Perhaps you are a maritime worker and suffer from an injury you sustained while serving as a deckhand on a freighter. Under the provisions of the Jones Act, your employer failed to provide you with “maintenance and cure.” What does this mean and what should you do...
Maritime Law
How does the LHWCA work?
The Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act provides protection for workers injured on the job in the maritime industry. It is like the workers' compensation program for the industry because traditional programs do not cover it. The U.S. Department of Labor...
A blanket medical authorization may do more harm than good
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury that required hospitalization, you also have probably experienced some sticker shock. After all, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of a three-day hospital stay is approximately...
What may I use as evidence of an accident that occurred at sea?
Marine accidents undergo investigation by the Office of Marine Safety. The National Transportation Safety Board’s website notes that federal officials review the facts of each incident to find its probable cause. An official determination helps show whether safety...
What is the proper maintenance rate under maintenance and cure?
If you are a merchant seaman or commercial fisherman and you sustain an injury on the job, maritime law entitles you to maintenance and cure benefits regardless of who was at fault for your accident. These benefits must continue for the duration of your recovery and...
What are the risks of working as a utility galley worker?
Working on a cruise ship can be labor-intensive, especially for utility galley workers. These are the employees that perform tasks as part of a cruise ship’s food service, including the handling and clean up of food, utensils and food equipment. Sometimes this kind of...
Lost crew member revealed several safety hazards
When an employee sustains an injury at sea, shipping employers should conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the reasons behind the accident. In most cases, accidents are actually preventable incidents. Safety4Sea breaks down the process one company went through...
Do you know these common personal injuries seamen face?
You enjoy working on Texas's open waters as a seaman, but you understand your occupation comes with certain risks. When was the last time you refreshed yourself on common injuries you face in your sector, injuries your employer may bear responsibility for preventing?...
3 cruise-ship injuries
Passengers on cruise ships want to see the sights. They want to travel in style. They want many things, but nobody wants an injury. Most cruise line operators have strict safety regulations, and most captains run a tight ship. However, onboard accidents still often...
Will the FBI investigate a cruise ship crime?
If you are the victim of a serious cruise ship crime, you may seek justice via every possible avenue. One such avenue involves the assistance of the FBI. Whether the FBI can help you depends on a few different factors. The Federal Bureau of Investigations explains...