If you’re applying for an offshore or maritime job, chances are you’re eager to get to work. Many people walk into an office, rush through the paperwork, and focus on one thing: getting on the boat as quickly as possible. But according to Arlen Braud, attorney at Braud & Gallagher, slowing down during the application process could make a major difference in protecting your rights.
Why Rushing Through Paperwork Can Cost You
Whether you’re applying for a job on a vessel, rig, or any offshore operation, the forms you fill out matter. These documents don’t just determine whether you get hired — they can also affect what happens if you’re injured on the job.
Arlen Braud warns that one of the most common and costly mistakes offshore workers make is failing to disclose old injuries.
Always Disclose Past Injuries — Even Old Ones
Many workers think that injuries from years ago don’t matter. Maybe it was a knee injury from high school football, a shoulder problem from construction work, or a back injury from a car accident when you were younger. Because those injuries feel “long gone,” people often check “no” on the paperwork just to move things along.
That can be a serious mistake.
You should always disclose any prior injuries involving your back, knees, shoulders, or any other part of your body — even if they happened many years ago and don’t bother you today. In most cases, being honest about a past injury will not prevent you from getting hired.
The Real Risk: Losing Your Right to Medical Coverage
The biggest danger of failing to disclose old injuries isn’t losing a job opportunity — it’s losing protection if you get hurt.
If you don’t list a previous injury and later injure that same part of your body while working offshore, the company may argue that the injury was pre-existing. In those situations, they may try to deny maintenance and cure and refuse to pay for your medical treatment.
That could leave you responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and recovery costs — something no offshore worker should face alone.
Your Pre-Employment Physical Matters Too
Your responsibility doesn’t end with the paperwork. During your pre-employment physical, it’s critical that you tell the doctor about any prior injuries, conditions, or recurring issues. This creates a medical record that can help protect you if something happens in the future.
Slow Down, Be Honest, and Protect Yourself
Arlen Braud and the team at Braud & Gallagher encourage offshore workers to take a few extra minutes when applying for a job:
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Read every document carefully
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Disclose all prior injuries
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Be honest during your physical
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Keep copies of what you sign
Those small steps can make a major difference in protecting your health, your income, and your legal rights.
Above all, stay safe out there.