Maritime workers on any commercial ship or water vessel face many risks and hazards daily and are at an increased risk of injuries. For this reason, there are regulations in place that are specific to maritime incidents. These laws provide compensation to injured individuals that cover expenses while they are home resting and getting back on their feet.
While the benefits are available, the process for receiving them is complex. If you suffered injuries in a work-related incident on the water, a Southaven maritime accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim.
Contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as you are able to after seeking the appropriate medical care can help prevent any delays in receiving compensation. Call Elissa M. Coombs from the Law Office of David E. Gordon today to get started.
Common Maritime Claim Injuries
Maritime workers perform their duties around hazardous conditions that make them susceptible to catastrophic or fatal injuries. Potential dangers include heavy machinery, slippery conditions, and severe weather. Some of the most common maritime injuries include:
- Traumatic head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Electric shock
- Severe burn injuries
- Hypothermia and frostbite
- Traumatic amputations
- Crush injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
These injuries can occur on barges, crew boats, cruise ships, or even on the docks.
A severe injury can leave individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities that turn their lives upside down. A hard-working Southaven attorney that is experienced in maritime law can investigate the details of an accident to determine the cause and help recover appropriate compensation.
Maintenance and Cure Benefits for Seamen
If a seaman suffers injuries while on a ship completing their duties, federal law entitles them to collect benefits even when nobody is at fault for the accident. The injured maritime worker can receive compensation for maintenance and cure while recovering from the illness or injury.
Maintenance
Maintenance benefits cover necessary living expenses while missing work to recuperate. Funds can be used towards rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and food. However, they typically do not cover costs for amenities such as cable, internet, or phone.
Cure
After suffering an injury while working at sea, injured parties should not have to pay for medical expenses. Cure covers required costs for medical care for the injuries from the accident. It will also cover transportation costs for appointments.
Injuries That Occur Because of Negligence
In addition to maintenance and cure, there are more options for receiving compensation if the accident occurred because of negligence. If a shipowner or employer’s carelessness is responsible for the accident and injuries, the seaman can file to recover damages for pain and suffering.
The Jones Act ensures that all seamen have a reasonably safe work environment free of unnecessary hazards. A seasoned maritime accident attorney in Southaven can help recover compensation under these laws and investigate if an accident occurred because of negligence.
Call a Southaven Maritime Accident Attorney for Clarification of Your Rights
Statutes such as the Jones Act are in place to ensure that shipowners and employers provide a safe environment to eliminate some of the risks associated with maritime incidents. When an accident does occur, the law entitles maritime workers to recover compensation for medical care, living expenses, and pain and suffering.
If you have been injured while on navigable waters and need help, a Southaven Maritime accident lawyer can answer your questions and guide you through the process of collecting the necessary benefits for recovery. Call today to schedule a free consultation with Elissa M. Coombs from the Law Office of David E. Gordon.