How William Gee Helps Maritime Workers Protect Their Rights Offshore

Maritime work comes with high risk. Long hours, heavy equipment, rough seas, and tight spaces all raise the chances of getting hurt. When an offshore injury happens, workers often feel overwhelmed. Many are unsure what to do next or how to protect their rights. That is why guidance matters.

William Gee is a maritime attorney with decades of experience helping injured workers. He has handled major cases, including a jury verdict worth over one hundred million dollars. He understands how offshore injuries happen and the mistakes workers often make after an accident. His insights help workers make smart choices fast.

This guide explains what maritime workers should do after an offshore injury. It offers clear steps, simple language, and real advice anyone can act on.

Why Quick Action Matters After an Offshore Injury

Offshore injuries often occur in chaotic moments. People focus on getting safe and getting help. That is normal. But the hours right after an injury can shape the rest of a worker’s case.

Many maritime workers do not realize that laws like the Jones Act give strong rights to injured crew members. These rights cover medical care, lost wages, and more. But these protections only work when workers take the correct steps early.

William Gee notes that many workers assume their company will “handle everything.” In his words, “I’ve seen people trust the process and stay quiet, then learn later that half the story was never written down.” He warns that silence can weaken a case long before a worker even speaks to a lawyer.

Quick action protects facts. Quick action protects proof. Quick action protects workers.

Step 1: Report the Injury Right Away

Reporting an injury seems simple, but many workers delay it. They want to push through pain. They worry about losing favor with the crew. This choice can hurt them later.

Under maritime law, workers must report injuries as soon as possible. This helps:

• Create a record
• Prevent a company from denying the injury
• Start the process of getting medical treatment
• Support a claim under the Jones Act

A study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that many offshore injuries go unreported for over 24 hours. This delay often leads to disputes later.

Workers should report injuries even if they seem small. Pain can grow. Conditions can worsen. A simple report protects the worker.

Step 2: Ask for Medical Treatment Immediately

Offshore work is demanding. Many workers try to “walk it off.” This is a major mistake.

Maritime law gives injured workers the right to medical treatment. Employers must provide care. Workers should ask to see the medic on board and follow all instructions. When they get back to shore, they should see a doctor they trust.

William Gee recalls a case in which a worker ignored back pain after a fall because he “didn’t want to look weak.” Weeks later, the injury was much worse. The delay became a major issue in the case. Gee says, “Had he spoken up that day, we could have tied the injury to the accident without a fight.”

Getting treatment early protects health and proof. Both matter.

Step 3: Do Not Sign Anything Without Understanding It

After an offshore injury, employers may try to get workers to sign statements or forms. Some workers feel pressure to sign right away. They want to cooperate. They want to move things along.

But these statements often shape the company’s version of what happened. They may leave out key details. They may even shift blame onto the worker.

Workers should read everything carefully. If anything feels unclear, they should not sign it. They can request time to review it. They can ask for help. They can speak to a lawyer first.

A signed statement can follow a worker for months or years. It must be accurate. It must be complete.

Step 4: Gather Proof as Soon as Possible

Evidence fades fast offshore. Waves wash away marks. Crews rotate. Equipment gets repaired. Memories shift.

Workers can protect themselves by gathering proof early. This includes:

• Photos of the scene
• Photos of equipment involved
• Photos of injuries
• Names of witnesses
• Notes about what happened

Even simple phone photos help. Even quick notes help. These small steps often make a case stronger.

Research from the American Maritime Safety group shows that cases with early photos have a significantly higher chance of proving unsafe conditions.

Workers should gather what they can. Every detail matters.

Step 5: Understand Basic Maritime Rights

Maritime workers have special rights under unique laws. These laws protect workers more strongly than many land based jobs.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act lets injured workers sue their employer if unsafe conditions caused an injury. Unsafe conditions include:

• Broken equipment
• Slippery surfaces
• Poor training
• Short staffing
• Unsafe orders

Workers must show negligence, but the standard is lower than most other types of cases.

Maintenance and Cure

This rule requires employers to pay:

• Daily living costs
• Medical bills
• Treatment until recovery

Workers receive this regardless of fault.

Unseaworthiness

A vessel must be safe. If the vessel or its equipment is unsafe, the worker can recover damages.

Workers should know these rights. They give power and protection after a serious injury.

Step 6: Speak to an Attorney Who Knows Maritime Law

Maritime law is complex. It is not the same as general injury law. It has its own rules, timelines, and standards.

An experienced maritime attorney understands:

• Vessel operations
• Safety protocols
• Offshore culture
• Maritime regulations
• How companies defend claims

William Gee describes one case where a worker thought he had no claim because the deck was “just wet.” Gee explained that the deck should have been cleared or marked. “Once he understood the rule,” Gee says, “the case changed completely.”

A maritime attorney can answer questions fast and help the worker avoid mistakes.

Most offshore injury attorneys offer free consultations. Workers do not need to wait.

Step 7: Stay Consistent With Treatment

Workers should attend every medical appointment. Skipping care can weaken a case. Doctors’ notes help show how the injury affects daily life.

Insurance groups often argue that missed appointments mean the injury is not serious. Workers can avoid this by staying consistent.

Recovery is part of the process, and every visit builds proof.

Key Takeaways for Maritime Workers

• Report injuries fast
• Ask for treatment right away
• Be careful before signing anything
• Gather photos and names
• Learn basic maritime rights
• Talk to a maritime attorney
• Stay consistent with medical care

Maritime work is tough. Injured workers deserve protection. Smart steps help them stay safe and secure their rights.