Attorneys for the maritime worker
since 1970

July 2017

Make Sure You See The Right Doctor! PDF

 

Generally speaking, when you fall ill or are injured in the course of your work you are entitled to go to a physician of your choice. This can be somewhat limited by an arrangement with the shipowner and your union. However, most companies permit a free choice of medical practitioners so long as it is reasonable. This is especially true when a provider is not located close to your domicile. Your selection should be appropriate for the nature of your injury or illness. Employers sometimes wish to refer the worker to a physician of their choice. Be cautious if this occurs. Generally speaking, such a practitioner may not have the patient’s best interests in mind.

Question From The Bridge

I just returned from sea and am looking for a qualified orthopedic surgeon for my injury. The shipowner is attempting to have me see their chosen doctor. Am I required to go to that doctor?
Eddie, C., Baton Rouge
.

Answer:
Dear Eddie,
No. This doctor may or may not be the best choice for your injury. Usually, such selected doctors know that the shipowner, who is paying them, wants you back to work as soon as possible to minimize benefits to which you are entitled. Be careful and check out the doctor’s background, especially if he has a track record with this company.

Temporary Address Change

We have relocated to San Francisco while our new Oakland space undergoes renovation from fire damage. We have offices on both sides of the Bay to serve you! Look for our Oakland opening sometime in late spring. In the meantime, please contact us at

The Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr.
535 Pacific Avenue, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94133

Our phone and fax remain the same
Ph: 510-291-4743
www.sealawyer.com.

About Our Law Firm

For more than four decades, merchant mariners, longshoremen, fishermen and harbor workers plying their trades at sea, on the docks, on our U.S. coastal waters and inland waterways have turned to the maritime law firm of Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr. & Associates in Oakland. Today, we are proud to be recognized as one of the preeminent maritime law firms serving injured marine workers nationwide, as well as one of the most successful personal injury litigation firms serving victims of negligence in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the West Coast.

Team Approach To Every Personal Injury And Jones Act Claim

When you retain Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr. & Associates with a Jones Act injury claim or personal injury claim, you don’t get just one attorney, you get our entire team of dedicated professionals. Our attorneys offer more than 150 combined years of courtroom and negotiated claims settlement experience. We will represent your interests with unwavering dedication, speed and expertise.