Filing a Wrongful Death Claim When a Seaman Dies, What Families Need to Know
Survivors (spouse, children, dependents) may have maritime wrongful death claims depending on the governing statute. Remedies can include funeral expenses, loss of support, and other statutory recoveries. These cases include tight deadlines and complex jurisdictional issues; families should obtain counsel promptly to preserve claims and secure interim assistance where available.
Jones Act vs. Unseaworthiness vs. LHWCA — Which Claim Applies?
Jones Act claims are employer‑negligence suits available to seamen. Unseaworthiness claims target vessel owners for unsafe vessels or equipment. LHWCA provides workers’‑comp benefits to certain non‑seaman maritime workers (longshore, harbor workers). Your employment status and where the injury occurred determine the right remedy; sometimes multiple claims are possible against different parties. Early legal review is […]
Maintenance and Cure Explained — What Injured Seamen Should Know
Maintenance is a modest daily living stipend; cure covers necessary medical treatment. Injured seamen may be entitled to maintenance and cure until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), regardless of fault. Claimants should document medical treatment, receipts, and communications with the employer and seek prompt legal advice if benefits are denied or delayed.
Who Is a “Seaman” Under Maritime Law?
A “seaman” is someone whose employment connects them substantially to a vessel or fleet and whose duties further the vessel’s purpose — operation, navigation, or maintenance. The classification determines access to Jones Act claims and maintenance and cure. Workers who are primarily shore-based or whose work is transient may instead be covered by LHWCA or […]
Am I Covered by the Jones Act? How to Know
Jones Act coverage is fact-specific: generally you qualify if you have a substantial connection to a vessel or identifiable fleet and your duties substantially contribute to the vessel’s mission. Courts apply the Chandris two‑part test (connection + contribution). If you work aboard vessels regularly (deckhands, engineers, officers), Jones Act protection and maintenance & cure may […]
Can I Return to Work While My Maritime Claim Is Pending?
You may return to work only after medical clearance. Returning prematurely can jeopardize benefits, reduce damage claims, or affect maintenance and cure. Discuss any return-to-work plan with your treating physician and an experienced maritime attorney before resuming duties. Document all medical clearances and workplace restrictions in writing to avoid disputes later.
How to Preserve Evidence After a Vessel Incident
Photograph the scene, equipment, and injuries from multiple angles as soon as safe to do so. Preserve clothing, PPE, and any damaged gear; copy voyage logs, incident reports, and maintenance records. Obtain written witness statements or at minimum names and contact details. Do not repair or alter equipment involved in the incident until your attorney […]
Why You Should Seek Medical Treatment Immediately After a Maritime Injury
Seek prompt medical care for any injury, even if it seems minor, some maritime injuries worsen later. Accurate, contemporaneous medical records document the injury, link treatment to the incident, and support claims for medical expenses and benefits. Save all medical bills, records, imaging, and prescriptions, and follow medical advice closely to protect your health and […]
Do I Have to Report My Maritime Injury to My Employer or the USCG/NTSB?
Always report the injury to your employer immediately — timely notice protects your rights and starts any employer obligations. If the incident meets legal reporting criteria (serious injury, fatality, major damage, pollution), ensure an official report is filed with the U.S. Coast Guard or NTSB. Keep copies of employer incident reports and any government filings; […]
What to Do First After a Boat or Offshore Accident
If you’re involved in a boat or offshore accident, put safety first: move to a safe location and call for medical help if anyone is injured. Next, preserve the scene—take clear photos of the vessel, equipment, and injuries, get witness names and contact details, and keep any damaged clothing, PPE, or tools. Document the incident […]