What kinds of documents do you need for your maritime injury case?

On Behalf of | Apr 30, 2021 | Maritime Law

If you’ve been hurt while working at sea or on a dock, it’s important that you have an opportunity to make a claim and get coverage. The Jones Act helps you seek compensation from your employer, which is an excellent way to make sure that you are compensated fairly for what you’ve been through.

You do need to provide documentation to prove your case. The kinds of documentation you will need include:

  • The original accident report, which should be filed with your employer within seven days of your injury
  • Documentation from the ship’s doctor, if you were on board a ship, or the medical provider you saw for your injuries. Make sure to get copies of all tests and paperwork, so you have a complete medical history from the time of the incident
  • Official reports, which may include witness statements, photos at the scene of a workplace accident, pictures of machinery or equipment that broke or was damaged, and other helpful supporting documentation
  • Copies of your medical bills and receipts

It’s also smart to show that you left the workplace and did not return to work following the injury. If you do return, it could show that you were healthy enough following the injury to work and threaten your claim.

Who is responsible for proving the severity of your injuries during the claims process?

As the injured party, the burden falls on you to prove that you were injured at sea, that the employer was negligent in some way and that you suffered injuries as a result of that negligence. If you are unable to prove all of those things, then you may not have a strong case and could be defeated in court. Alternatively, if the plaintiff, in this case, your employer, cannot support their own case successfully, then you may have a better chance of success.

Your attorney will have a good understanding of maritime law and how to help your case move along swiftly, so that you can get the compensation you need as you work on your recovery. With the right help, you can receive fair compensation and focus on your healing.