A short historical background reviews the jurisdiction of the maritime courts and/or compensation statutes that may be applicable. The classification of the maritime worker involving the worker's status as a possible seaman and the classification of the vessel is important to determine under which venue the claim should be processed. The Article covers the damages that may be recovered; compensation when it is available; and the general maritime law rights to maintenance, cure, and unearned wages, together with a discussion of changes in the law that may occur in the millennium.