Maritime News
Read our recently updated section on the Jones Act. There is new nformation added to our news section often, educate yourself on recent developments.
Injury Information
Various injuries occur while working in the field. They range in severity from as minor as a back and neck injury to burns and even death. This can be caused by faulty equipment, dangerous work conditions, or untrained workers.
The impact the injury may have on a person far surpasses the initial accident. A person is often unable to work; resulting in lost wages, medical expenses, and residual health problems that may manifest after some time. Historically, employers were obligated to provide the minimal daily subsistence requirements. Recently, employers have been required to provide for more than the minimum. The courts have ordered employers to provide for expenses such as mortgage payments, utility expenses, and food costs. If the employer fails to provide for these expenses, is subject to a law suit by its employee. If the injured or the representative party must bring employer to court, there is a possibility for a claim for attorney’s fees.
Prior to the Injury
The Jones Act, mandates that the employers should provide the following for their employees:
Take initial procedures to keep their workers’ work environment safe and hazard free.
Provide safety training
Enforce rules and regulations regarding safety
Provide the correct tools for the specified job, including the training to use them properly.
The Injury
If you or a fellow worker is injured while at sea you should try to:
Do NOT sign anything until you have spoken to a lawyer.
Obtain information from witnesses if any.
Take notes of the accident.
and of course, report the accident to a supervisor.
After the Injury
Seamen have access to these rights regardless of who was at fault for the injury.The rights extend until the injured reaches maximum medical improvement.
Recovery for Medical Expenses
Lost wages accumulated after the injury
Compensation for the loss in earning capacity.
Compensation for permanent physical damage, which includes but is not limited to: hearing loss, loss of limbs, blindness, scarring, and other body disfigurements.
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