Houston Maintenance & Cure Benefit Attorneys
Pursuing Maritime Compensation for Injured Seamen in Houston, League City, Clear Lake City, Texas City, Galveston, Pasadena and Throughout the Gulf Coast Area
Maritime workers who are protected by the Jones Act have the right to both maintenance and cure if they become injured on the high seas. Maintenance and cure rights begin as soon as a maritime injury occurs and remain in effect until the injured seaman reaches a state of maximum medical improvement, also known as MMI.
In a perfect world, every employer would voluntarily strive to meet the needs and expenses of an injured employee. In reality, this is not the case. Even though maintenance and cure are the right of every seaman, some employers may attempt to deny claims, delay payments or contribute a much lower monetary amount than an injured person needs in order to survive. If an employer wrongfully withholds maintenance and cure payments, they may be subject to punitive damages.
At The Krist Law Firm, in Houston, Texas, we take a stand against employers who disregard the rights of injured maritime workers. Drawing upon the experience gained in more than 40 years of legal practice, our lawyers serve as strong legal advocates, fighting to help you obtain the compensation that is not only your due, but a necessity as you move forward after a serious injury.
To speak with an attorney about maintenance and cure concerns, contact The Krist Law Firm by calling (281) 954-3186.
What Is Maintenance?
While a seaman is injured, he or she will still need to pay for daily living expenses, such as housing, utilities and groceries. Maintenance payments are meant to make paying the bills a bit easier.
Unfortunately, maritime law does not provide set payment amounts for maintenance. Instead, a number of factors are taken into consideration to determine an amount.
What Is Cure?
Cure refers to the medical costs associated with a seaman's injury. Cure may include coverage of emergency medical care, surgeries, medication and rehabilitative therapies.
Contact an Attorney About Maintenance and Cure Concerns
Even if your injury was a result of your own actions and not a matter of employer negligence, you still have a right to maintenance and cure. If your employer chooses to disregard your rights or creates unnecessary obstacles surrounding payment, it may be in your best interests to speak with a maritime law attorney experienced in handling matters of maintenance and cure.
At The Krist Law Firm, we understand finances are stretched after an injury. We provide legal services on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay unless we are successful in your case. Contact us by calling (281) 954-3186 to schedule a free initial consultation.