When an Injured Louisiana Seaman is Denied Maintenance and Cure Benefits

What if you have been injured in a Gulf Coast maritime accident and your employer refuses to pay your maintenance and cure benefits? Is that the end of the line for you? Absolutely not. The tradition of paying maintenance and cure to injured seamen is hundreds of years old. As far back as 1160 A.D., laws existed guaranteeing every seaman the right to maintenance (the payment of living costs) and cure (the payment of any and all medical bills). Since then, the law has continued to support the working seaman's injuries. These laws clearly define the rights of the worker and the obligations of the employer.

Simply put, under general maritime law, your employer must provide you with the amount of money you need to pay for your food, lodging and monthly bills as you recover (maintenance). In addition, you are entitled to medical treatment that is related to your injury (cure).

If your employer refuses to pay you maintenance and cure or does not allow enough compensation to cover your recovery costs, you have the right to pursue these benefits through the courts. By doing so, you may be able to recover not only the money needed for your injuries, but also any lawyer fees you have incurred. And depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for damages as well.

All in all, it is not a good idea to try to fight this battle for your rights alone. The Louisiana maritime law attorneys at The Young Firm will put our 50-plus years of maritime law experience to work for you. Don't hesitate to call us. We have represented clients in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas, as well as workers injured in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Mississippi River.