Life at sea is filled with challenges, and for many maritime workers, those challenges can become dangerous when employers fail to maintain safe working conditions. Accidents involving seamen, offshore workers, and those working on vessels often lead to severe injuries. Workers injured in these conditions are entitled to legal protections and compensation under the Jones Act.
At the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, we specialize in handling cases involving maritime injuries, including those covered by the Jones Act. Suppose you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working offshore or aboard a vessel. In that case, our Jones Act lawyers are here to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
You need an experienced Jones Act Lawyer on YOUR side.
The Jones Act is a federal law passed in the 1920s to help seamen recover damages when injured.
What the Jones Act actually does is provide injured seamen with a right to sue their employer when their employer’s negligence causes the injury.
But it has come to mean much more.
Today when we refer to a seaman’s Jones Act rights, it is a shorthand way of referring to all of a seaman’s rights when injured.
An injured seaman has three fundamental rights when injured:
- The right to receive Maintenance and Cure
- The right to sue his/her employer for negligence
- The right to sue the ship owner for unseaworthiness – a dangerous or defective condition of the ship that causes injury
A seaman is entitled to receive compensation to cover future medical expenses resulting from the problem. To make a claim under the Jones Act, you must qualify as a Jones Act seaman. It is often difficult for maritime workers to determine their status as a Jones Act seaman on their own, which is why you need a Jones Act lawyer.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law designed to protect American maritime workers. It grants seamen injured while working aboard vessels the right to sue their employers for negligence.
Unlike standard workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows injured seamen to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future losses related to their injury
To file a claim under the Jones Act, the worker must qualify as a “seaman,” which typically means they spend at least 30% of their time working on a vessel operating in navigable waters. The Jones Act covers various accidents, including slips and falls, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe working conditions.
The Jones Act applies to various accidents, including falls, equipment failures, and hazardous working conditions. Because proving negligence is crucial in these cases, hiring a knowledgeable Jones Act lawyer is essential to ensure a successful claim.
In addition to providing legal protections for seamen, the Jones Act also promotes using U.S.-flagged vessels for domestic shipping, ensuring that American workers and companies benefit from the country’s maritime trade.
Executive Order 14005
Executive Order 14005, titled “Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers,” was signed by President Biden in January 2021.
The order aims to strengthen the United States manufacturing base by ensuring that federal investments and procurements prioritize American-made goods.
It supports policies reinforcing domestic supply chains, boosting union jobs, and enhancing opportunities for American workers in industries critical to national security and infrastructure.
The order includes provisions for reviewing and tightening the enforcement of the Buy American Act, which mandates federal agencies to prefer U.S.-made products when spending taxpayer dollars.
It also establishes a Made in America Office to oversee and implement the new rules and guidelines and ensure that federal agencies comply with the directive.
Executive Order 14005 represents a broader effort to revitalize American industries, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and create sustainable, high-quality jobs in the U.S. manufacturing sector.
This move aligns with the administration’s goal of promoting economic growth through policies prioritizing American workers and domestic businesses.
Common Jones Act Injuries and Accidents
At the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, we represent injured seamen and maritime workers in various offshore and vessel-related accidents, including:
Slip and Falls:
Wet or uneven surfaces on decks and stairways can lead to serious falls, causing broken bones, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries.
Crane Accidents:
Accidents involving cranes or other heavy equipment can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Deck Injuries:
Dangerous or defective conditions on decks can cause severe injuries to seamen, longshoremen, and dockworkers.
Heavy Lifting Injuries:
Improper lifting techniques or heavy loads can cause back injuries, herniated discs, or other musculoskeletal problems.
Equipment:
Malfunctions involving winches, hoists, and other maritime equipment can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Exposure to Toxic Substances:
Working with hazardous chemicals or in unsafe environments can result in severe illnesses or injuries.
If you have been injured in any of these accidents, our Jones Act lawyers can help you determine your best legal options.
Proving Negligence in a Jones Act Claim
Establishing negligence is the foundation of a successful Jones Act claim. In the context of maritime work, this may involve proving that your employer:
- Failed to provide a safe working environment.
- Did not maintain equipment properly.
- Failed to train workers adequately.
- Did not provide the necessary safety gear.
Our Jones Act lawyers have extensive experience handling maritime injury cases, including those involving longshoremen and other maritime workers. We will work tirelessly to prove your employer’s negligence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available Under the Jones Act
If you are an injured maritime worker, the compensation available to you under the Jones Act can cover various types of damages, including:
Medical Expenses
Coverage for immediate medical treatment and long-term care related to your injury.
Lost Wages
Compensation for the time you could not work due to your injury.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Future Medical Care
If your injury requires ongoing medical treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses.
Our firm’s Jones Act lawyer will work diligently to ensure you receive the total compensation you are entitled to.
Time Limits for Filing a Jones Act Claim
If you have been injured while working offshore or aboard a vessel, it is crucial to act quickly. The statute of limitations for filing a Jones Act claim is generally three years from the date of the injury.
However, delays in seeking legal advice can impact your ability to collect evidence and build a strong case. Contacting an experienced Jones Act lawyer as soon as possible will help protect your legal rights and ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
The cornerstone of U.S. Maritime Safety & Security
The Jones Act, a federal law enacted in 1920, is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the U.S. maritime industry. This act protects the rights of seamen (maritime workers) injured while working onboard vessels in U.S. waters.
Here’s how the Jones Act contributes to a safe and secure maritime environment:
Enhanced Safety Measures:
Knowing that they can be held liable for negligence under the Jones Act, ship owners and employers have a solid incentive to prioritize safety measures onboard vessels. This includes:
Implementing proper safety protocols and training for crew members.
Maintaining vessels in good working order to prevent accidents.
Providing adequate safety equipment and resources to prevent injuries
Fair Compensation for Injured Seamen:
The Jones Act empowers injured seamen to seek compensation for their injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This financial security encourages seamen to report injuries promptly and seek proper medical attention, leading to faster recovery and a healthier workforce.
Accountability for Negligence:
The Jones Act discourages unsafe practices onboard vessels by holding negligent employers accountable for injuries. Maritime employers, including ship owners and operators, are less likely to cut corners on safety when they know they may face significant financial consequences.
This accountability ensures safer working environments for seamen and maritime workers, who rely on their employers to provide proper training, equipment, and safe working conditions.
Attracting and Retaining Qualified Seamen:
The Jones Act’s compensation and fair treatment provisions create a more attractive work environment for seamen.
This helps attract and retain qualified personnel, ultimately contributing to a more experienced and skilled workforce in the maritime industry, which is essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.
How the Jones Act Lawyers at Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor Can Help You
If you or a loved one is an injured seaman or maritime worker, the Jones Act lawyers at the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor are here to provide experienced and knowledgeable representation.
Our team specializes in maritime injury law and has extensive experience handling claims involving seamen’s rights under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence and requires employers to provide safe working conditions.
The Jones Act applies to maritime workers, including those employed on cruise ships, cargo vessels, fishing boats, and offshore platforms. Suppose you are a seaman injured while working on any of these vessels. In that case, you may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act.
The Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor are experienced in handling Jones Act cases. They can help you determine whether you qualify as a Jones Act seaman.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Jones Act Case in the United States?
When you choose the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor, you select a firm with decades of experience in maritime law and a proven track record of success.
We have represented seamen and maritime workers injured in various offshore and vessel-related accidents, and we know how to hold negligent employers accountable under the Jones Act. Our expertise in maritime injury law allows us to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
Our firm offers:
- Free consultations – We offer free initial case evaluations to help you understand your legal options.
- No fees unless we win – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation.
- Personalized attention – We treat each case with the care and attention it deserves, working closely with our clients to achieve the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jones Act Claims
1. What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a federal law protecting the rights of seamen (maritime workers) injured while working on vessels in U.S. waters. It allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence and recover compensation.
2. Who qualifies as a Jones Act seaman?
To qualify as a Jones Act seaman, you must be a crew member contributing to the vessel’s navigation or operation. This includes individuals who work in the engine room, galley, or other essential areas of the ship. However, shore-based workers, such as dockworkers or office staff, generally do not qualify as Jones Act seamen.
3. What types of injuries are covered by the Jones Act?
The Jones Act covers a wide range of injuries that can occur on a vessel, including:
- Slip and falls
- Crane accidents
- Deck injuries
- Heavy lifting injuries
- Drowning incidents
- Medical negligence
- Assault and battery
4. What is the statute of limitations for filing a Jones Act claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a Jones Act claim is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, there may be exceptions to this deadline in certain circumstances.
5. How much compensation can I recover under the Jones Act?
If you are successful in your Jones Act claim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Punitive damages in some instances
The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your case.
Contact A Jones Act Lawyer in California
Employers and ship owners know the law, and have their lawyers and investigators at the ready to protect their interests. If you, your spouse or a loved one has been injured, become ill, or has suffered wrongful death which is in any way related to work on a vessel, you may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act.
If this is the case, you need an experienced Jones Act Lawyer on your side.
To arrange a free initial consultation, please call us today toll-free at 1-888-440-5829. You can also contact via our free and confidential case review form located on this page, and we will follow up with you directly. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the Jones Act.
