What Happens If My Maritime Employer Refuses to Pay My Medical Bills?

As a maritime worker, you have certain rights under the law. If you are a seaman, one of these rights has to do with your employer’s obligation to pay your medical expenses.

Maritime accidents tend to cause major injuries. We often hear of cases involving burns, disfigurement, back injuries and head trauma, to name a few. But the list of potential injuries you can suffer offshore is virtually endless. When you are hurt in a maritime accident, you will quickly be faced with a mountain of medical bills and most likely, little means to pay.

It might bring some comfort to know that under the Jones Act, your employer is required to pay for your medical care, as long as you are considered a seaman according to the law. This compensation is referred to as “cure”.

What is covered?
Your employer, or the vessel owner, has to pay all reasonable medical expenses relating to your maritime injury. For example, your doctor visits, medications, surgeries, physical therapy and other medical treatments, should be covered.

What happens when my employer won’t pay?
If your employer refuses to pay your medical care, you need to contact an experienced maritime lawyer. An attorney will help you with your claim and ensure that you are treated fairly.

In the case, Atlantic Sounding Co., Inc. v. Edgar Townsend, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed an injured seaman to recover punitive damages because his employer would not pay for maintenance and cure. You can read more about the case in our article, “Your Employer’s Refusal to Pay Maintenance & Cure Could Result in Punitive Damages.”

For more information regarding your legal rights to paid medical care, contact us today at 877.724.7800. 

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