Maritime Law Blog

A helicopter accident left two men injured when their aircraft crashed after take-off from an offshore oil platform about 75 miles from Galveston, Texas. The helicopter was headed to another offshore oil platform.

 
The aircraft, the pilot, and a passenger, were left in the stranded in the water.  A nearby supply ship rescued the men and brought them aboard. Both men suffered severe back injuries and were transported to the University of Texas Medical Branch for treatment. Both men are currently in stable condition.

 
The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 
If you work offshore and are injured while on the job, you have rights under maritime law. For example, you may be eligible for maintenance and cure while recovering.  

 
Maintenance is a legal term for the amount of money it costs to cover your living expenses while recovering on land. These are the expenses that your employer covered while at sea, including lodging, food and some monthly bills. Some employers have a fixed rate of maintenance, but maintenance be adequate to cover your expenses.

 
Cure refers to medical expenses related to the curing of your injury. This includes doctor’s bills, medication, and physical therapy, as long as the expenses relate to the injury being cured.  

 
If the accident is caused by negligence or inadequate maintenance, an injured maritime worker, may be entitled to additional compensation under Jones Act Law. To learn more, order our free book, “An Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law.”  

 
If you are not receiving adequate maintenance and cure, or you feel your employer was responsible for your injury, contact our Jones Act attorneys at (866) 938-6113 to find out of you have a case.