Who Will Pay For My Medical Expenses If I Am Injured As A Diver?

If you work as a diver, you know firsthand the inherent risks you face every time you don your scuba mask and oxygen tanks. An underwater accident can have catastrophic consequences.  If you are in this situation, you are probably wondering who is responsible for your medical bills.

As a diver, you may legally be considered a seaman, which means your injury could be covered under the Jones Act. Therefore, you need to become familiar with “maintenance and cure.”

Maintenance refers to your employer’s responsibility to assist you with your living expenses. Maintenance deals with daily compensation, generally between $20 and $30 a day.  It is paid until you reach maximum medical cure, meaning when your condition cannot improve any further.

Cure refers to your medical expenses. If you are injured as a diver and require medical treatment, then you may be able to hold your employer liable. Basically, that means your employer might be responsible for your medical expenses.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a diver, you should contact one of our experienced maritime attorneys at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of my book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. It has information you need to read, as an injured worker.