Since 1920, the Jones Act has protected seamen from negligence that causes on-the-job injuries. The Jones Act is part of maritime law and strives to ensure that seamen employed on water vessels are provided with a safe working environment. These laws allow seamen injured during their job due to negligence to seek compensation from their employer. If you need a Jones Act claim injury lawyer in Florida, come see our legal team at Ligori & Ligori at our office in the Miami, Tampa or Orlando area.
The Jones Act covers a wide assortment of situations that could result in injury to seamen while performing their duties. Employers of workers on fishing boats, barges, ferries, cruise ships, and other water vessels are responsible for providing safe watercraft, as well as safe conditions on the vessel. This covers anyone working on these vessels, from pile drivers and barge operators to blackjack dealers and hairdressers on cruise ships. This can cover injuries that are related to:
- Explosions on shipping vessels
- Watercraft collision accidents
- Falling objects
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Inadequate training
- Lack of safety equipment
Almost anyone who works on a vessel is covered by the Jones Act, which is similar to workers’ compensation insurance for those employed on land. However, there are fewer stipulations for proving fault under the Jones Act – if the employer is found to be negligent in any way contributing to a seaman’s injury accident, they may be liable for the injury.
Seamen Injury Compensation
Under the Jones Act, seamen can seek compensation for past and future medical expenses related to their on-the-job injury. It does not necessarily need to be work-related but occurs on the vessel where they live or work. They can also seek compensation for lost past and future wages, pain and suffering and lost earning potential. The employer does not need to be completely at fault for the injury – even slightly contributing to the injury through negligence can make the employer liable. Jones Act claims can provide significant compensation for seamen injured through negligence, often substantially more than on-land work injury claims.
