What Injured Alabama Maritime Workers Need to Know About the Jones Act

You probably heard all of the statistics about the dangers of working offshore. You might even know friends or co-workers who were injured in maritime accidents. But you most likely still didn’t think it would happen to you. If you have been hurt in an Alabama maritime accident, you need to learn about the Jones Act.

The Jones Act is a federal maritime law that was established in 1920 and provides certain legal rights to workers who are considered seaman. There are a few elements that are reviewed when determining if a worker is a Jones Act seaman. These factors include:

• The connection to a vessel or group of vessels.
• Whether the vessel(s) are in navigation. (Keep in mind that it doesn’t mean they have to be moving).
• The worker’s duties.

Top 3 Things You Need to Know

While there are many details of this law that apply to maritime workers, the following is a list of the top 3 things you need to know.

1. The Jones Act offers compensation known as maintenance and cure. These benefits are available to injured seamen, no matter who was at fault for the offshore accident. Maintenance is supposed to pay for your living expenses. Cure is meant to pay for the medical care for your offshore injuries.
2. You may be able to pursue damages. If negligence or unseaworthiness causes your injuries, you may be able to recover damages that go beyond maintenance and cure. For example, you may be compensated for past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, impairment and other damages.
3. As a Jones Act seaman, you qualify to bring a lawsuit regarding your maritime accident in state or federal court. Plus, you are entitled to a jury trial.

When you are injured offshore, you have to tread carefully. Even though you might be protected under the Jones Act, it doesn’t mean the maritime company will offer you a fair settlement for your injuries. That is why you may need the assistance of an experienced Alabama Jones Act attorney.

For more information or to get answers to your questions, contact the law offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom by calling (877) 724-7800 or filling out our online form.

Be sure to order a free copy of Jones Act lawyer Brian Beckcom’s book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case.