New York City ferry and Staten Island workers face serious risks while transporting millions of people to all five boroughs each year. Injuries can happen quickly, from things like slips and falls on wet decks or collisions with other vessels. One moment, you're going about your daily duties and the next, you're in pain, unable to work, and unsure of what to do next.
I
f you suffer an on-the-job injury, you may feel confused and overwhelmed. You know you need medical care, but you may be unsure about reporting the accident or whether they have legal recourse.
That's where an experienced New York maritime lawyer comes in—to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve after a NYC ferry or Staten Island ferry injury.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and well-being should always be your priority after a work-related injury. Don't try to "tough it out" or downplay your symptoms. Promptly inform your supervisor that you've been hurt and request medical attention immediately.
NYC ferry vessels have first-aid kits, but first aid may not be enough. Insist on a complete evaluation by a qualified medical professional, even if you have to go to a hospital. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show obvious symptoms at first but can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
Remember, seeking immediate medical care is crucial for your recovery and creates a vital record linking your injuries to the ferry accident.
Report the NYC Ferry or Staten Island Ferry Injury and Incident
Once you've taken care of your immediate medical needs, your next priority should be reporting the injury and the accident.
After an accident injury, it may be necessary to:
- Notify your supervisor. If you haven't already done so, formally report the injury to your immediate supervisor, even if they witnessed it.
- Complete an incident report. As soon as possible, complete an official incident report, providing a detailed account of how the injury occurred. Be specific about the date, time, location, and any contributing factors, such as hazardous conditions or equipment malfunctions.
Make sure to obtain a copy of the completed ferry injury report for your personal records. You'll also want to note the name of the supervisor who received your report.
If you were hurt on a ferry owned by a public entity, you have a short amount of time to file a Notice of Claim. Accordingly, it’s essential that you act quickly.
Document Everything
It’s essential to gather as much supporting documentation as you can. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be when seeking compensation for your injuries. If possible, we encourage you to collect:
- Witness information. If you can, reach out to the coworkers or passengers you identified in your incident report. Make sure you have their contact information and provide it to your maritime injury lawyer.
- Photographs. Use your phone to snap pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment or hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the incident.
- Correspondence. Save copies of any emails, letters, or messages you send or receive regarding your injury and recovery, including communications with your employer, medical providers, and insurance representatives.
- Medical records. Keep copies of all medical reports, doctor's notes, imaging results, and treatment plans related to your injury. Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your prescribed care plan.
Keep anything that you think may be relevant to your claim and share it with your lawyer.
Understand Your Rights Under Maritime Law
As an injured ferry worker, your rights and potential avenues for compensation are governed by a unique set of laws known as maritime law. One key piece of legislation is the Jones Act, which allows qualifying seamen to seek damages from their employers for injuries caused by negligence.
In addition to the Jones Act, you may also have a claim under the general maritime law for unseaworthiness if your injuries were caused by an unsafe condition on the vessel or under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
Our New York City ferry injury lawyers will investigate all applicable laws and fight tirelessly to secure the medical care, financial support, and justice you deserve.
