Information on Jones Act Claims

The Jones Act is a maritime law that was passed by Congress to protect the rights of seaman. This act is designed to cover the legal dealings between ship owners and crewmembers in the event of a personal injury or wrongful death during the course of employment.

Jones Act Basics

The Jones Act covers any seaman who is on a vessel or an oil rig that is not permanently attached to the ocean floor. The definition of a qualifying seaman covers a number of different individuals including crewmembers, oil workers, fishermen, and technicians. These individuals can work on a variety of craft such as tugboats, oil rigs, supply ships, and barges.

Rights of Injured Workers

Under the conditions of the Jones Act, any worker has rights against the owner of the vessel following injury or death. These rights might include compensation for three essential elements: maintenance, cure, and wages. Maintenance involves a payment for basic living expenses. Cure refers to obtaining medical care at the expense of the vessel owner. Additionally, the injured worker also has the right to lost wages for the period of time they were unable to work as a result of their debility. In addition to these basic rights, vessel owners also have an obligation to maintain a safe work environment. If an accident, injury, or death comes as the result of a failure to ensure worker safety, the worker may also be eligible for compensation for pain, suffering, and disability.

Contact a Maritime Lawyer

In order to learn more about their rights, any seaman or boat worker who has been injured during the course of their duties should consult an attorney who understands maritime law.