Jones Act Claims: Protecting Injured Maritime Workers
Understanding the Jones Act and Your Rights as a Seaman
The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides essential protections to maritime workers who qualify as seamen. This law allows injured seamen to file negligence claims against their employers for compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Learn more about Maritime Injury Claims and Offshore Injury Legal Services.
Who Qualifies for a Jones Act Claim?
To file a Jones Act claim, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be employed as a seaman working on a vessel in navigation.
- Spend at least 30% of your working time aboard the vessel.
- The injury must be a result of employer negligence or an unsafe working environment.
Common maritime workers covered under the Jones Act include:
- Deckhands, crew members, and engineers
- Captains and officers
- Fishermen and offshore supply vessel workers
Learn more about Seamen Rights and Maritime Laws.
Negligence
When negligence of a crew member or employer contributes in any way to an injury, the employer may be liable as a “third party”. Negligence arises when someone acts unreasonable and contributes to the cause of an injury. An example of this would be if a coworker misused a tool, resulting in injury to a fellow crew member. Employers have a duty to ensure their employees are well equipped and trained. If they fail to do so and as a result you are harmed by a coworker or other employee then the employer may be held liable.
Unseaworthiness
Injuries may arise due to unforeseen accidents but sometimes neglect of a vessel is at fault. Federal law requires vessel owners to maintain their vessel in seaworthy condition. Seaworthy means the vessel must be adequately staffed, sufficiently supplied and in working condition. Consideration must be given to the voyage length, cargo, staff and foreseeable conditions. In general, the boat, equipment and crew must be in proper condition and complete their intended functions. Failure to provide proper equipment, training or guidance can make a vessel unseaworthy. While no one might be actively negligent, the lack of meeting seaworthiness requirements fulfills the criteria for negligence. Reasonable care should be taken to ensure the workplace is safe and workers are protected from danger. If something did not work for its intended purpose and an injury resulted from this, the vessel owner may be liable for being unseaworthy. Only the aspect that contributes to the injury must be unseaworthy for damages to be rewarded. Vessel owners have an absolute duty to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel. Numerous of our cases arise out of issues with the seaworthiness of the vessel and in question.
Filing a Jones Act Claim: The Process Explained
If you’ve suffered a maritime injury, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps to protect your legal rights.
Steps to File a Jones Act Claim:
- Report the Injury: Notify your employer immediately and document the incident.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Ensure your injuries are evaluated and recorded.
- Gather Evidence: Collect witness statements, photos, and employer records.
- Consult an Experienced Jones Act Attorney: A specialized maritime lawyer can guide you through the claim process.
- File Your Lawsuit: Legal action must be taken within the 3-year statute of limitations under the Jones Act.
For a free case evaluation, contact our Jones Act Legal Team today.
Compensation Available Under the Jones Act
A successful Jones Act lawsuit can provide financial relief for:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, surgeries, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings: Compensation for past and future income loss.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Maintenance and Cure: Daily living expenses and medical care, regardless of fault.
Case Study: A Proven Track Record of Success
Case Example
A deckhand injured in an offshore accident due to faulty equipment secured a $3 million settlement through a Jones Act claim. The compensation covered extensive medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term disability care.
Explore more Jones Act Case Results.
Why Choose Our Maritime Injury Lawyers?
- Proven Experience: Decades of success handling Jones Act cases.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
- Local Expertise: Serving Houston, Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, and nationwide maritime workers.
- Recognized Attorneys: Featured in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
- Client Satisfaction: Over 200+ five-star Google reviews.
Learn more about our Houston Maritime Injury Lawyers and Gulf of Mexico Offshore Accident Claims.
Client Testimonials
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at sea, we can help. Don’t navigate this alone—our maritime injury lawyers are ready to fight for you.
- Call Us Now: (888) 571-1001
- Schedule a Free Case Review
- Serving Houston, Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, Galveston, New Orleans, and maritime workers nationwide.
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The lawyers at Doyle Dennis Avery LLP have vast experience in offshore claims and understand numerous federal maritime laws, such as the Jones Act law, that apply to offshore claims. Our Texas firm works every day to help clients across state lines and international borders in their maritime accident claims
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