If you are a seafarer or a close relative of a seaman, it’s crucial to be informed about all matters regarding maritime injuries and compensations. Maritime compensations are challenges for shipowners and seafarers, insurers, lawyers, arbitrators, and shipyards. Maritime compensation is one of the most exciting fields in law because there are so many possible accidents and injuries to a sailor. The loss of life, the lack of food and water, and other factors make maritime employment risky. Here’s a look at crucial questions and answers on maritime compensations.
1. Will I Get Compensation If I Can’t Work?
If you incur injuries on the job, you are entitled to receive Maintenance and Cure compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. Your employer must activate the insurance compensation process to offer you this financial security net for maritime claims. As most other industries do not have this requirement, the compensation is a unique feature of maritime workers’ compensation.
However, many rules and regulations take a central role before receiving compensation. Your employer may also try to terminate the payment too early. Though you have rights to Maintenance and Cure compensation, it’s crucial to hire a qualified Philadelphia maritime lawyer to help you receive the best settlement for your claim.
2. How Much Time Do I Have To File A Compensation
Time is precious when you incur injuries at sea. Suppose a maritime accident causes you to incur physical injuries or even suffer mental injuries. In that case, you need to know how much time you have to file a compensation claim before it expires. However, it’s good to remember that getting medical treatment and medication is the priority if you suffer injuries in an accident.
Time is of the essence in bringing your maritime injury case. The rules vary from state to state, but strict regulations generally require you to file your compensation claim within a certain amount of time, usually between 3 months and 1-year maximum. However, it’s crucial to involve a qualified Maintenance and cure attorney to hold your hand as you make your claim for swift action.
3. When Does My Maintenance and Cure Compensation Terminate?
Maintenance and cure is a workplace injury compensation scheme. The compensation scheme usually pays you until your medical condition improves. You are legible to compensation immediately you incur injuries related to your work as a seaman. The compensation continues until your health condition and capabilities return to normal.
However, your compensation may also terminate when you reach MMI, Maximum Medical Improvement. MMI conditions mean further medication and treatment do not improve your health status. It’s also good to be cautious of employers who try to terminate the compensation too early through their company doctor.
4. Can I Receive Maintenance and Cure Benefits When Working Overseas?
If you are an injured seaman and are being treated aboard a vessel or in a foreign port, yes, you can receive maintenance and cure benefits while working overseas. Alongside other benefits, maintenance and cure are payable to eligible U.S. citizens who incur injury or sickness during their maritime employment duties.
Many injured parties overseas seek their maintenance and cure benefits from the Protection and Indemnity, P&I, insurance. However, the trick is to be aboard a vessel receiving treatment to get compensation. However, due to the complexity of maritime compensation laws, such as the OCSLA, it’s crucial to involve a reputable maritime law company to help you navigate and receive your rightful payment.
Conclusion
Numerous maritime law firms deal with cases involving maritime compensation. If you suffer harm or disability on the high seas, it is essential to seek the assistance of the appropriate law firm. The compensation rate depends on the circumstances around your injury or disability. Compensation may include wages, medical benefits and hospitalization expenses, subsistence expenses, a portion of your loss of income, death benefits to a dependent family member, and funeral expenses.
