Maintenance & Cure Attorneys

Even seamen who qualify for maintenance and cure may still require the services of an offshore injury lawyer to ensure they get the total benefits they are due. If a seaman was injured because of the negligent actions of a ship owner or crew member, they may qualify for additional compensation under the Jones Act.

There are certain situations in which a ship owner is not obligated to provide maintenance and cure benefits. Examples include:

• The seaman is injured by his own willful misconduct.
• The seaman refused to accept the medical care offered by the ship owner.
• The seaman willfully concealed a pre-existing medical condition.
• The statute of limitations bars the claim.

If you’re employer claims you do not qualify because of these or other reasons, a skilled maintenance and cure attorney will know the best way to address these issues to help you get the benefits you’re entitled to.

Maximum Medical Improvement

The employer remains responsible for providing maintenance and cure until the seaman reaches “maximum medical improvement.” “Maximum medical improvement” means the seaman has either been cured or his condition has been diagnosed as permanent and incurable.

Problems often arise when company physicians prematurely declare a seaman as having reached maximum medical improvement so they can terminate maintenance and cure benefits. In situations like this, it is best for seaman to seek representation by an experienced maintenance and cure attorney to protect their rights.

Get Help from The Ammons Law Firm

The Ammons Law Firm has an impressive track record when it comes to helping injured seamen get the maintenance and cure benefits they deserve. If you feel you have been unjustly denied maintenance and cure benefits or have been ordered to report back to work before you feel you have reached maximum medical improvement, we can also help.