Maintenance and Cure

Louisiana Attorneys: Injuries at Sea

At Broussard & Hart, L.L.C., located as we are on the Gulf of Mexico, our lawyers frequently represent injured seamen in Jones Act claims. When a maritime worker has suffered a serious injury at sea as a result of the employer's negligence, the Jones Act requires the employer to pay the worker's living expenses and medical bills (referred to in a settlement contract as "maintenance and cure").

It is extremely important, if you have suffered an injury covered under the Jones Act, to have an experienced attorney review your settlement contract before you sign it. If you would like to speak with a member of our Lake Charles firm, contact our office to arrange a free, confidential consultation. We work hard to see that our clients recover full compensation for injuries at sea, including adequate maintenance and cure.

Maximum medical improvement

You deserve to receive medical treatment until you are completely cured, or until no more improvement is possible. It is common for an employer to claim, on the basis of an evaluation by their doctor, that an injured worker has reached maximum medical improvement when another doctor might suggest further improvement is possible. Our attorneys work with medical experts and therapists to demonstrate that a client is entitled to continuing treatment.

Maintenance: room and board during recovery

Under the Jones Act, if you were injured at sea or in the service of your vessel, you deserve a reasonable living allowance during the course of your medical treatment. Your employer may steer you to a sub-standard motel and limit you to an unreasonable daily allowance. Our attorneys will negotiate a contract that allows you to live with dignity during your recovery.

When does the Jones Act apply?

A wide range of accidents are covered under the Jones Act, including vessel fires, capsizing, commercial boating accidents, boats run aground, drowning, and oil rig accidents. The first thing to establish is whether, under the Act, you were a seaman. See Who is a Seaman under the Jones Act.

Our firm serves clients throughout Southwest Louisiana. If you feel your injury or wrongful death claim might be covered by the Act, we invite you to call 337-439-2450 (Toll Free: 866-281-4774) or e-mail our Calcasieu Parish office to arrange a free and confidential consultation with a Jones Act attorney. We will respond quickly to your inquiry.