There is no doubt that working in the maritime industry can be a dangerous profession. The proximity to heavy equipment and hazardous weather can increase the chances of an accident occurring, especially if your employer is negligent. If you are injured in an accident while working at sea, you may be entitled to damages under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act provides a path to compensation for workers injured while at sea or working in navigable waters. Our dedicated maritime injury attorneys understand the law and know how to help you maximize your recovery. Let a Houston Jones Act lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas evaluate your case and help you plot a path forward.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides vital protections for seamen injured while working at sea or on navigable waters. Unlike many land-based workers who can turn to state workers’ compensation systems, maritime workers have a separate legal framework. The Jones Act allows eligible seamen to file a lawsuit directly against their employers when negligence plays a role in their injury. This means that if an employer fails to provide a safe working environment, an injured seaman can pursue compensation under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act is unique due to its broad interpretation of negligence. Even small oversights by an employer that contribute to an injury can lead to a viable claim for compensation. Because working offshore comes with certain risks, the law was designed to ensure that maritime workers have meaningful remedies when something goes wrong. Our Houston lawyers understand what it takes to prevail in a Jones Act claim.
Understanding Eligibility
Eligibility under the Jones Act depends on whether a worker qualifies as a seaman, as a Houston lawyer can explain. To meet this requirement, you must spend a significant amount of your working time contributing to the function of a vessel in navigation. The vessel must be afloat, capable of moving, and operating on navigable waters. Navigable waters can include the open sea or areas near land that ebb and flow with the tide.
Dockworkers and land-based employees typically fall under other laws, but those who live and work aboard ships, offshore rigs, or other qualifying vessels may pursue claims under the Jones Act if they suffer injuries resulting from an act of employer negligence.
Recovering Damages Through a Jones Act Claim
There are different forms of compensation you may be able to recover with the help of a Houston Jones Act attorney. First, you could be eligible for Maintenance and Cure damages regardless of who was at fault. This includes your medical bills and the cost of shelter during the time that you would typically have been at sea.
If you can show that your employer’s negligence led to your injuries, you could be entitled to additional damages. These might include the lost wages and benefits you would have earned had you not suffered any injuries. Other examples include your pain and suffering as well as any future medical expenses. Our attorneys can review your claim and help you seek justice after a maritime injury.
Talk to a Jones Act Attorney in Houston Today
The thought of pursuing legal action for a work-related injury might seem daunting, especially if you are in the maritime industry. Fortunately, you can rely on our team of seasoned professionals to help you throughout the process. We never back down in these cases, and we know what it takes to go to court and win when employers refuse to make a reasonable offer. Contact a Houston Jones Act lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas today to get started.