Maritime Injuries (Jones Act)
The Jones Act: Protecting Maritime Workers
The Jones Act is a pivotal federal law designed to protect individuals who serve as crew members on ships or vessels. It extends its coverage to inland river workers and merchant mariners navigating the seas. This legislation governs the liability of vessel operators and employers in cases of work-related injuries or deaths that occur during an employee’s duties aboard a vessel. At SL Chapman, our skilled maritime attorneys have proudly represented clients working across diverse river and gulf industries, including offshore oil operations, barge services, grain transfer platforms, and shipping.
Why The Jones Act Is Essential For Maritime Workers
Unlike land-based employees, seamen are not typically covered by federal or state workers’ compensation programs. This gap in protection led to the creation of the Jones Act, which allows maritime workers to recover damages for injuries and accidents caused by employer negligence. Individuals protected under the Jones Act include workers such as:
- Fishermen
- Cooks and stewards
- Deckhands
- Engineers
- Mates and captains
- Drillers
- Pilots
- Divers
- Anchors
To qualify for Jones Act protections, a worker must spend at least 30% of their time contributing to the operation of a vessel on navigable waters.
Jones Act Cases: What Makes Them Unique
Jones Act claims differ from traditional workers’ compensation or personal injury cases. These cases often involve large companies accustomed to using their resources to limit liability. At SL Chapman, we don’t just advocate for fair compensation—we work to hold these corporations accountable.
In situations where a third party’s negligence contributed to the injury, our attorneys may also pursue personal injury claims based on product liability, potentially increasing the amount of compensation available to you.
Common Maritime Injuries
Maritime injuries can occur in a variety of settings, including:
- Offshore oil rigs and jack-up rigs
- Cargo ships
- Commercial fishing boats
- Barges
- Docks and shipyards
- Charter fishing boats and tour boats
These injuries may involve negligence by an employer or third party, and victims can file lawsuits under the Jones Act to recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Dock workers may also qualify for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, offering additional protection.
What You Could Be Entitled To Under The Jones Act
If negligence by a vessel owner, operator, or employer played a role in your injury, you have the right to file a claim under the Jones Act. Compensation can cover:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of living during recovery
Our attorneys will also evaluate whether product liability or third-party negligence may be involved, potentially increasing the compensation you receive.
Why Choose SL Chapman For Your Jones Act Case?
At SL Chapman, we have a proven track record of holding employers accountable for negligence under the Jones Act. We’ve taken on cases that other attorneys turned down, achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our centralized office locations enable our skilled legal teams to be on-site within hours of an accident to collect critical evidence. We understand how quickly companies act to limit their liability, and our early investigations are essential to building strong cases.
Our attorneys are known nationwide for their aggressive representation of injured individuals. When you choose SL Chapman, you’re not just hiring lawyers—you’re gaining a dedicated team committed to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact Us For A Free Legal Consultation
If you’re an offshore worker injured aboard a vessel and believe negligence contributed to your accident, don’t wait to file a claim under the Jones Act. At SL Chapman, we are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover.
Call us today at 1-800-550-2106 for a FREE initial legal consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and skilled legal support.
