People who work on ships and water vessels need Maritime law to protect them from employer's negligence, which can cause injury, disability and even death. More often than not, the working conditions of seafarers and other crew members of water vehicles are entirely different from those that work on land. Seamen depend on their employers for safety and health while inside ships, tankers and other sea vessels. If you are planning to work on a ship or if any member of your family is interested to become a crew member of a water vessel, it is important to take note of your rights.
One way in which maritime law protects seamen, sailors and all workers aboard a sea vessel are by mandating that employers provide everything in order to make working conditions in company ships, tankers, or other types of water vessels safe at all times. It is very hard to work on a ship in the middle of the ocean, thus, it is important that the employer provides emergency supplies, medications, adequate food, proper equipment and other things that ensure that the lives of the people who are working aboard the vessel are protected and healthy. Families of seamen will also have peace of mind knowing that their husbands or fathers are in good hands and have access to basic necessities of life even while at sea.
Another protection that maritime law provides sailors involves benefits in case they get injured while they are working in a vessel. Accidents happen and when they do, it is the responsibility of the employer to provide medical facilities and medication that will ensure that everyone who works on the ship will be cared for until they get back on their feet. Even if the seaman or sailor onboard the vessel is unable to perform his duties due to injuries, the family of that particular person should continue to receive his benefits or salary. This is especially true for cases in which the employer's negligence caused the accident.
More often than not, sailors and crew members of sea vessels are bread winners of their families. Thus, in cases of permanent disability or death, the families of seamen will really suffer financially. Thankfully, maritime law also ensures that family members of seamen who die or suffers permanent disability resulting from negligence on the part of the employer will be well compensated.
If you have questions regarding the Jones Act, call a
maritime attorney at SMSH. Their
will provide you a free consultation and discuss your legal options. 1-800-949-6671
