Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Medical Assessment and Timelines Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers may claim total permanent disability benefits and why medical assessment timelines are critical.
Seafarers' Total Disability: The 120-Day Rule and Duty to Refer to a Third Doctor
When a company doctor's assessment lapses beyond 120 days without valid final grading, a seafarer may claim total permanent disability.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Company Doctor's Assessment Is Not Enough
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer may claim total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
Unclear Medical Assessments Protecting Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits
A company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total permanent disability benefits, the Supreme Court ruled.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Primacy of the Company-Designated Physician's Assessment
A seafarer who abandons prescribed treatment and files a disability claim prematurely loses the right to total permanent disability benefits.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's "Fit to Work" Ruling Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer gets total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
The 240-Day Rule: When a Seafarer's Disability Claim Is Premature
The Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule on seafarer disability claims, explaining when filing for total permanent disability is premature.
Seafarers Rights: When Delayed Medical Assessment Means Total Disability
Learn how a company doctor's failure to assess a seafarer within 120 days can result in total permanent disability benefits under POEA rules.