State workers’ compensation generally does not apply to seamen, the crew members who work aboard a vessel in navigation. Their injury claims fall under the Jones Act and general maritime law, which lets them sue the employer rather than collect no-fault benefits.
Where the two systems differ:
Who qualifies. A seaman is generally someone who contributes to a vessel’s operation and spends a significant share of working time aboard it. Job title alone does not decide it.
How fault works. Workers’ compensation pays regardless of fault. A Jones Act claim alleges employer negligence, and the vessel owner also owes injured crew maintenance and cure, meaning living expenses and medical care.
Which policy responds. Maritime employers liability (MEL) covers the employer’s exposure to Jones Act suits. It is commonly added to a workers’ compensation policy through a maritime endorsement.
Mixed workforces. A tug company may have crew who are seamen and shore staff who fall under state workers’ compensation or the Longshore Act. Each group needs the right coverage.
How Liberty structures your protection: We sort your workforce by job duties and work location, then match each group to state workers’ compensation, maritime employers liability, or Longshore Act coverage so no employee class is left under a policy that excludes it.