Offshore work is often associated with high-risk occupations. Normally, when someone is injured on the job, workers’ compensation offers a route to recover a settlement for medical bills or lost wages. However, sailors and maritime workers may not be covered by state laws.
If you are a maritime worker who was injured on the job due to negligence, you may have rights under the Jones Act. This act offers workers certain rights if they work in dangerous off-shore conditions where state laws, such as workers’ comp, do not apply. Learn if you are protected by the Jones Act.
Understanding the Jones Act
Dating back to 1920, Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act is commonly referred to as the Jones Act. This federal law regulates business on waterways between ports in the United States. Additionally, the Jones Act provides sailors with the right to seek damages for workplace injuries.
This law applies to you if you are classified as a maritime worker, someone who mainly works as a crew member on a ship or boat. You may be able to file a Jones Act case if:
- Your injury occurred offshore, on a seaworthy vessel
- You mainly work on a single ship or multiple ships with the same owner
- You were on board the ship to carry out your normal work duties
It can be difficult to understand who qualifies as a maritime worker or sailor under the Jones act and which rights you are entitled to. Montgomery Jones Act attorneys from our law firm can further explain your rights under the Jones Act.
For a free legal consultation with a Jones Act lawyer serving Montgomery, call (334) 523-0664
Who Is Covered Under a Jones Act Case?
To bring forth a Jones Act case, you must qualify as a protected category of worker. You must have been injured by negligence on the part of your employer, the shipowner, or other crew members.
Workers whose workplace injury claims may be covered by the Jones Act include:
- Merchant sailors
- Seamen
- Boat captains
- Barge workers
- Tugboat crew members
- Cargo ship workers
- Technicians
- Cooks
- Airline pilots
Any number of offshore workers may be covered under the Jones Act. A Jones Act lawyer in Montgomery can verify your employment category to determine if the Jones Act allows you to pursue damages related to your workplace accident.
Compensation Available to Injured Maritime Workers
After sustaining injuries in a workplace accident on board a ship, you have legal options to recover your losses. The compensation you may pursue depends on the result of your accident.
Compensation for Injuries
If you suffered injuries as a result of your offshore accident, you may be able to recover the cost of your current and future medical care. Your case could help you receive compensation for:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital and surgery cost
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
- Prescription drugs
- In-home medical care
In addition to the economical losses you suffered as a result of your accident, you may also pursue damages for pain and suffering.
Lost Wages
After suffering serious injuries requiring you to take time away from work to seek medical care, you may be able to receive compensation for lost wages. If you expect a long recovery, you can seek a settlement to cover future earnings while you heal. If you sustained a permanent disability preventing you from returning to work, you may claim reduced earning capacity.
Click to contact our Montgomery Workers’ Compensation Lawyers today
What a Jones Act Lawyer in Montgomery Can Do for You
To succeed in your Jones Act case, you will need to prove negligence on the part of your employer or another party, and that your offshore accident caused your injuries.
Our Jones Act lawyers in Montgomery can work on your case while you focus on your health. Our law firm can help you by:
- Staying on top of legal paperwork
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Collecting evidence that proves your employer’s negligence
- Interviewing witnesses about your accident
- Investigating your workplace safety measures
- Consulting with maritime safety experts
- Gathering medical expert testimony to explain the extent of your injures
- Answering your questions and updating you about the progress of your case
If we cannot negotiate a suitable settlement for your case, we will take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Speak With a Montgomery Jones Act Lawyer Today
The lawyers at Morris Bart & Associates, LLC are ready to help you bring your Jones Act case forward. Call us today if you have any questions. We’re available 24/7 so schedule your free case review with a Montgomery Jones Act attorney.
We understand that you are injured and worried about paying your medical bills on top of your normal expenses. For this reason, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You won’t have to pay us anything out of pocket.
Questions?Call (334) 523-0664
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
