Working in the maritime industry is a dangerous profession, and accidents are a common occurrence. Every year, hundreds of naval workers suffer from injuries while working on ships, boats, or offshore rigs. You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured while working in the maritime industry. The type and amount of compensation will depend on several factors, including the nature of your injury, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and your employment status.
1) Maintenance and Cure Benefits
Maintenance and cure benefits are provided to injured maritime workers regardless of who was at fault for their injuries. These benefits cover medical expenses related to the injury and living expenses while they cannot work. Maintenance refers to daily living expenses such as food and rent, while cure covers medical treatment costs.
Employers are required by law to provide maintenance and cure benefits to injured employees until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), which means they have recovered as much as possible from their injury.
2) Jones Act Claims
If your injury was caused by your employer's negligence or an unseaworthy vessel, you may be able to file a Jones Act claim. The Jones Act is a federal law that compensates injured seamen working on vessels in navigable waters.
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers can recover damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other related expenses. To successfully file a Jones Act claim, you must prove that your employer was negligent or that the vessel was unseaworthy.
3) Longshoreman Compensation
Longshoremen work on docks or shipping terminals, loading or unloading cargo from vessels. If you are a longshoreman injured while performing your job duties, you may be eligible for compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA).
The LHWCA benefits maritime workers not covered by the Jones Act, such as longshoremen. Benefits provided under LHWCA include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other related expenses.
4) Death Benefits
If a maritime worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, their surviving family members are entitled to death benefits. These benefits typically cover funeral expenses and financially support the deceased worker's dependents.
Under the Jones Act and LHWCA, surviving spouses, children, or other dependents of the deceased worker can receive death benefits. The amount of compensation can vary based on several factors, such as the deceased worker's salary, age at the time of death, number of dependents, and other related factors.
Corpus Christi Workplace Injury Attorneys
At Williams Attorneys, located in the heart of Corpus Christi, TX, we understand the turbulent waters of maritime injury law. Our seasoned team is committed to guiding you through the complexities of your compensation claim, ensuring you receive the full benefits you're entitled to. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, don't navigate this journey alone. Contact us today at (361) 866-5535 to secure the dedicated legal representation you deserve. Let us be your beacon back to financial stability and justice.