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Jones Act Lawyers

Jones Act lawyers focus their legal practice on the representation of individuals who suffered an injury during their employment aboard a vessel at sea or whose employment contributed to the purpose of the vessel's voyage. As the relevant law in such cases, the Jones Act is a complex field of maritime law, and Jones Act lawyers have the knowledge and experience that are necessary for effective legal representation of those injured while at sea.

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act was enacted to cover seamen, which includes crewmembers and masters of the crew. When the Jones Act was passed in 1920, injured seamen were able to rely on a statute to better ensure compensation if getting injured while at sea. Now, in order to successfully win a Jones Act lawsuit, the injured seamen must just be able to prove negligence on the part of the employer.

Jones Act Lawyers The injured seamen can try to recover losses through the Jones Act if the employer committed an act that was the cause of the injury or if the employer failed to correct dangerous working conditions, which then led to the injury. Failure to show the employer was negligent will mean the injured seamen must show the vessel was not seaworthy at the time the injury was sustained. An attorney that has specialized in maritime law will be able to review the circumstances surrounding the injury and advise the seamen if a strong Jones Act lawsuit exists.

If a seaman has been injured on the water, it is always a good idea to contact a maritime lawyer. The attorney will be able to make certain the injured is aware of his/her legal rights and options and if the Jones Act may be applicable. Employers can sometimes try to downplay an injury because of fear of litigation that you are entitled to. Suffering an injury can result in lost wages, changes in lifestyle, pain and suffering, as well as other undesirable conditions that can be very serious or permanent.

Two Categories of Compensation

Jones Act lawyers fight to obtain compensation for their clients' losses. Two broad categories of compensation are sought in a Jones Act claim:

Maintenance and Cure, Transportation, and Wages

An employer that is found completely or partially liable for a worker's injury will be required to pay "maintenance and cure," or medical costs and living expenses until the worker has reached his/her maximum level of recovery from the injury. The employer will also be required to cover the costs of the worker's transportation to medical care facilities and the wages that the worker is due.
Negligence Damages

Jones Act lawyers also fight to obtain negligence damages — that is, compensation for pain and suffering, or the mental anguish suffered by the injured worker. This is a relatively recent addition to Jones Act compensation.

What Is the Impact of the Jones Act?

The Jones Act — actually a set of three laws — began when the United States Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 in an attempt to provide safer working conditions for seafaring employees. The rights of injured sea workers were afforded some protection by the Jones Act laws, which applies only to the unique environment of working at sea.

In the early 1970s, Jones Act lawyers were successful in persuading Congress to update and strengthen the Jones Act, and the Act now also covers accidents, injuries and deaths that arise:

in international waters, or
involving internationally owned vessels, or
among foreign (non-U.S.) sea workers

In 2006, Jones Act lawyers were also able to get the Jones Act amended so that it covers more types of workers.

Schedule a Consultation with a Jones Act Lawyer

If you were injured during your employment at sea, talk to a knowledgeable Jones Act attorney today. Contact us to schedule a no-cost, no-commitment consultation to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free and we encourage you to call to see how we can help you get your life back in order.