What are Injured Offshore Workers' Rights?

The rights of injured seamen, harbor workers, oil rig workers, and other maritime workers are protected under maritime law. There are several acts that have been created especially to help employees who were injured while at work or performing a work-related duty. Not only could medical expenses be covered, but lost wages could also be reimbursed. As each case is unique, an offshore injury lawyer could further explain your situation to you as well as which benefits you are entitled to.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, or the Jones Act, protects injured crewmembers of vessels. It gives injured workers the right to file a lawsuit against their employer if they were injured due to the unseaworthiness of the vessel or because of negligence. The compensation rights do not stop after the initial medical expenses have been paid. For example, physical therapy and medication will also be covered. If their injuries were so serious that they resulted in death, the crewmember's family could receive death benefits for lost wages and pain and suffering.

Another way that offshore workers' rights are protected are by the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. This gives workers the right to receive coverage for their medical expenses. It also helps those who had to take time off of work in order to recover and those who were unable to complete the voyage because of an injury. These workers could be given the wages they would have earned, or 66.66% of their average weekly wages. If the employee was killed because of an accident, their family could be given 50%-66.66% of their wages. The Death on the High Seas Act also protects the rights of the families of offshore workers. If they lose a loved one, this act required that they receive compensation for the monetary loss they suffered.