Liberty, Texas Maritime Attorney Defines a “Jones Act Seaman”

Life as a seaman is difficult in more ways than one. There are the physical demands of the job to contend with, as well as the unpredictable weather and rough water. But that’s not all. Being away from family for long stretches of time can be incredibly difficult. Fishermen, rig workers, crewmembers, deckhands and other maritime employees work hard. Unfortunately, they also suffer some of the worst work-related injuries.

There is a federal law that protects the rights of injured workers, which is known as the Jones Act. This law is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and deals with the rights of workers following a maritime injury.

A Jones Act claim can be made when negligence causes a maritime accident. Damages from a Jones Act lawsuit could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, impairment and loss of enjoyment of life. There is other compensation that could be available under the Jones Act, which should be discussed with an experienced Liberty maritime attorney.

Not everyone is eligible to file a Jones Act lawsuit. The law is designed to protect “seamen,” which means any worker wanting to recover compensation must prove that he or she falls within this classification.

The general rule of thumb used to determine if a maritime worker is a seaman is based on the amount of time spent on the vessel. For example, if a worker spends more than 30 percent of his or her time on a vessel, then he or she will probably be considered a Jones Act seaman. However, this is just a guideline and there are many factors that go into determining the status of a worker.

If you have been hurt in an offshore accident, you should contact a Board Certified Liberty maritime lawyer for legal advice. For a free case evaluation with our office, contact us by calling 877.724.7800 or filling out our online form.

Be sure to order a copy of our controversial and popular book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case, written by maritime attorney Brian Beckcom. It is exclusively for injured offshore employees and their family members.