A commercial fisherman was recently airlifted by the U.S. Coast Guard from a boat off Gloucester, MA as a result of a reported severe hand injury.

While the circumstances are unknown, the fisherman is almost certainly entitled to maintenance and cure. "Maintenance" is a stipend given to an injured crewmember for food and lodging and related expenses. "Cure" is payment of the the injured crew's medical expenses. In addition, and among other things, the fisherman may be entitled to assert claims under the Jones Act and the general maritime law for unseaworthiness. The remedies that are available to an individual working aboard a vessel are unique as are the kind and quality of monetary damages available.

You don't want to navigate a maritime injury at sea by yourself. These maritime legal waters are murky and complicated. Contact the admiralty law offices of Fulweiler llc to speak to a maritime lawyer. Reach us anytime at 1-800-383-MAYDAY (6293).

Underway and making way.

By: John K. Fulweiler

1-800-383-MAYDAY (6293)