Seamen
We help injured maritime workers. If you are hurt on the job, we can guide you through the nuances of the system and maximize the compensation to which you are entitled. Even clarifying your status as a maritime employee can be a complicated question and determines whether you are covered under the Longshore Act (a workers’ compensation act) or by a federal statute referred to as the Jones Act
This is not a true “workers’ compensation” type system. Rather, the burden is on the injured individual to prove that the employer did something wrong which contributed to the injury. There is an entitlement, regardless of fault, to what is known as maintenance and cure. This is payment for medical expenses related to the injury and what is commonly thought of as wages (though not paid as such).
As is true in many employment relationships, an injured employee does not always receive complete or accurate information from their employer or co-workers.
This can be a complicated system and an injured person would be well served in obtaining counsel familiar with the Jones Act.
Contact our office today to discuss your case.