Crew injuries, wrongful death, and maritime workers’ compensation

The human element in the maritime industry is the central interest protected in all international conventions, national laws, and regulations. Panama, home to 16% of the world’s fleet, is a signatory to more than 32 international conventions for the protection of life at sea and was one of the first countries to ratify the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006.

The Maritime Courts of Panama have jurisdiction to hear seafarers’ claims related to work, injury, and wrongful death. For 30 years, Panama has developed extensive case law in the resolution of these claims.

Any seafarer or their heirs, of any nationality, may file a claim against any vessel present in Panama and subject to arrest by the Maritime Courts. Under certain circumstances, the court may grant the arrest of sister ships.

Seafarers are entitled to compensation for injuries resulting from the shipowner’s breach of duty of care. Injuries occurring during service in the course of employment are claimable.

The seafarer’s heirs (spouse, children, and parents) are entitled to claim damages for loss of life. Claimable damages include expected damages (loss of earning capacity according to the level of economic dependence) and compensatory damages (medical and funeral expenses). Moral damages, awarded at the discretion of the judge, compensate for emotional suffering.