Maritime Law Blog

Gulf of Mexico seamen have a right to proper lifesaving equipment!

Every year, seamen’s lives are lost because their vessel is not adequately equipped with appropriate life-saving devices and emergency equipment. Failure to provide adequate life-saving equipment that is in good repair makes the vessel owner liable if a crew member is injured or loses his life. To learn more about the responsibilities of vessel owners and how to file an unseaworthiness claim for your injuries, contact the maritime attorneys at The Young Firm 1-866-938-6113.

Will sour economy affect longshoremen’s jobs – and safety?

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are stunned to find themselves hurting in this economy.  Traditionally considered a business that was recession proof, the world economic slowdown is taking its toll on offshore workers across the globe.

 

Usually economic woes in the United States are not an issue for longshoremen.  When exports drop, usually imports pick up as Americans seek cheaper goods.  When things turn around and imports drop, exports usually rise.  In this economy both imports and exports are down, hurting shipping companies and longshoremen.

 

Some ship workers are seeing work hours drop by as much as a quarter, and others are facing sporadic work or layoffs.  Veteran longshoremen tend to fare better and are often offered first pick of available jobs, while less experienced longshoremen struggle to work enough hours to make ends meet.

 

A number used to measure the price to move materials by sea called the Baltic Dry Index reached a record high in May of 2008.  However, in December 2008 the index had dropped to its lowest point since 1986.  Not only are there fewer ships sailing, but they also contain fewer goods so it is taking less time to unload the ones that do arrive. 

 

The concern in a down economy is always that employers will be less careful about safety and employees – wary of biting the hand that feeds them – won’t be as forthcoming about reporting accidents, injuries, and unsafe working conditions.  In an attempt to safeguard dwindling profits, employers may also be more aggressive in fighting Jones Act and maritime law cases.

If you have been injured working offshore or on the Mississippi River, you must read one of the most important articles concerning your maritime and Jones Act claim.  We have posted the 9 most important things for you to do to protect your rights.  Click here to protect your rights!

Will more hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico put seamen's lives at risk?

Experts are predicting an above-average hurricane system for the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.Offshore workers must work in all weather situations. If proper precautions are not taken, their lives are put at risk during tropical storms and hurricanes. If you or a loved one is put at risk and injured because of an unseaworthy vessel or offshore facility, you are protected by maritime law. Contact The Young Firm to learn more about your Jones Act rights. Call toll free at 1-866-938-6113.

Mesothelioma, a delayed risk for maritime workers

Injured? What can you do when your company treats you unfairly?

If you have been injured while working offshore, you may not be being treated fairly by your employer. If your employer wants you to sign anything before treatment or return to work before you are healed, they are behaving unethically. At The Young Firm, we want to make sure that you get all the compensation that you are entitled to. Call us at 866-938-6113. We can help.

Common offshore injuries on the Gulf Coast

Were you injured on an unseaworthy vessel?

If you work on a Jones Act Vessel, the vessel’s owner has a responsibility to maintain the vessel in seaworthy condition. If you’ve been injured while working on an unseaworthy vessel, contact Louisiana’s maritime experts at The Young Firm at 866-938-6113. We can help you get compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, rehabilitation and therapy, lost earnings and pain and suffering.

Two men hurt in helicopter crash – Is this covered under maritime law?

Jones Act seamen injured offshore are eligible for maintenance and cure

If you’ve been injured in an offshore accident and are unable to work because of your injuries, your employer could owe you for “maintenance and cure”.  This is the money that your employer is supposed to pay you after an accident so that you can pay your living expenses and medical bills until you are able to return for work.

 

Maintenance – the money given to injured seamen so they can pay bills and living expenses – typically isn’t very much money.  Some companies believe that $15 to $30 a day is adequate, but depending on your situation this may not be enough to cover your expenses.

 

Many working Jones Act seamen have bills like rent, a mortgage, utilities, transportation costs, and food to pay for – all of which would need to be covered by the maintenance compensation if they become incapacitated because of a workplace accident.  If the amount their employer offers them for maintenance isn’t adequate, they may have to involve an attorney to get what they need to survive.

 

Cure is the money give to injured Jones Act seamen so they can pay for medical bills resulting from their injuries.  Your employer is required to pay you for reasonable medical care until your condition is not likely to improve further – a point that your employer and your doctor may disagree on.

 

Do you have questions about an offshore injury that you sustained on a vessel or questions about maintenance and cure?  Please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced maritime law and Jones Act lawyers at The Young Firm to discuss your situation.