The rights of injured maritime workers are protected under maritime law. There are several acts that have been created especially to help offshore 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 and the potential damages available.
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, or the Jones Act, protects injured crewmembers of vessels. It gives offshore 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.
The Jones Act can also cover compensation for:
Injured 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.
Another way that offshore workers' rights are protected is 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.
It is our job to keep you aware what you are entitled to, should you suffer a serious accident as an offshore worker. We are devoted to your rights and believe that our aggressive approaches to seeking compensation is one of our greatest assets. We are not afraid to face huge companies because we understand how they work and we can do everything in our power to get what you need. Don't look anywhere else except for Arnold & Itkin for your offshore injury claim. We can assist in getting you the proper settlement you deserve!
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
