Legal Definitions - maintenance and cure

Maintenance and cure is a legal term that refers to the rights of seamen who are injured while working at sea. It is a form of compensation that employers are required to provide to their injured employees.

Maintenance refers to the daily living expenses of a seaman. This includes things like food, lodging, and other basic necessities. Employers are required to pay for these expenses while the seaman is recovering from their injury.

Cure refers to the medical expenses of a seaman. This includes things like doctor's visits, hospital stays, and medication. Employers are required to pay for these expenses while the seaman is recovering from their injury.

For example, if a seaman falls and injures their back while working on a ship, their employer would be required to pay for their medical expenses (cure) and their daily living expenses (maintenance) while they are unable to work.

Another example would be if a seaman contracts an illness while working on a ship, their employer would be required to pay for their medical expenses (cure) and their daily living expenses (maintenance) while they are recovering.

These examples illustrate how maintenance and cure provides seamen with the necessary support to recover from their injuries or illnesses without having to worry about their basic needs.