Overview Of The Jones Act And How It Can Protect You
As a maritime worker, you face many risks on the job. The Jones Act is a federal law that was created to protect maritime workers who are injured or killed while working on vessels. The act allows injured seamen to sue their employer for damages resulting from injuries caused by the employer’s negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. In Louisiana this law is crucial to understand.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act was created to protect American maritime workers and promote the growth of the American shipping industry. The act requires that all vessels used for commerce between U.S. ports be built and registered in the United States, and that they be crewed by American citizens or legal residents.
Who is covered by the Jones Act?
The Jones Act covers any “seaman” who works aboard a vessel. A seaman is defined as any person who contributes to the work of a vessel and has a connection to the vessel in navigation. This includes anyone who works on a vessel as a crew member, whether they are a captain, engineer, deckhand, or other crew member.
How does the Jones Act protect you?
The Jones Act provides a way for maritime workers who are injured or killed on the job to seek compensation from their employer. Under the act, a seaman can sue their employer for damages if they are injured as a result of the employer’s negligence or if the vessel they are working on is unseaworthy. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
To qualify for protection under the Jones Act, a seaman must be able to show that their injury was caused by the employer’s negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. This means that the employer must have failed to provide a safe working environment, failed to properly maintain the vessel, or failed to provide adequate safety equipment or training.
What should you do if you are injured on the job?
If you are injured while working on a vessel, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Make sure to document your injuries and keep a record of all medical expenses. You should also report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
If you believe that your injury was caused by the employer’s negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel, you should contact an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights under the Jones Act and guide you through the process of filing a claim against your employer.
If you are a seaman who has been injured on a vessel, it is important to understand your rights under the Jones Act and to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. With the right legal representation, you can recover the compensation you deserve and get back on the path to recovery. Palazzo Law Firm has offices throughout the New Orleans area, including in Gretna, and Metairie and are prepared to offer high quality legal advice for your injuries today.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/50101
