Jones Act Lawyer
Looking For A Jones Act Lawyer?
The Jones Act is a critical federal law that offers protection to maritime workers injured or killed while performing their duties aboard a vessel. This legislation applies to inland river workers and merchant mariners navigating the seas and governs the liability of vessel operators and employers when such incidents occur. At SL Chapman, our experienced maritime attorneys have successfully represented workers in various maritime and offshore industries, including offshore oil operations, barge services, grain transfer platforms, and shipping.
Why You Need An Experienced Jones Act Lawyer
Determining whether an employee qualifies as a seaman under the Jones Act requires experienced legal analysis. Unlike land-based employees, maritime workers typically do not qualify for federal or state workers’ compensation benefits. The Jones Act was created to bridge this gap, enabling maritime employees to recover damages for accidents and injuries caused by employer negligence.
Seamen protected under the Jones Act span a wide range of professions, such as:
- Fishermen
- Cooks and stewards
- Deckhands
- Engineers
- Mates and captains
- Drillers and divers
- Pilots and anchors
Generally, any employee who spends at least 30% of their work time contributing to the function of a vessel on navigable waters may qualify for Jones Act protections.
Understanding Jones Act Cases
Jones Act claims differ significantly from traditional workers’ compensation or personal injury cases. These cases often involve large corporations accustomed to using their resources to minimize claims. At SL Chapman, we not only seek to obtain the compensation you deserve but also aim to hold these corporations accountable for unsafe practices.
In some cases, third-party negligence may also contribute to your injury. For example, if faulty equipment or products were involved, our attorneys can file a personal injury claim based on product liability, potentially increasing the compensation you may receive.
Types Of Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries can occur in various settings, including:
- Offshore oil rigs and jack-up rigs
- Cargo ships
- Commercial fishing boats
- Barges
- Dock and shipyard operations
- Charter fishing and tour boats
Dock workers, though not always covered under the Jones Act, may still qualify for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, offering additional avenues for recovery.
What The Jones Act Provides For Injured Workers
If negligence on the part of a vessel’s owner, operator, or employer contributed to your injury, you are justified in filing a Jones Act claim. Compensation in a Jones Act case often includes:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of living during recovery
Our attorneys also evaluate whether third-party negligence contributed to your injuries, potentially increasing your compensation through additional legal claims.
Why Choose SL Chapman?
At SL Chapman, we have an outstanding track record of holding employers accountable for negligence in Jones Act cases, including some that other attorneys were hesitant to pursue. Our team understands the urgency of early investigations, which is why our centralized locations enable us to be on-site within hours of an accident. Early evidence collection is crucial, as companies often act quickly to limit their liability.
Our skilled attorneys are known nationwide for their aggressive representation of injured individuals, ensuring that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Us Today For A Free Legal Consultation
If you are an offshore worker injured aboard a vessel and believe that negligence played a role in your accident, you may be eligible to file a Jones Act claim. Let SL Chapman’s experienced Jones Act lawyers fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 1-800-550-2106 for a FREE initial legal consultation. We are here to provide the skilled advocacy you need during this challenging time.
