Maintenance Rate Too Low?

Jones Act Maintenance Rate Is Too Low?

How can I raise my daily maintenance rate? This is one of the most important questions for injured Jones Act Seaman. San Diego Jones Act lawyer Bill Turley teaches other lawyers about Jones Act law.

"Maintenance rate" refers to the daily rate of money an injured Jones Act Seaman receives while they not fit for duty and are receiving medical treatment for their injuries. When you finish active treatment it is usually called reaching "maximum medical improvement". This is often a battle. Some Seaman are working under a Union contract that states the maintenance rate you are entitled to. If not, then you are entitled to maintenance based upon your actual expenses.

How do I calculate my daily maintenance rate?

You can calculate your expenses by adding up your monthly money you spend on rent/ mortgage, food, utilities, insurance, etc. (i.e., monthly expenses). Then divide this figure by the days in the month. This is your daily maintenance rate in the Ninth Circuit (Jones Act Seaman in San Diego, Jones Act Seaman in California, Jones Act Seaman in Hawaii, Jones Act Seaman in Oregon, Jones Act Seaman Washington, Jones Act Seaman in Alaska). It all comes down to proof. When you get your "proof" together, then you are in a position to negotiate a higher maintenance rate.

The last thing you want to do is for you and your family to "die on the vine." Meaning, you receive so little in maintenance that they suffer severe economic hardship. Oftentimes there are other avenues for temporary monies. We understand that all of these avenues must be explored for you and your family's economic survival.

With the recent Atlantic Sounding U.S. Supreme Court decision, Jones Act Seaman are entitled to punitive damages for the unreasonable refusal to pay maintenance and cure.

If you are not documenting your monthly expenses - - then you are probably not doing everything you need to do in order to raise your daily maintenance rate.

There are other ways to try and help you and your family weather these tough economic times following a Jones Act injury. Sometimes, even with Seaman subject to Union contracted daily maintenance rate, there are alternative avenues. The worst thing to do is nothing. If you are not being paid a decent maintenance rate you need a plan of action. Usually, that means documenting your monthly expenses. Not to mention other strategies and tactics. If you are a Jones Act Seaman and you are not documenting your monthly expenses - - then you are probably not doing everything you need to do in order to raise your daily maintenance rate.

The Turley Law Firm understands that you have questions about your rights and safety, and are probably concerned what might happen to you if you are an injured Jones Act Seaman. We are committed to fighting to get you the justice you deserve, and maybe help you regain your peace of mind in the process. Contact The Turley Law Firm today to discuss your case with a San Diego Jones Act Lawyer attorney. We handle Jones Act Seaman cases for Seaman injured all over the U.S. and every Ocean on Earth.

California's Leading Jones Act Attorney

No one expects to be injured on the job, but when it happens, obtaining quality medical care and proper benefits is your number one concern. California's leading Seaman injury attorney, Bill Turley, has aggressively represented many, many injured Seaman, securing the quality medical care and the financial benefits they were entitled to. He can help you too.

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