Jones Act Injuries: Past and Future Medical
Common Injuries & Damages
Serious on-the-job Jones Act injuries can take weeks, months or even years to overcome. With the potential for numerous doctor visits, therapy sessions and even surgery, medical bills can quickly pile up. As a Jones Act seaman, you are entitled to money for your medical expenses, known as “cure”, until you reach maximum medical improvement. At that point, when you are released by a doctor, any further treatment that you may require must be paid out of your own pocket.
To make up for this, the Jones Act provides seamen with the ability to seek future medical damages in addition to any past expenses that were incurred before “cure” benefits lapsed. Unlike under Workers’ Compensation or the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) where coverage for future medical is ongoing, the Jones Act requires seamen to make a claim for future medicals before final settlement is reached in their claim.
Because of this, it is extremely important that you not settle for any amount that will not cover your future medical treatment, including any potentially necessary:
- Doctor Visits;
- Specialists;
- Surgeries;
- Medication;
- Testing (including x-rays, MRI’s and CT Scans);
- Medical Supplies and
- Medical Equipment.
Requesting Future Medical Expenses for Jones Act Injuries
In order to request future medical expenses for Jones Act injuries, you and your attorney must take several important procedural steps. You must provide documentation from your physician stating that you will require future treatment. You must also consult a financial expert in order to accurately predict the cost of these future expenses and request enough money in order to cover any projected inflation or other rise in the amount. Not just any attorney can handle a Jones Act claim.
Remember, once your case settles or goes to trial, there will be no more money. That is why it is so important to prepare your case properly. Otherwise you may be left in pain with no funds for further treatment.
Contact an Experienced Maritime Injury Attorney for a Free Case Consultation: 1-800-993-4887
If you or a loved one were injured while working offshore, contact one of the maritime injury attorneys at Fitts Zehl. We’ll explain and help you protect your rights and do whatever necessary to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses. If you prefer to meet in person, we can send a lawyer to you, at no cost.
Call 1-800-993-4997 or email us by clicking here.
