DREDGE INJURIES
Injuries routinely occur in the dredging industry when dredge operators do not implement safe practices and procedures. Mariners injured on dredges have rights under the general maritime law and the Jones Act. Adam Davis worked on dredges as a contact pilot and has successfully prosecuted personal injury claims against dredge owners as a lawyer. Clients can leverage this experience to achieve just compensation under the law.
If you are injured while dredging, you must get off the dredge and receive medical treatment from the emergency room or a doctor of your own choosing. You should not go to the occupational health clinic, or the doctor recommended by your employer. The medical facilities often generate significant business from employers and may be biased against you. Often times they will not provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your medical situation.
Dredge owners and insurance companies may engage lawyers as soon as you are injured on the job to limit the amount of money you can recover. The best way to counter these efforts is to promptly speak to a maritime attorney about your rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
ADAM'S ADVICE
Report the Injury, Leave Work and Seek Medical Attention
Go to the emergency room or doctor of your own choosing. Do this even if your injuries do not appear severe or life-threatening. You have the right to leave work to see a doctor of your own choosing. Do not go to the doctor or occupational health clinic recommended by your company.