Injured Offshore

**tcrov** · 03-21-2006, 01:25 PM

OK so I was injured while working offshore and am currently under Dr. care. I have been out of work for a few weeks and have been receiving no type of compensation. I have made numerous calls to my employer trying to get some type financial help while I'm on leave and they always tell me the same thing.." We are meeting with someone and will call you back in a day or so" So, I finally retained an attorney, who is knowledgable in the Jones Act and maritime law, to help protect my rights. My questions are:
1. How long should I expect to go without seeing sometype of income? I'm getting really worried because I just bought a house and have bills that are coming. I also have childsupport that has to be paid (can't let my children down).

2. What should I expect as far as payments go? I hear that its 2/3 of your normal earnings, but is that on a 40 hour week or is that a percentage of my normal earnings. The reason I ask is because I worked offshore, my normal earnings were based on 84 hours a week.

Thanks in advance for your help..

**Mr. Knowitall** · 03-22-2006, 05:51 AM

It can be a genuine problem for an injured maritime worker to make ends meet during the pendency of a Jones Act claim. If you are entitled to "maintenance and cure", you already know what a small amount of money that is. Maritime employers have been known to exploit the hardship of their injured workers by offering quick settlements that are substantially lower than the case is worth, while implying that they will drag the case out if the offer is not accepted. For what it's worth, federal courts can at times move very quickly, even when a party desires to slow things down.

Your lawyer should be able to estimate how quickly (or slowly) your case will progress, and may be able to make some suggestions as to what you might do during the pendency of your case.

**tcrov** · 03-23-2006, 04:32 AM

Thanks for your response. I spoke with my attorney and she said the same thing. It's totally up to how the company handles it. I did get some good news though.. Seems I am not limited to a WC Dr. I was really worried about that after reading some of the horror stories online. I guess because I fall under the Jones Act, I am able to see my own Dr. and stay under his care. But, I have to pay my co-pay and perscriptions upfront and they will reimburse me a the end.. Does this sound right?