How Do I Not Get Blacklisted?

In the offshore industry, we hear a lot about the blacklist: if you file a claim, you will be put on a list and never be able to work offshore again. This is a popular myth that company owners have spread throughout the industry. The fact is, there is no blacklist, and filing a claim won't disqualify you from working again in the industry. In fact, under some laws it would be improper for a company to deny you a job simply because you previously filed a claim.

I have a lot of people come to me and say, "I'm concerned that I'm going to get blacklisted." However, I have never seen this blacklist and I don't think it exists for a few reasons.

1. First, I have represented hundreds of individuals who have been injured offshore; individuals that have probably reached the best medical condition possible for their case and then they return to their work offshore. If there really was a blacklist, they obviously wouldn't be allowed to go back to work.
2. Second, when there is a claim against your employer, you could be unable to continue working for that employer. There is also a possibility that the employer, as a part of the settlement, would pay you a lump sum and terminate your employment. However, none of this prohibits you from going and working for another similarly situated employer in the industry.