1. Immediately notify your maritime employer of your injury and get a copy of the incident report for your records.
2. Take photographs and video of the scene of your injury, any tools, machinery or devices that caused your injury, and of your injury (a cellular phone camera may come in handy).
3. Write down the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses to the incident.
4. Write down the name and identifying information for the ship or vessel you were loading or unloading at the time of your injury as well as the names, addresses and telephone number of any of the ship’s employees that witnessed the incident.
5. Obtain a Department of Labor Form LS-1 from your employer, which authorizes treatment by a doctor of your choice. You do not need to choose a doctor from a list provided to you. Research doctors to find the most suitable doctor.
6. Obtain medical treatment for your maritime injury and make sure you attend all your appointments. Make sure to be open and honest with your physician about previous injuries and your current injuries. Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, employers are 100% liable for your injury, even if it is an aggravation of a previous injury. Your employer’s insurance company will research your medical background to find any previous injuries that you did not disclose.
7. Provide employer notice (using Form LS-201) of your injury within 30 days, even if your injury is minor.
8. Obtain all wage statements for the 52 weeks prior to your injury.
9. Seek the advice of a longshore lawyer.
10. File a written claim for compensation within one year of your injury.

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