more information, visit our dedicated page:

👉 Maritime & Offshore Accident Lawyer — Felton Made Law

This guide covers exactly what to do after an accident — and what mistakes to avoid — so you don’t lose the compensation you’re legally entitled to.

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1. Get Immediate Medical Care — Onboard or Onshore

Your health comes first.

Report your injury immediately and request medical attention on the vessel, rig, or platform.

Many maritime injuries worsen quickly, especially:

• Head injuries
• Back/spine injuries
• Deep lacerations
• Crush injuries
• Burns
• Exposure-related conditions

If the captain or supervisor refuses to document your injury, ask in writing or notify another officer.

2. Report the Accident — But Be Careful What You Sign

After maritime or offshore accidents, employers often pressure crew members to:

• Understate the injury
• Take blame
• Sign “incident reports” written by management
• Provide recorded statements

These forms are often designed to protect the vessel owner or employer, not you.

Only provide basic facts.

Do not sign anything without speaking to a maritime attorney.

3. Document the Scene Before Conditions Change

The ocean changes everything — fast.

If you can safely do so, gather evidence:

Take photos or videos of:

• The hazard that caused your injury
• Deck conditions (oil, water, debris, faulty equipment)
• Safety violations
• Your injuries
• Vessel equipment
• Weather and sea conditions

Collect:

• Witness names
• Crew statements
• Inspections logs
• Any existing reports

Tugs, barges, oil rigs, and commercial vessels often clean or repair hazards quickly. Get proof before it disappears.

4. Know Which Laws Protect You

Maritime claims are not handled like standard workplace injuries.

Your rights may fall under:

The Jones Act

Covers injured seamen working aboard vessels in navigation. Allows compensation for negligence far beyond basic workers’ comp.

Unseaworthiness Claims

Holds vessel owners responsible for unsafe ships, faulty equipment, or untrained crew.

Maintenance & Cure

Requires employers to cover your medical care and daily living expenses until maximum recovery.

LHWCA (Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act)

Covers dockworkers, harbor workers, longshoremen, and shipbuilders.

Each law has different benefits — and different traps — which is why talking to a maritime attorney is critical.

Learn more here:

👉 Maritime & Offshore Accidents — Felton Made Law

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‍5. Don’t Give Recorded Statements to the Company or Their Insurance

Maritime employers, vessel owners, and insurance companies often try to get you on the record early.

Their goal:

• Limit liability
• Blame you for your own injury
• Prove the vessel was “safe”
• Reduce or deny your benefits

Politely decline and direct all communications to your attorney.

6. Keep Every Medical and Employment Record

Your compensation depends on documentation. Keep:

• Medical records
• Treatment notes
• Imaging scans
• Work restrictions
• Pay stubs
• Schedule logs
• Emails/texts from supervisors

Offshore injuries often lead to long-term disability — the more records you keep, the stronger your case.

7. Contact a Maritime & Offshore Accident Lawyer Before You Make a Mistake

Maritime law is complex, and vessel owners are aggressive in protecting themselves. Offshore companies often hire legal teams immediately after an accident.

At Felton Made Law, we:

• Investigate the vessel or platform
• Review safety violations
• Secure accident evidence
• Work with maritime experts
• Identify all responsible parties
• Build a trial-ready case
• Fight for full compensation under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or maritime law

And you pay nothing upfront.

If You Already Signed Something — Call Immediately

It’s common for injured workers to sign incident reports under pressure.

Don’t panic.

A maritime attorney can often fix or neutralize early mistakes.

But time matters — especially offshore.

Felton Made Law Fights for Injured Maritime & Offshore Workers

Maritime and offshore injuries are often severe:

• TBIs
• Spinal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Burns
• Amputations
• Oxygen deprivation
• Drowning
• Long-term disability

Your employer, the vessel owner, or the offshore company will have legal teams protecting their interests.

You deserve someone protecting yours.

At Felton Made Law, you get:

• Direct access to Brandon Felton
• Tailor-made representation
• A trial-ready approach
• Zero call centers
• Zero upfront fees
• You only pay if we win

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