Jones Act Worker’s Compensation

A Jones Act claim can give you the opportunity to secure compensation for injuries you sustained while on the job. 

Accidents that occur at work can be devastating to you and your family. You may be facing serious medical bills while dealing with life-altering injuries. When such injuries occur due to negligence on the part of employers or fellow crew members, the Jones Act becomes a crucial lifeline for maritime workers seeking compensation. 

Initiating a Jones Act claim and gathering the requisite evidence to establish negligence can be intricate and challenging. Seeking the professional guidance of an attorney well-versed in maritime law is crucial for navigating the complexities of Jones Act claims and making informed decisions about workers' compensation options. 

Contact the maritime lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling our offices at (832) 690-7000. Continue reading to learn more about maritime law and how a Jones Act claim can benefit you and your family. 

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What is the Jones Act? 

The Jones Act is a federal law in the United States that regulates maritime commerce and shipping. The Jones Act applies to "seamen," which typically includes individuals who contribute to the function of a vessel or fleet in navigation. This can encompass a range of maritime workers, such as container ship workers, captains, ferry boat workers, engineers, and other crew members.

The Jones Act provides certain legal rights and protections for maritime workers, particularly those employed on vessels. This includes the right for seamen to file personal injury claims against their employers for injuries caused by negligence. Unlike traditional workers' compensation, the Jones Act allows seamen who have been injured to seek damages for pain and suffering, and living expenses. 

What Damages are Available in Jones Act Worker’s Comp Lawsuits?

In Jones Act cases, injured maritime workers can pursue various types of damages through lawsuits. The Jones Act allows eligible seamen to seek compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of their employers or fellow crew members. The damages available in Jones Act cases may include:

• Daily living expenses: This type of damages may also be called “maintenance.” Maintenance refers to the daily living expenses, such as food and lodging, that an injured seaman is entitled to receive during their recovery. 
• Medical expenses: Medical expenses are compensation for medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and other related expenses.
• Lost wages: Injured seamen can seek compensation for lost wages resulting from the inability to work due to the injury. This may include past and future lost earnings, including the potential loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Unlike traditional workers' compensation, the Jones Act allows seamen to pursue damages for pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life resulting from the injury.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases involving willful misconduct by the employer, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Specific damages available can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the applicable laws. Additionally, the Jones Act provides a legal framework for injured maritime workers, allowing them to bring their claims to court and seek compensation for the full range of their losses.

If you are a maritime worker considering a Jones Act lawsuit, consulting with an experienced maritime attorney is crucial. An experienced maritime attorney can accurately calculate damages. Additionally, they can assess the details of your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.

It is always important to consult with an experienced attorney before pursuing any time of legal action. Jones Act lawsuits can be very complicated and involve specific knowledge of both maritime law and labor law. Contact the attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling our office at (832) 690-7000 to learn more about Jones Act lawsuits and how a lawsuit can benefit you. 

Jones Act Insurance Coverage

The Jones Act primarily addresses the legal rights and remedies available to seamen who are injured while working on vessels in navigable waters. It provides these maritime workers with the ability to pursue compensation from their employers for injuries caused by negligence.

However, vessel owners and employers typically carry various types of insurance to address potential liabilities, including those under the Jones Act. When pursuing a maritime lawsuit, it is important to be aware of these kinds of insurances and the complexities they can create. 

If you are a maritime worker and have questions about your rights or the availability of insurance coverage following an injury, consult with an experienced maritime attorney. Your attorney can help you by: 

• Assessing the specifics of your case
• Guiding you through the legal process
• Helping you understand the potential sources of compensation available to you.

Be sure to consult with an attorney before pursuing any type of lawsuit under the Jones Act. Maritime lawsuits can become incredibly complicated. An experienced maritime lawyer will be able to navigate the legal complexities of the Jones Act and help you secure the compensation you are entitled to. 

Contact an Experienced Jones Act and Worker's Compensation Lawyer

If you have been injured in a maritime accident and need guidance on Jones Act claims or workers' compensation, don't navigate the legal waters alone. Contacting an experienced Jones Act and workers' compensation lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek have many years of Jones Act claims experience. We have successfully secured multi-million dollar settlements for our clients in Jones Act claims and other maritime lawsuits. Contact our team online or by calling (832) 690-7000 for your free case evaluation today.