Maritime workers don’t fall neatly into the same legal box as land-based employees. Your rights depend on where you worked, what you did, and how much of your time was spent on a vessel. You may qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, have claims for an unseaworthy vessel, or be entitled to maintenance and cure regardless of fault. Companies know most workers don’t fully understand these rules, so they move quickly to shape the story and limit what you’re paid. We step in to explain exactly what laws apply to you, what benefits you should already be receiving, and what claims we can pursue for the long-term harm you’ve suffered.
The Long-Term Impact of Maritime Accidents
One of the first pressure points after a maritime accident is medical care. Employers often steer injured workers to “company doctors” who seem more focused on getting you back to work than addressing any long-term or catastrophic injuries you might have suffered. We know how much that can undermine your recovery. As your maritime attorneys, we help you get to independent doctors, document every symptom and limitation, and build a record that reflects the true extent of your injuries—whether that’s spinal damage, head trauma, crush injuries, burns, or the psychological toll of a serious incident offshore. That medical picture becomes the foundation for demanding full compensation, not the discount version the company prefers.
Money, Bills & the Family’s Burden
Under maritime law, injured seamen are entitled to several key benefits. Maintenance should cover basic living expenses—rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries—so you can keep a roof over your head while you’re recovering. Cure is the obligation to pay for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, from the first ER visit through rehab and follow-up care, until you reach maximum medical improvement. In many cases, you’re also entitled to unearned wages—the income you would have earned for the rest of your hitch or contract if you hadn’t been hurt.
On top of those baseline benefits, you may have the right to pursue a Jones Act claim or other maritime claims for the full extent of your losses: future medical care, long-term loss of earning capacity, and the human cost of pain, disability, and a career cut short.
Too often, employers underpay maintenance, delay cure, fight unearned wages, or push families to accept quick, cheap settlements. We step in to calculate the true financial impact on your life and your family’s future, push back against lowball offers, and make sure every category of compensation the law allows is on the table—not just the ones that are convenient for the company.
Helping Injured Workers & Caregivers Move Forward
For many families, the hardest part is feeling powerless—watching a loved one struggle while a large company controls the information, the paperwork, and the pace. Our role is to level that field. We investigate how the accident happened, preserve evidence before it disappears, protect you from retaliation or intimidation, and handle every conversation with insurers and corporate representatives. Just as important, we stay accessible to you. We answer questions, explain your options, and give you straight talk about the path ahead.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a maritime accident, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Marc LaHood Law is ready to bring the full weight of our experience, integrity, and courtroom performance to your corner—and stand with your family every step of the way.
To get started, call (210) 714-2625 or reach out to our San Antonio maritime attorneys online.
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