Offshore and maritime jobs can be dangerous, putting workers at risk of injuries due to negligence and the nature of the job. Thankfully, several acts and general maritime laws exist to protect maritime workers legal rights.
The general rights of maritime workers involved in injuries are covered below, but make sure to contact Lambert Zainey immediately in the event of offshore injuries to protect your rights and secure any due compensation.
INFORMATION ON MARITIME WORKER RIGHTS
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Injured Clients
Rights for Different Types of Maritime Workers
Seamen working on a vessel, ship, barge, chemical ship, cruise ship or cargo ship are protected against employer negligence under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. Seamen injured as a result of employer negligence may receive compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, including x-rays, medications, exams, physical therapy, rehabilitation, etc.
- Loss of wages, benefits, and motility
- Pain and suffering due to physical pain and mental anguish
Many seamen covered by the Jones Act who are injured on the job are also entitled to Maintenance and Cure benefits. These benefits provide compensation for expenses such as room and board and medical treatment until the employee reaches maximum medical improvement “MMI” or is able to return to work.
Exact coverage depends on the situation and injuries. Consulting an attorney ensures workers receive all eligible compensation and that nothing is left out.
While the Jones Act covers seamen, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) protects shore-side or harbor-side maritime workers legal rights. Longshoremen and harbor workers fall under this protection, as well as various other jobs involving the loading and unloading of ships and vessel repair.
Eligible injured employees under the LHWCA qualify for benefits similar but slightly better than Worker’s Comp benefits, which help to cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Survivor benefits in the event of employee death
General Maritime Law is the age-old law of the sea which provides basic rights to seamen. These rights include the right to recover for personal injuries caused by the unseaworthiness of a vessel and the right to maintenance and cure in the event that the seaman is injured or becomes ill while in service to the vessel.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ATTORNEYS
Get Help Protecting Your Legal Rights
Whether you work on the river, the inland waterways, offshore, or are a longshoreman, ship builder or harbor worker, you likely have rights to compensation and benefits for being injured on the job. Lambert Zainey will work with you to determine your eligibility and help you pursue a claim.
Consult one of our maritime lawyers in New Orleans for experienced injury representation.