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You were injured serving your vessel. A denial of benefits feels like a betrayal, but it's not the final word. It's a tactic you can fight.
This guide will help you understand your rights and give you a clear plan.
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These are not modern workplace benefits; they are ancient duties your employer owes you under maritime law. Understanding them is your first step to fighting back.
Payments to cover your reasonable room and board expenses while you recover ashore. This includes rent/mortgage, utilities, and food. The rate must reflect your actual living costs, not a token lowball amount.
Typical Company Rate vs. Actual Cost
Your employer's obligation to pay for all necessary medical treatment to help you recover. This is incredibly broad and includes doctor visits, surgery, therapy, medication, and travel to appointments. You have the right to choose your own doctor.
The wages you would have earned from the date of your injury until the official end of your voyage or contract. This is a separate and distinct right in addition to maintenance and cure.
Denials are usually calculated business decisions, not personal attacks. Here are the common tactics employers use. Click each one to learn more.
The moment your benefits are cut off, the clock starts ticking. Follow these steps precisely to protect your rights and build a strong case.
Hiring an attorney deploys a legal arsenal. An unreasonable denial opens the company up to significant financial penalties beyond the benefits they originally owed.
Clear answers to common questions from seamen who have had their benefits denied.
Houston Maritime Attorney
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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// --- DATA --- // const denialReasons = [ { title: 'Willful Misconduct', content: 'This is the company’s only real defense. It means your injury was caused by serious, intentional wrongdoing, like starting a fight or committing a crime. It does not mean simple carelessness. They may also claim you "concealed" a pre-existing condition, but the burden of proof on them is extremely high.' }, { title: 'Disputes Over Seaman Status', content: 'The company may argue you are not technically a "seaman" and therefore not eligible. They might claim you are a longshoreman, contractor, or harbor worker. This is a complex legal question that depends on the facts of your employment.' }, { title: 'Injury "Outside Service of Ship"', content: 'The phrase "in the service of the ship" is interpreted very broadly. It covers you for the entire time you are subject to the call of duty, including on shore leave. An injury while walking back to the ship from dinner is typically covered.' }, { title: 'Refusal to See Company Doctor', content: 'You have the absolute right to choose your own doctor. A company cannot legally deny your benefits because you exercised this right. Insisting you only see their doctor is an illegal intimidation tactic.' }, { title: 'Claiming MMI Prematurely', content: 'This is a very common tactic. The company sends you to their "Independent Medical Examination" (IME) doctor, who then declares you\'ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) to cut off benefits, even if your own doctor disagrees.' }, { title: 'Purely Financial Motivations', content: 'The number one reason for most denials is to save money. By cutting off your income and medical care, they put immense pressure on you to accept a lowball settlement out of desperation. It’s a cruel but common strategy.' } ];
const actionPlanSteps = [ { title: 'Do Not Panic, Get Organized', content: 'Create a dedicated physical and digital file for every document, note, and receipt related to your case.' }, { title: 'Document Everything in Writing', content: 'Send a formal, certified letter to your employer demanding reinstatement of benefits. Keep a detailed journal of symptoms, appointments, and all communications.' }, { title: 'Preserve All Evidence', content: 'Save everything: denial letters, emails, texts, voicemails, medical records, and receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses.' }, { title: 'See Your Own Doctor', content: 'If you haven\'t already, see a physician of your own choosing. Their independent medical opinion is your most powerful tool.' }, { title: 'Follow Your Doctor\'s Orders PRECISELY', content: 'Do not miss any appointments or therapy sessions. Any deviation will be used by the insurance company to argue against your claim.' }, { title: 'Do Not Give a Recorded Statement', content: 'Politely but firmly decline any request from an insurance adjuster for a recorded statement. They are trained to get you to say things that can damage your claim.' }, { title: 'Do Not Sign Anything', content: 'Never sign any documents, releases, or settlement offers from the company without having them reviewed by an experienced maritime attorney.' }, { title: 'Be Careful on Social Media', content: 'Assume the insurance company is watching your online activity. Avoid posting anything that could contradict your injury claim. It is safest to stop posting altogether.' }, { title: 'Research Experienced Maritime Attorneys', content: 'Look for lawyers who specialize in Jones Act and maritime law, not general personal injury. Specialization is crucial.' }, { title: 'Contact a Qualified Maritime Lawyer Immediately', content: 'This is the most important step. The company has a team of lawyers; you need an expert on your side. Most work on a contingency basis, so there is no upfront cost.' } ];
const legalTabs = [ { name: 'Demand Letter', content: `
The first action your lawyer will take is to send a formal demand letter. This is far more powerful than a letter from you. It puts the company on official notice that you are represented, outlines the legal basis for your claim, and warns them of the consequences of their continued denial—including a lawsuit for punitive damages and attorney's fees. This letter signals that their tactic of hoping you would go away has failed.
` }, { name: 'Lawsuit', content: `
If a demand letter isn't enough, a lawsuit will be filed. It typically includes several counts:
` }, { name: 'Discovery & Settlement', content: `
Once a lawsuit is filed, the "discovery" phase begins. Your lawyer can force the company to turn over internal documents and take sworn testimony from decision-makers. This process uncovers the truth and puts maximum pressure on the defense. Facing the risk of a large jury verdict, the company is often forced to offer a fair settlement that fully compensates you. Most cases are resolved this way, but preparing for trial is what achieves a strong settlement.
` } ];
const faqs = [ { q: 'How much is the daily rate for maintenance?', a: 'The rate must cover your actual, reasonable living expenses like rent, utilities, and food. While companies try to pay a low rate ($15-40/day), this is legally challengeable. An attorney can fight for a rate that reflects your true costs.' }, { q: 'Can I be fired for filing a maintenance and cure claim?', a: 'No. It is illegal for an employer to fire you in retaliation for a good-faith claim. This is called "retaliatory discharge" and can be grounds for a separate lawsuit.' }, { q: 'What if I had a pre-existing condition?', a: 'A pre-existing condition generally does not disqualify you, as long as you did not intentionally conceal it during your pre-hire medical exam. If your work aggravated the condition, you are still entitled to benefits.' }, { q: 'How long do I have to file a lawsuit?', a: 'Maritime law deadlines ("statutes of limitations") are complex. While the Jones Act has a three-year limit, the safest course of action is to contact a lawyer immediately to ensure your rights are protected and no deadlines are missed.' }, { q: 'Do I pay taxes on maintenance and cure benefits?', a: 'Generally, maintenance and cure benefits are not considered taxable income. However, other damages, like punitive damages, may be taxable. Always consult a tax professional about your specific settlement.' } ];
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