Offshore Incident Timeline & Consultation Dossier
Organize a strict chronological log of logbook entries, medical evacuations, witness statements, and weather conditions prior to speaking with maritime legal counsel. Runs strictly on your device to protect worker confidentiality.
Key Questions for Your Maritime Attorney Consultation
Based on your maritime context and logged evidence, bring these factual questions to your initial lawyer review:
Jones Act vs. Longshore Act (LHWCA)
Seaman status generally requires contributing to the vessel function with a substantial connection in duration and nature (often ≥30% of working time). Non-seamen dock/platform workers often fall under LHWCA or state worker's compensation.
Vessel Unseaworthiness Doctrine
Under general maritime law, vessel owners owe seamen a non-delegable duty to furnish a vessel, gear, and crew reasonably fit for intended purpose. Strict liability applies regardless of owner fault or third-party negligence.
Maintenance & Cure Obligations
Injured qualifying seamen are entitled to basic daily living allowances (maintenance) and reasonable medical expenses (cure) until maximum medical improvement (MMI) is reached, without needing to prove negligence.
Critical Evidence Window
Vessel daily vessel logs (deck logs, rough logs), JSA/JSEA safety cards, USCG Form 2692, maintenance manifests, and crane wire inspection certs can be overwritten or misplaced if not requested promptly.