The Hodge Law Firm
Call 409-241-7246 For A Free Consultation
  • Home
  • About
    • Shaun Wesley Hodge
    • Mike N. Cokins
    • Kelly C. Hairfield
    • John Rohlf Jewell
    • William L. Pratt
    • Michael E. Cooper
    • Matthew Stephen Russo
    • David M. Buergler
    • Mikal David Williams
    • Michael Fridman
    • Our Staff
      • Becky A. Bethscheider
      • Kristy Phillips
      • Gabriel N Bethscheider
      • Emily A Forasiepi
      • Lucy Dawson
      • Wendy Coleman
  • Practice Areas
    • Property Damage Insurance Claims
      • Hurricane Damage
      • Wind And Hail Damage
      • Denied, Delayed and Underpaid Insurance Claims
      • Fire Damage
      • Water Damage
      • Tornado Damage
      • Vandalism Claims
      • Residential Bad Faith Insurance
      • Commercial Bad Faith Insurance
      • Bad Faith Insurance FAQ
        • Property Damage Claims: What To Know
        • Common Difficulties With Insurance Claims
  • In The News
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
    • Shaun Wesley Hodge
    • Mike N. Cokins
    • Kelly C. Hairfield
    • John Rohlf Jewell
    • William L. Pratt
    • Michael E. Cooper
    • Matthew Stephen Russo
    • David M. Buergler
    • Mikal David Williams
    • Michael Fridman
    • Our Staff
      • Becky A. Bethscheider
      • Kristy Phillips
      • Gabriel N Bethscheider
      • Emily A Forasiepi
      • Lucy Dawson
      • Wendy Coleman
  • Practice Areas
    • Property Damage Insurance Claims
      • Hurricane Damage
      • Wind And Hail Damage
      • Denied, Delayed and Underpaid Insurance Claims
      • Fire Damage
      • Water Damage
      • Tornado Damage
      • Vandalism Claims
      • Residential Bad Faith Insurance
      • Commercial Bad Faith Insurance
      • Bad Faith Insurance FAQ
        • Property Damage Claims: What To Know
        • Common Difficulties With Insurance Claims
  • In The News
  • Blog
  • Contact
409-241-7246
  • Home
  • About
    • Shaun Wesley Hodge
    • Mike N. Cokins
    • Kelly C. Hairfield
    • John Rohlf Jewell
    • William L. Pratt
    • Michael E. Cooper
    • Matthew Stephen Russo
    • David M. Buergler
    • Mikal David Williams
    • Michael Fridman
    • Our Staff
      • Becky A. Bethscheider
      • Kristy Phillips
      • Gabriel N Bethscheider
      • Emily A Forasiepi
      • Lucy Dawson
      • Wendy Coleman
  • Practice Areas
    • Property Damage Insurance Claims
      • Hurricane Damage
      • Wind And Hail Damage
      • Denied, Delayed and Underpaid Insurance Claims
      • Fire Damage
      • Water Damage
      • Tornado Damage
      • Vandalism Claims
      • Residential Bad Faith Insurance
      • Commercial Bad Faith Insurance
      • Bad Faith Insurance FAQ
        • Property Damage Claims: What To Know
        • Common Difficulties With Insurance Claims
  • In The News
  • Blog
  • Contact

We Hold Insurance Companies Accountable

  1. Home
  2.  → 
  3. Maritime Law
  4.  → 
  5. What is an unseaworthiness claim?

What is an unseaworthiness claim?

On Behalf of The Hodge Law Firm, PLLC | Mar 17, 2023 | Maritime Law |

Many consider the maritime industry one of the most dangerous jobs due to the extreme working conditions brought about by the open sea. Unfortunately, aside from the dangers of the high seas, vessel crews are also at risk of injuries due to the ship or boat being unseaworthy.

Defining “unseaworthiness”

Under maritime law, a ship or boat is unseaworthy if it does not provide a safe working environment and suitable or adequate equipment for the crew to perform their tasks. It does not necessarily mean that the vessel is unfit for sailing.

Examples are a lack of or worn-out safety and protection equipment, slipping hazards and improperly designed fixtures. However, unseaworthiness can also be nonvessel-related. It could also be due to untrained crew members, failure to follow safety procedures and other reasons related to the crew.

How does one prove it?

When filing a claim based on unseaworthiness, the claimant must prove that they were injured due to the unsafe conditions of the vessel, faulty equipment or inadequate crew.

Available damages

If the injured individual successfully brings an action, the court may award them damages under the unseaworthiness doctrine. They may be entitled to compensation for the following:

  • medical, hospital and other related expenses
  • lost wages, whether present or future
  • lost employment benefits
  • pain and suffering

However, one must note that the law does not allow the individual to recover damages already covered by “maintenance and cure” benefits. This is to avoid double recovery.

An injury in the workplace can cause a lot of concern, especially regarding medical expenses and the possible adverse effect of the injury on current and future income. Fortunately, maritime laws offer protection to maritime workers.

Recent Posts

  • Wind and hail damage is a growing concern in Texas
  • How to handle hurricane damage claims
  • TX business owners: Three steps for wind and hail damage insurance claims
  • The strange reason drivers don’t see motorcycles 
  • Ensuring fair compensation for Texas businesses after disasters

Archives

  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020

Categories

  • B2B Commercial Law
  • B2B Commercial Litigation
  • Bad Faith Insurance
  • Firm News
  • Hurricane Damage
  • Maritime Law
  • Personal Injury
  • Property Damage Insurance Claims
  • Water Damage
  • Wind and Hail Damage

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

FindLaw Network

You are protected under the law. Find out your rights at a complimentary consultation.

1301 Market Street
Galveston, TX 77550

Phone: 409-241-7246
Fax: 409-763-2300

Headquartered In Galveston

Request A Free Consult

  • Follow
Review Us

© 2025 The Hodge Law Firm, PLLC • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

*  Lead attorney Shaun Hodge of the Hodge Law Firm is a member.