Maritime Jobs

Thriving for centuries, the maritime industry is an extensive field that employs millions of Americans in modern times. Yet, despite stimulating the nation's economy, the maritime industry has been notorious for putting its workers at risk of sustaining severe, permanent injuries and, in the worst cases, wrongful death.

As added protection for such employees, Congress passed the Jones Act (also referred to as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) that effectively awards injured maritime workers in the event they:

Sustain injuries while working (This does not require employees be shipboard, rather just that they be working)
Can prove that their injuries resulted from an employer's, crew member's or equipment manufacturer's negligence or recklessness
Are made to work aboard an unseaworthy vessel

If you or a loved one has been injured while under maritime employment, you may be entitled to a settlement for your injuries and losses. Learn more about your legal rights by consulting with an experienced Jones Act lawyer today.

Types of Maritime Industry Jobs

Maritime employees who are typically eligible for Jones Act settlements include (but aren't limited to):

cargo loaders
commercial divers
cooks
cruise ship employees
deckhands
dredge and tugboat operators
machinists
naval architects
pipe fitters and welders
recruiters
officers
oil rig and workboat operators
sailors and captains
ship engineers
vessel operators

Maritime Injuries

Unfortunately, the following factors increase the likelihood that maritime employees will sustain on-the-job injuries:

capsizing and/or sinking
collisions (with other vessels, rocks or the land)
explosions and/or fires on the ship
exposure to toxins
heavy lifting
overboard falls
unintended movement of heavy cargo and/or ballasts

Last year alone, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to over 27,000 maritime accidents.

Securing a Jones Act Settlement

Should you be a maritime employee who sustains an injury while working, it's essential that you:

Receive the medical care you need to prevent potential fatal complications
Consult with an esteemed Jones Act attorney to learn more about your legal rights

Initial consultations are free. Additionally, maritime lawyers work on contingency to alleviate plaintiffs' financial burdens as they stand up for their legal rights.

Ultimately, by pursuing a maritime injury lawsuit, injured workers can recover compensation for their medical bills, permanent disabilities and emotional pain and suffering.

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Maritime Jobs

Types of Maritime Industry Jobs

Maritime Injuries

Securing a Jones Act Settlement

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