The Jones Act
Merchant Marine Act of 1920
What you should know about Maritime Law...
Crew members on seagoing vessels assume dangerous jobs and risk serious injury while at sea – injuries that could take away their livelihood or permanently diminish their quality of life. Under the Jones Act, seamen have certain legal rights that offer protection to the health and livelihood of maritime employees. The act entitles them or their survivor, to file a lawsuit against their employer when their fellow crew members or ship owner's negligence caused their injury or death.
Also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the federal statute protects the United States maritime commerce in national waters and between U.S. ports. With hundreds of thousands of seaman working on barges, container ships, tugboats, towboats, crew boats, dredges, cargo ships, fishing vessels and other moveable vessels, this statute was established to protect the U.S. merchant marine industry.
If you suffered a serious injury while at sea, it is your right to seek compensation from your employer to protect your health, your family and your livelihood. If a loved one died while engaged in seagoing operations you may also be able to file a claim. The attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP are experienced and have a successful track record with maritime cases. We represent workers along the Gulf Coast in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, and we'll work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us toll free at 877-398-4972 or use our online contact form for a free initial consultation.
A Jones Act claim can be filed if the injured sailor can prove negligence or fault on the part of the ship's owners, operators or fellow crew members. A claim can also be made if the sailor can prove that the injury was caused because the ship was unsafe or unseaworthy. The ship’s owner is legally responsible for providing a safe ship and a properly trained crew. If there is a defect in the ship or with the shipping gear, or if the ship is inadequately maintained and a serious injury results, a claim can be filed.
When injured in a maritime accident, paid crew members on United States vessels are covered by the Jones Act. A seaman can file a claim under the Jones Act for the following damages:
- Maintenance and cure covering wages, housing and medical care;
- Damages due to negligence;
- Unseaworthiness of a vessel.
If the crew was not reasonably trained for his or her expected duty and that lack of skill or knowledge caused or contributed to the seaman's injury, then negligence may be proved. The expertise and experience of the crew is included within the definition of seaworthiness of the vessel.
It is important to know who qualifies as a Jones Act seaman, what structures are considered to be Jones Act vessels, and what rights are protected under the Jones Act.
You can read the applicable sections in our Jones Act reference section.
Also see GulfCoastMaritime.com for the latest news on maritime injuries and laws.
Contact Us Today
Due to the complexities and challenges presented with maritime law, you should not delay when initiating a claim for benefits under the Jones Act. If you suffered a maritime injury or illness, it is your right to seek compensation from the responsible parties. If a loved one died while in a marine position, you may be able to file a claim.
Arnold & Itkin LLP, serving maritime clients along the Gulf Coast in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, has a successful record in maritime law cases. We are aggressive, skilled and experienced, and we work hard to maximize our clients' recoveries. Our hard work allows us to go to trial with confidence in our ability to win.
To consult with an experienced Jones Act and maritime injury attorney, including a free initial consultation, call toll free at 877-398-4972 or contact us using the form on this page.
