Should I see my own doctor after a maritime injury?

Maritime employers will often encourage employees to treat with a company doctor after an injury occurs at sea. However, you have the right to choose whichever doctor you want to treat your injuries—and seeing your own doctor can benefit both your health and your injury case.

Why You Should Choose Your Own Doctor for a Maritime Injury

Your employer can steer you toward a specific doctor in many different ways, such as insisting you see a company physician, recommending certain doctors who specialize in maritime injuries, or threatening not to pay medical bills unless you treat with a physician of the employer’s choice. Unfortunately, doctors who have a relationship with your employer are more likely to operate in the company’s best interests, not yours. 

It is vital for you to choose your own physician to treat your maritime injuries because:

• You can get the care you need. Your employer is required to pay for any treatment for your injury that has been recommended by your doctor. This means paying for the costs of diagnostics (such as x-rays or MRIs) as well as prescription medications, assistive devices, and physical rehabilitation. A company doctor may neglect to order certain tests because they could mean higher medical bills for the employer, sacrificing your health for company profits.
• You can return to work at your own pace. Company doctors may give you clearance to return to work before you are ready or before your injury has fully healed, placing you at risk of aggravating the injury or suffering additional complications.
• It’s free. Your employer is required to pay for medical treatment regardless of which doctor you choose. This can be your regular doctor or a specialist with knowledge of your type of injury and the work that you do.

Our maritime injury lawyers are based in New York, but we are proud to represent clients across the country who have suffered an injury or illness at sea. Our attorneys can explain your options at no cost to you, and we do not collect any fees until we get you the compensation you deserve. Fill out our quick online contact form or call (800) 362-9329 to speak with a maritime injury lawyer at Hofmann & Schweitzer as soon as possible.