Maintenance and cure meaning

Maintenance and cure refers to the legal obligation of an employer to provide treatment and financial support to an injured seaman while they recover from a work-related illness or injury.


Maintenance and cure definitions

Word backwards ecnanetniam dna eruc
Part of speech "Noun"
Syllabic division Main-ten-ance and Cure.
Plural The plural of "maintenance and cure" is "maintenances and cures".
Total letters 18
Vogais (4) a,i,e,u
Consonants (6) m,n,t,c,d,r

When a seaman or maritime worker becomes injured or ill while working aboard a vessel, they are entitled to receive maintenance and cure benefits. This principle, rooted in maritime law, ensures that injured seamen receive necessary medical care and a daily living stipend until they reach maximum medical improvement.

What is Maintenance?

Maintenance is a daily living stipend provided to injured seamen to cover basic living expenses such as food and lodging while they are recovering from their injuries. This amount is typically a modest sum meant to ensure that the injured seaman can maintain a comparable standard of living to what they had while working aboard the vessel.

What is Cure?

Cure refers to the medical care and treatment necessary for an injured seaman to reach maximum medical improvement. This includes doctor's visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical expenses related to the seaman's injury or illness. The vessel owner is responsible for covering all reasonable and necessary medical expenses until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement.

Legal Obligations of Employers

Under maritime law, vessel owners have a legal obligation to provide both maintenance and cure benefits to injured seamen regardless of fault. This means that even if the injury was not caused by the negligence of the vessel owner or any other party, the injured seaman is still entitled to receive these benefits. Failure to provide maintenance and cure benefits can result in significant legal repercussions for the vessel owner.

Duration of Benefits

The duration of maintenance and cure benefits continues until the injured seaman reaches maximum medical improvement, meaning that they have fully recovered from their injury or illness, or their condition has stabilized and further treatment will not significantly improve their condition. At this point, maintenance and cure benefits cease, and the injured seaman may be entitled to pursue other forms of compensation, such as Jones Act claims or general maritime law claims.

Overall, maintenance and cure benefits are crucial for ensuring that injured seamen receive the necessary care and support following a work-related injury or illness. By understanding these benefits and their legal implications, injured seamen can better protect their rights and seek appropriate compensation for their injuries.


Maintenance and cure Examples

  1. Seafarers are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits when injured or become ill while working aboard a ship.
  2. The shipping company failed to provide proper maintenance and cure to the injured crew member, resulting in a lawsuit.
  3. The maritime law requires shipowners to cover medical expenses and living costs as part of maintenance and cure obligations.
  4. After suffering an injury at sea, the sailor filed a claim for maintenance and cure with the vessel's owner.
  5. It is essential for maritime workers to understand their rights to maintenance and cure in case of accidents or illnesses.
  6. The injured fisherman received maintenance and cure payments while recovering from his injuries at home.
  7. Lawyers specializing in maritime law can help seafarers navigate the complex process of claiming maintenance and cure.
  8. A proper investigation is crucial to determine the extent of maintenance and cure owed to an injured crew member.
  9. Shipowners must ensure prompt and adequate provision of maintenance and cure to avoid legal consequences.
  10. Neglecting the obligation to provide maintenance and cure to injured seamen can lead to severe penalties and fines.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 30/03/2024 - 03:58:07