Maintenance and Cure for Offshore Workers
As an offshore employee, you have the legal right to receive maintenance and cure benefits under general maritime law. These benefits help cover your living expenses and medical treatment after a maritime injury.
Most importantly, fault does not matter when it comes to maintenance and cure. Even if the accident was not your employer’s fault, you may still qualify for benefits.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our maritime lawyers help injured offshore workers recover the compensation they deserve.
Maritime Law and Maintenance and Cure
General maritime law requires vessel owners to provide maintenance and cure benefits to injured seamen.
These benefits include:
- Living expenses such as food and housing
- Medical care and treatment
- Recovery support until maximum medical improvement
Unlike many other injury claims, the injured worker does not have to prove negligence to receive maintenance and cure.
What Is Maintenance and Cure?
Maintenance and cure includes two separate benefits that support injured maritime workers during recovery.
Cure
“Cure” refers to medical treatment provided by the employer or vessel owner.
This benefit covers:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Medications
- Medical procedures
- Rehabilitation and therapy
The obligation to provide cure ends when the worker reaches maximum medical improvement.
Maintenance
“Maintenance” refers to daily living expenses while the injured worker recovers.
These expenses may include:
- Housing or rent
- Food
- Basic living costs
Maintenance payments stop when the worker can support themselves again or returns to work.
When Do Maintenance and Cure Benefits End?
Maintenance and cure benefits continue until the injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
This means:
- The worker has fully recovered, or
- The worker’s condition cannot improve further with treatment
In some cases, the worker may still have long-term injuries even after reaching MMI. When this happens, additional legal claims may be necessary to recover compensation for pain and suffering or lost income.
How Our Maritime Lawyers Can Help
Maintenance and cure claims can become complicated if an employer refuses to pay benefits or ends payments too early.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana maritime lawyers can:
- Review your case
- Determine whether for qualify for maintenance and cure
- File claims on your behalf
- Pursue additional compensation if necessary
Our goal is to help injured maritime workers receive the financial support they need during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Louisiana Maritime Lawyer Cost?
You pay nothing upfront. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis.
This means you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Maritime Injury Claim?
Yes. Maritime injury claims have deadlines known as statutes of limitations.
Because these deadlines vary depending on the type of claim, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Maritime Accident Case?
Not always. Many maritime injury claims settle outside of court.
However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to protect your rights.
Speak With a Louisiana Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured while working offshore, you may be entitled to maintenance and cure benefits under maritime law.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we help injured seamen understand their rights to pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact our team today to request a free case review and learn how we can help with your maritime injury claim.
