Working at sea comes with significant injury risks that can leave you unable to work for weeks or months. As a maritime worker, you qualify for maintenance and cure benefits when injuries occur while you’re working.
While this coverage helps with many expenses, it doesn’t cover everything. Knowing what it doesn’t cover can help in planning your financial security after an incident.
The basics of maintenance and cure payments
Maritime workers who suffer injuries or illness while working receive maintenance and cure payments as day-to-day benefits. The payments begin right after reporting your injury and continue throughout your recovery.
The daily maintenance payments cover your basic living expenses. These include household expenses, such as food, housing costs and taxes.
Meanwhile, the cure portion pays for “reasonable and necessary” medical expenses, including medical devices and medication. In addition to paying for your treatment, cure payments may also cover your transportation costs to appointments.
Expenses that go beyond the basics
Several expenses fall outside maintenance and cure coverage. Here’s what your benefits do not cover:
- Cable, internet or streaming services
- Phone bills
- Car payments
- Loans or credit card bills
- Gasoline beyond for your medical transportation
- Premium upgrades to medical treatment
- Long-term disability care
Moreover, maintenance and cure do not cover lost wages or pain and suffering compensation.
Seek rightful compensation for your injuries
You have the right to pursue other options to cover your expenses. For example, you may file a negligence claim under the Jones Act for pain and suffering compensation. Another option is filing a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
Remember, injured maritime workers who spend at least 30% of their time working on a ship may qualify for maintenance and cure. If your employer denies valid maintenance and cure benefits, consulting a maritime law attorney may help protect your rights. They can assist you in securing the full compensation you deserve.