Maintenance and Cure is an aspect of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (aka The Jones Act). It states a seaman who is injured on the job is entitled to certain benefits:

• Maintenance – Day-to-day living expenses (food, rent, necessary utilities, homeowner’s insurance)
• Cure – Medical expenses (hospital and doctor bills, medication, medical tests, medical equipment)

To qualify for Maintenance and Cure, an injured employee does not need to prove negligence or recklessness by their employer. The following criteria must be met, however:

• The injured party was employed on a vessel that operates on navigable waters
• The injury occurred while the employee was on board the ship or in the scope of their employment