In maritime law, any maritime worker injured or made ill by an accident on the job has the legal right to be compensated, no matter what happened or which party was at fault in the incident. The law that governs this compensation is known as “maintenance and cure.” “Maintenance” refers to the daily needs and living expenses of the maritime worker, while “cure” refers to any hospital bills or other medical expenses related to the injury/illness.

What Is a Union Seaman?

A union seaman is one who is part of a labor organization that aims to support and protect the rights of maritime workers. As such, a union seaman’s work contract may be under the jurisdiction of various union rules regarding how much he or she will receive for maintenance and cure in the case of a workplace accident.

How Union Membership Affects Maintenance and Cure Rates

Because some labor unions set specific maintenance and cure rates based on what they believe is most fair for its members, the pre-determined rate given by the union will always be what is paid, regardless of the circumstances. For example: if the union contract specifies that maritime workers will receive maintenance of $900 each month, an injured union seaman will receive $900 a month.

It is important to note, however, that this is not necessarily the case nationwide. In some areas of the country, your contract may not fall under union rules regarding maintenance. The best way to know for certain where you fall is to discuss your case with an experienced maintenance and cure attorney.

Get What You Deserve with an Experienced Maritime Lawyer

If your employer refuses to pay the maintenance and cure that you are owed as a result of an accident, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional maritime law attorney. In 100 years of representing maritime workers, Maintenance and Cure lawyers have recovered more than $720 million for injured offshore workers.

To discuss your case for free with a knowledgeable maritime lawyer, call us today at 1-800-836-5830.