Maritime Law
Seamen put themselves at risk every day on the seas and waterways. Often at sea for days or weeks on end, fishermen and other seaman may not be able to receive immediate medical care when injury occurs. The special conditions that surround seamen are governed by legislation like The Jones Act, a law that allows injured seamen to seek financial compensation. Under The Jones Act, workers who are injured can make a claim based on the negligence of an employer, vessel owner or coworker, and may collect compensation based on present and future damages. An experienced maritime attorney will help an employee show that a breach of duty or negligent act contributed to his or her injury. Claims include failure to provide a safe environment, failure to provide necessary medical attention, and failure to maintain a “seaworthy” vessel.
Regardless of who is at fault after an injury on waterways, whenever injury occurs to a maritime worker, that worker has a right to collect “maintenance and cure benefits” which cover medical costs and intended daily allowances.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act was enacted to provide compensation for seamen who are not working at sea. The Death on the High Seas Act provides compensation to the families of worker’s injured on the job at sea.
