Injured at Sea: A Crew Member’s Guide to Protecting Your Rights

Seafarers and crew members perform some of the toughest work on the water. You keep vessels moving, protect passengers, and shoulder responsibilities that most people on shore never see, all while battling long hours, rough seas, heavy equipment, and the physical strain that comes with a job that rarely stops.

On top of that, working in international waters brings pressures most people never experience. With ships owned, operated, and flagged across different countries, accountability can feel out of reach, especially when an injury is brushed aside as “nobody’s fault.” But still, injured crew members deserve clarity and protection, and the guidance ahead can help them understand the path forward.

When an Injury Happens at Sea: Immediate Steps

If you’re injured offshore or aboard a vessel, what you do next can protect both your health and your claim.

1. Get Medical Care Immediately

Visit the ship’s medic or infirmary and make sure every injury is documented thoroughly. Once ashore, get a second medical evaluation to complete your medical record.

2. Report the Incident

Follow your vessel’s reporting chain, which may include a supervisor, chief officer, or safety officer. Provide clear, factual information and ask for a written copy of the report.

3. Document the Scene

Whenever possible:

• Photograph the hazardous condition
• Record names of witnesses
• Save correspondence with supervisors
• Write down your own account of how the incident occurred

4. Avoid Signing Under Pressure

Some employers ask injured crew members to sign statements or forms that limit future claims. You can (and should) politely decline until you have spoken with an attorney.

Once You’re Back on Shore: Protecting Your Rights

Returning to shore begins a new chapter. Many crew members tell us this is when the reality of the injury sets in. They’re off the vessel, away from supervisors, and finally able to focus on their health.

Here’s what to focus on:

Get the Full Medical Picture

Onshore doctors can offer clearer assessments than the rushed, limited care available on many vessels. Their help can diagnose hidden damage, while their findings often become the backbone of your claim.

Stay Mindful of How You’re Feeling

Symptoms can shift, pain can worsen, and mobility can change. Keeping a record of how you feel from day to day helps show the true progression of the injury.

Be Thoughtful With Communication

Employer outreach may feel supportive at first, but it can also be strategic. Crew members are often encouraged to settle quickly or “wrap things up.” Even if you’re pressured, remember to slow down, ask questions, and protect your options.

Speak With an Experienced Lawyer

Once you’ve received proper treatment, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney about your situation. They can help you understand your options, let you know what to watch out for, and offer guidance on how to best protect your rights.

Can You Bring a Claim? Understanding Your Maritime Protections

Crew members often wonder whether what happened to them “counts” as a claim. Maritime law can seem complicated, but it’s built around a simple truth: workers deserve safe conditions.

Here’s a clearer way to think about your rights:

• If something unsafe caused the injury, negligence may be involved. Poor procedures, broken equipment, understaffing, or lack of training can all point to employer responsibility.
• If the vessel wasn’t reasonably safe, it may be considered unseaworthy. A ship doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be fit for its work.
• If you need medical care after the injury, maintenance and cure may apply. This protection exists no matter who was at fault.
• If a third party created the danger, they may be accountable too. Manufacturers, contractors, or others connected to vessel operations may share responsibility.

Every situation is different, and vessel type, contract terms, and location can shape the path forward. If you have specific questions, Morgan & Morgan is here for detailed answers.

What Makes Maritime Claims Different from Typical Workplace Cases

Maritime claims operate in a world of their own, shaped by laws and conditions that don’t always mirror life on land.

• Foreign flags and corporate layers can affect who is legally responsible for unsafe conditions.
• Short filing or notice deadlines may apply depending on contract terms, making early action important.
• Company-controlled evidence, including logs, reports, and maintenance records, can be difficult to access without timely requests.

These realities can make the process feel overwhelming, which is why so many injured crew members turn to trusted advocates who fight for the people, not the powerful.

How Morgan & Morgan Levels the Playing Field

For many seafarers, the toughest part of an injury isn’t the moment it happens; it’s everything that unfolds afterward. The silence from employers, shifting explanations, and the feeling that the truth of what happened is slowly slipping out of reach. Some crew members tell us they felt as if the ship sailed on without them, leaving them to sort through pain, paperwork, and uncertainty alone.

The reality is that maritime companies often have layers of ownership, insurers, and legal teams standing between an injured worker and the answers they deserve. It can feel like stepping into a maze where every turn raises new questions, but this is where the tide turns.

For more than 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has stood beside workers whose safety was compromised by those in power. As companies move quickly to protect themselves, our 1,000+ trial-ready attorneys push back with the strength of a firm equipped for cases on land or sea, helping crew members regain their footing in a process that can feel stacked against them.

At every step, our mission remains the same: to fight for the people, not the powerful. And because The Fee Is Free, you pay nothing unless we win.

Get started today with a free, no-risk case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as a maritime or offshore injury for crew members?

A maritime injury is any harm suffered while performing your duties at sea, such as a fall on deck, a machinery issue, or an accident tied to vessel operations. If the injury happened while supporting the ship’s mission, it may qualify.

2. Who qualifies as a “seaman” under maritime law?

A worker may qualify as a seaman if they spend a meaningful portion of their time contributing to the function of a vessel in navigation. This can include deckhands, engineers, stewards, and many other roles.

3. What legal protections do injured seafarers have?

Injured crew members may have rights under maritime negligence standards, unseaworthiness protections, and maintenance and cure. These laws can help with medical treatment, wage support, and compensation when unsafe conditions played a role.

4. How long do I have to file a maritime injury claim?

Deadlines for maritime injury claims can vary based on the circumstances, governing laws, and the terms of your employment. Some employers or contracts may require written notice before a claim can proceed. Because these rules differ depending on the vessel, employer, and contract, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.

5. What compensation could I pursue after an offshore injury?

Depending on the case, seafarers may seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, reduced earning ability, and pain and suffering. The available options depend on the facts and applicable maritime laws.

6. Should I contact a maritime lawyer after an injury at sea?

Many crew members reach out soon after an incident to protect evidence and avoid missteps in communication with the company. Legal guidance can make the process easier to navigate.