Maintenance and Cure Explained for Offshore Workers
When a seaman is injured while working offshore, maritime law provides a unique benefit known as maintenance and cure.
This protection exists under general maritime law and applies to many workers covered by the Jones Act.
Understanding maintenance and cure can help injured workers know what support they may receive while recovering from an accident.
What Is Maintenance?
“Maintenance” refers to the basic daily living expenses an injured seaman needs while recovering from an injury.
This typically includes costs similar to what the worker would spend on:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
Maintenance payments are intended to help injured workers support themselves while they are unable to return to work.
What Is Cure?
“Cure” refers to the medical treatment required for the injury.
This may include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital treatment
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Medical testing
Employers are generally required to pay for reasonable medical treatment related to the injury.
When Do Maintenance and Cure Benefits End?
Maintenance and cure benefits typically continue until the injured seaman reaches what doctors call maximum medical improvement.
This means the worker’s condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve further with additional treatment.
Why These Benefits Matter
Offshore injuries can prevent workers from returning to their jobs for weeks or even months.
Maintenance and cure benefits are designed to ensure injured seamen receive:
- Medical treatment
- Financial support during recovery
These protections have been part of maritime law for centuries and remain an important safeguard for offshore workers today.
