What are a seaman’s legal rights after a back or neck injury?

A mariner is entitled to have all reasonable and related medical expenses covered, including, but not limited to: surgeries, doctor’s visits (to the MD of your choice), x-rays, therapy and transportation to the facilities. The employer is responsible for paying the airfare from the vessel to the place of hire. A daily maintenance rate for room and board equivalent to the value received while on the vessel must be paid until recovery from the illness or injury. (Note: this amount is often ridiculously low, read more here). Unearned wages through the remainder of the work tour are paid. For example, on international commercial voyages that means until the current “articles” are broken and for fishermen it means until the end of the season. Finally, a seaman has the right to file a lawsuit if someone is at fault for the injury or the vessel was unseaworthy. The mariner may recover for pain and suffering, loss of future earnings and the cost of training for a new career.