Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 6.6.2 Maintenance And Cure: A Comprehensive Overview Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 6.6.2 Maintenance And Cure is a fundamental legal concept and instruction provided to jurors in cases related to maritime law and the rights of seamen. This instruction provides guidance on the principles and criteria used to determine an injured seaman's entitlement to maintenance and cure benefits. Maintenance and cure is a crucial legal doctrine that stems from the general maritime law, aiming to protect and provide financial assistance to seamen who sustain injuries or fall ill while working aboard vessels. This doctrine ensures that injured seamen receive necessary medical treatment, necessary expenses, and a subsistence allowance until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). The Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 6.6.2 explains and outlines key components and considerations necessary to establish a valid claim for maintenance and cure. When determining eligibility, jurors must consider the following factors: 1. Duty to Provide: The instruction emphasizes the duty of the employer or vessel owner to provide maintenance and cure benefits to seamen injured while working aboard a vessel. This includes both offshore and inland waters. 2. Illness or Injury: Jurors must assess whether the seaman suffered an illness or injury while in the service of the vessel. It is essential to establish a causal connection between the seaman's employment and the illness/injury suffered. 3. Medical Treatment: The instruction instructs jurors to consider whether the seaman received appropriate and necessary medical treatments related to their illness or injury. This includes costs associated with hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy. 4. MMI and Future Treatment: Jurors evaluate whether the seaman has reached MMI, which indicates the point at which the healing process is unlikely to significantly improve the individual's condition. Additionally, jurors may consider future medical treatment needs if it is established that the seaman's condition requires ongoing care. Different types of Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 6.6.2 Maintenance And Cure: 1. Maintenance: Maintenance refers to the seaman's right to receive necessary daily living expenses such as food, shelter, and household expenses during the period of recovery or treatment. This allowance continues until the seaman reaches MMI or maximum cure. 2. Cure: This element of maintenance and cure encompasses all reasonable medical expenses and treatments necessary to restore the seaman's health or relieve their illness or injury. The employer or vessel owner is obligated to cover these costs until the seaman attains MMI, regardless of fault or negligence. In conclusion, Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 6.6.2 Maintenance And Cure plays a crucial role in ensuring injured seamen receive the necessary financial support for medical treatment and daily living expenses while recovering from an illness or injury sustained in service of a vessel. By following these instructions, jurors can make informed decisions regarding the entitlement of seamen to maintenance and cure benefits, providing support and protection for those working in the maritime industry.