Injured Working on the Water? The Jones Act Protects You. Our Law Firm Can Help.

The Jones Act, formally the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that gives seamen the right to sue their employer for negligence when they are injured on the job. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows recovery of full tort damages including pain and suffering, lost wages, and future earning capacity. The negligence standard under the Jones Act is lower than in typical personal injury cases, which makes it a powerful tool for injured maritime workers.

Seaman status requires that you spend a substantial portion of your work time on a vessel in navigation on navigable waters and that you contribute to the function of the vessel or the accomplishment of its mission. This covers deckhands, engineers, river barge workers, tug crew, and many others who work on commercial vessels on the Ohio River and other navigable waterways. We assess your status immediately because it determines which federal rights apply to your case.

Maintenance and cure are separate from Jones Act negligence claims and do not require proving fault. Maintenance is a daily living allowance your employer must pay while you are unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness. Cure is the employer’s obligation to pay your medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement. Employers who improperly withhold or delay maintenance and cure can be held liable for additional damages including attorney fees.

Workers who spend time on or near navigable waterways but do not qualify as seamen may have rights under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which covers longshoremen, dock workers, ship repairers, and others in maritime employment. The LHWCA provides federal workers’ compensation benefits and in some cases additional claims against vessel owners. We evaluate all applicable federal remedies

The Jones Act has a three-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. Maintenance and cure claims may have different deadlines. However, evidence from vessels and waterways deteriorates or disappears quickly, and employers begin managing their defense immediately. Contact us as soon as possible after your injury.

Report the injury to your supervisor and request that an official accident report be completed. Seek medical attention immediately and tell the treating provider the injury occurred at work on a vessel. Do not sign any statements, releases, or documents presented by your employer or their insurance carrier before speaking with a maritime attorney. Signing the wrong document can waive your federal rights.

Jones Act damages include past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of willful and wanton employer misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. Maintenance and cure are available separately and immediately, without proving negligence.

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no out-of-pocket costs to you.