Interested in working with us? Call us on 1.877.724.7800 or fill out this quick form and we will contact you within 24 hours!
Maritime Information
What Our Clients Say
- I hired Brian after I was hurt on an offshore oil platform. I would recommend Brian and his law firm to anyone who needed a good injury lawyer, and especially any offshore worker. . ..
Jackie R
Houston, Texas - Brian and his staff are courteous and professional, and they work diligently to make sure the client transitions through the process as easily and comfortably as possible.
Your sincere and satisfied client,
Steve T.
Houston, Texas - I was hurt on a boat offshore. Brian and
his law firm worked hard on my case. The settlement he got for me will
take care of my financial needs for the rest of my life. If you are
looking for someone to take your interests at heart Brian and his law
firm can give you the attention your case deserves.
Tim M.
Austin,
Texas - There are only a small number of attorneys who could handle such a complex case as mine, and Brian was at the top of the list. His response time is unsurpassed, replying within minutes to my initial enquiry. He has an instinctive understanding of the legal issues, and consummate people skills, an essential attribute in the negotiation phase of any litigation. Thanks to Brian the case was settled favorably within a year.
Steven S.,
Wales, U.K. - Brian, your book was a real eye-opener. If I had read your book sooner, I would have avoided a lot of costly mistakes.
Captain Jim Vickers - I was hurt on an offshore oil rig. I was unable to work or get proper medical care from the company. I was referred to Brian by another law firm because that firm knew Brian specialized in Jones Act cases. Brian settled my case in less than 12 months. The settlement will enable me to take care of my family financially for a long time. I would highly recommend Brian and his firm to any injured worker.
Freddy N.,
Lufkin, Texas
Disclaimer
We designed this website to provide information to consumers, injured people, and their families. Our goal is to level the playing field between consumers and insurance companies and expose the tricks, traps, and techniques they use to cheat injured people out of their legal rights. We also let consumers know about legal news, including verdicts and settlements and other interesting legal information.
But please understand that nothing on this website is meant to provide legal information about your specific case, create an attorney-client relationship, or imply that the results of your legal case will be the same as some other case.
Jones Act Injury Information - Protect Your Legal Rights
The Jones Act is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, a federal law passed by the United States Congress. The Merchant Marine Act regulates maritime activity in the United States and in U.S. ports.
The Jones Act was first adopted in 1920 and re-codified on October 6, 2006.
Part of the Jones Act deals with seaman's rights after a maritime injury. Before the Jones Act was passed, seaman's rights were a matter of Admiralty law, decided by the Courts. Seaman's rights had been recognized for centuries but were not part of the United States Code.
The Jones Act allows injured "seaman" to bring a legal claim for damages against the shipowner, captain, and crewmembers for negligence or unseaworthiness. Injured seamen can also bring a claim for maintenance and cure. If the employer wrongfully denies maintenance and cure, the injures seaman can bring a claim for punitive damages.
The Jones Act is an extension or addition to the Federal Employee's Liability Act, a law passed by the U.S. Congress to protect injured railroad workers.
The Jones Act only applies to "seamen" injured in the course of their employment. In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court in Chandris, Inc. v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347 (1995) set forth the standard test for determining whether a maritime employee qualified as a Jones Act seaman.
Essentially, any worker who spends less than 30% of his or her time on a vessel in navigable waters is presumed not to be a seaman.
However, this is just a Rule of Thumb. You may be a Jones Act seaman if you spent less than 30% of your time on a vessel, and conversely, you may NOT be a Jones Act seaman if you spent more than 30% of your time on a vessel. An experienced maritime injury attorney can analyze the facts of your case and determine if you are a Jones Act seaman or not.
Any injured worker who qualifies under the Jones Act is entitled to bring his or her case in state or federal court and is entitled to a jury trial.
Seaman are entitled to many benefits under the Jones Act. Here are some benefits:
Maintenance and Cure
Unearned Wages
Lost Wages, Past and Future
Damages for Personal Injury Including Pain and Suffering, Disfigurement, Impairment, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life (If the company was neligent).
Determining how much money your Jones Act case is worth is a complicated question. The value of your case will be determined by many factors, including whether the company was negligent, whether the boat was unseaworthy, whether the company is paying your maintenance and cure benefits, how badly you are injured, your lost wages, and whether you will be able to work again.
Read this article to get more information: Settlement Values for Jones Act Cases
Click Here if you want to read the full text of the Jones Act Act.
However, the Jones Act has been interpreted by the Courts for many different types of cases, injuries, and accidents, so simply reading the Jones Act is not likely to give you enough information to evaluate your case.
Contrary to popular belief, you may not need an attorney for your Jones Act injury case. If your case involves minor injuries, you may not even need an attorney.
Read this article to find out more about whether you need an attorney:
Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Attorney For Your Jones Act Case
Also, although it seems relatively rare, if the company is treating you well after an injury, you may not need a Jones Act attorney immediately.
Be careful with this situation, though. Sometimes the company may be treating you well but actually working "behind the scenes" to minimize your case, blame you for the accident, or even eliminate completely your legal rights under the Jones Act.
I've developed a "tool" for injured Jones Act and maritime workers that will help you determine if the company is really concerned about your future or whether, instead, they are trying to trick you or mimimize your case.
It's called "Protect Your Future." It's FREE for injured Jones Act seamen and maritime workers.
Give me a call toll free at 877.724.7800 if you want a copy delivered to you immediately.
The Jones Act was first adopted in 1920 and re-codified on October 6, 2006.
Part of the Jones Act deals with seaman's rights after a maritime injury. Before the Jones Act was passed, seaman's rights were a matter of Admiralty law, decided by the Courts. Seaman's rights had been recognized for centuries but were not part of the United States Code.
Who Can Bring A Case Under The Jones Act?
The Jones Act allows injured "seaman" to bring a legal claim for damages against the shipowner, captain, and crewmembers for negligence or unseaworthiness. Injured seamen can also bring a claim for maintenance and cure. If the employer wrongfully denies maintenance and cure, the injures seaman can bring a claim for punitive damages.
The Jones Act is an extension or addition to the Federal Employee's Liability Act, a law passed by the U.S. Congress to protect injured railroad workers.
The Jones Act only applies to "seamen" injured in the course of their employment. In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court in Chandris, Inc. v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347 (1995) set forth the standard test for determining whether a maritime employee qualified as a Jones Act seaman.
Essentially, any worker who spends less than 30% of his or her time on a vessel in navigable waters is presumed not to be a seaman.
However, this is just a Rule of Thumb. You may be a Jones Act seaman if you spent less than 30% of your time on a vessel, and conversely, you may NOT be a Jones Act seaman if you spent more than 30% of your time on a vessel. An experienced maritime injury attorney can analyze the facts of your case and determine if you are a Jones Act seaman or not.
Do Jones Act Seamen Get a Jury Trial?
Any injured worker who qualifies under the Jones Act is entitled to bring his or her case in state or federal court and is entitled to a jury trial.
What Benefits Are Available Under the Jones Act?
Seaman are entitled to many benefits under the Jones Act. Here are some benefits:
Maintenance and Cure
Unearned Wages
Lost Wages, Past and Future
Damages for Personal Injury Including Pain and Suffering, Disfigurement, Impairment, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life (If the company was neligent).
How Much Is My Jones Act Case Worth?
Determining how much money your Jones Act case is worth is a complicated question. The value of your case will be determined by many factors, including whether the company was negligent, whether the boat was unseaworthy, whether the company is paying your maintenance and cure benefits, how badly you are injured, your lost wages, and whether you will be able to work again.
Read this article to get more information: Settlement Values for Jones Act Cases
Read the Full Text of the Jones Act
Click Here if you want to read the full text of the Jones Act Act.
However, the Jones Act has been interpreted by the Courts for many different types of cases, injuries, and accidents, so simply reading the Jones Act is not likely to give you enough information to evaluate your case.
Do I Need to Hire At Attorney For My Jones Act Case?
Contrary to popular belief, you may not need an attorney for your Jones Act injury case. If your case involves minor injuries, you may not even need an attorney.
Read this article to find out more about whether you need an attorney:
Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Attorney For Your Jones Act Case
Also, although it seems relatively rare, if the company is treating you well after an injury, you may not need a Jones Act attorney immediately.
Be careful with this situation, though. Sometimes the company may be treating you well but actually working "behind the scenes" to minimize your case, blame you for the accident, or even eliminate completely your legal rights under the Jones Act.
Protect Your Future
I've developed a "tool" for injured Jones Act and maritime workers that will help you determine if the company is really concerned about your future or whether, instead, they are trying to trick you or mimimize your case.
It's called "Protect Your Future." It's FREE for injured Jones Act seamen and maritime workers.
Give me a call toll free at 877.724.7800 if you want a copy delivered to you immediately.
Free Book For Injured Jones Act Seaman
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, before you sign anything or give a recorded statement, you need to order Maritime Attorney Brian Beckcom’s book,
Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. This controversial book will answer your pressing legal questions and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case. This controversial book will answer your pressing legal questions and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Help for Injured Offshore Workers
No matter where you live, we can help. We have been able to achieve positive resolutions for our clients within the maritime industry. We continuously work hard in our defense of the Jones Act and maritime law.
If you want our help, please use the Contact Forms on this website. Many of our clients prefer to call us directly. If you'd prefer to talk to your Jones Act Attorney directly, call us today toll free at 877.724.7800.
Blog for Jones Act
- Improper venue, expired statute of limitations sink winch injury Jones claim
- Washington State Ferries not liable for selling a violent drunk a ticket
- Louisiana man files Jones Act claim for unseaworthiness
- Port worker files claim after wet paint slip and fall
- LNG Mariners need to be aware of terrorism risk
- Art Catering Settles Injury Case Brought By Injured Employee
- Jones Act Lawsuit Filed Against Diamond Offshore
- Seaman Sues Towing Companies Over Unseaworthy Vessel
- Your Rights When Your Employer Won't Pay Maintenance & Cure
- Jones Act lawsuits filed in mystery Gulf sinking
- Maersk Alabama crew members file lawsuit
- Offshore Oil Rig Workers Protected by the Jones Act
- The Insurance Company May Try to Lower the Value of Your Maritime Injury Claim
- Have You Been Injured in a Tanker Accident?
- Seaman’s Rights in a Tugboat Accident
- What You Should Know if your are Injured in a Barge Accident
- Aussie chooses American law firm in claim against drilling company
- Company strikes out attempting to exclude evidence in deckhand trainee claim
- A Knee Injury may be Covered Under the Jones Act
- Jones Act May Provide Compensation for an Arm Injury
- Cauda Equina Syndrome & the Jones Act
- Vessel Explosions Can Lead to Devastating Maritime Injuries
- Have You Suffered a Herniated Disc While Working Offshore?
- Casino deckhand injured removing driftwood
- Will your maritime helicopter crash lawyer handle your case personally?
- Settlement reached in offshore mariner's $5 million Jones Act suit
- Mariner files Jones Act suit for unsafe workplace
- Misconduct by Crew Can Lead to Injuries
- Mariner seeking 480K in injury case gets $2,420 instead
- Seaman injury lawsuit dropped due to improper venue
- Cruise ship dancer ruled "not a seaman"; loses Jones Act injury claim
- Certain U.S. fishing vessels paying foreign crew 70 cents an hour?
- Non-residents allowed right to work in U.S. coastwise trade
- Cancelled changes to offshore industry a blow to Jones Act supporters
- Proposed Jones Act changes being scrapped
- Vessel owner not held liable for longshoreman's injuries
- Foreign vessels loophole their way around Jones Act in Gulf of Mexico, Part 2
- Foreign vessels loophole their way around Jones Act in Gulf of Mexico, Part 1
- Fishing vessel seaman loses appeal for arm injury claim
- Court upholds mariner's right for payment in neck injury
- Proposed Jones Act changes worries offshore industry
- Court to decide whether dredge worker was a “seaman”
- Company denies responsibility for back claim because injury occurred off the vessel
- Mariners should weigh the risks of anthrax shots
- Mariner claims she was fired for being a whistleblower; lawsuit allowed to proceed
- Injured mariners may find Jones Act justice even with pre-existing conditions
- Offshore company liable for aggravating employee’s back condition
- Rig worker's request for bench trial upheld
- Time did not run out on drilling rig worker’s claim for lung damage
- Jones Act justice denied when filing under the wrong law
- Jones Act lawsuit dismissed because accident did not occur on a "vessel"
- Jones Act Protection for Back Injury Caused by a Maritime Accident
- Don’t take any sort of settlement after your maritime accident before consulting with a maritime accident injury lawyer
- When is a Worker Considered to be a Jones Act Seaman?
- Is a Maintenance Worker Protected Under the Jones Act?
- Offshore Neck Injury
- Maintenance and Cure – Compensation for Injured Seamen
- Read the latest article by Mr. Beckcom on whether to give a recorded statement after an offshore injury
- King Fisher Marine dredge worker killed in Houston Ship Channel
- Our firm hired by another Norwegian Cruise Lines employee to file cruise ship injury case against NCL
- Slip and Fall Accidents Offshore
- The Jones Act and Maritime Injuries explained
- Offshore injury case against Nabors Offshore and Aramark leads to substantial settlement
- Blake Offshore pays substantial settlement to injured offshore worker weeks before trial
- Deckhand who suffered back injury settles case against tug boat company
- Transocean and Art Catering agree to settlement with injured cook
- Injured offshore? Read the latest article by the attorney who "wrote the book" on Jones Act and maritime injury cases
- Jones Act injury case against Waterman Steamship
- Injured worker sues D&S Marine Services under the Jones Act
- We are pleased to announce the coming publication of The Complete Guide to Jones Act & Maritime Injury Claims
- Offshore back and neck injuries at sea, on vessels, or on offshore oil rigs
- Jones Act Lawsuit Against Kirby Inland Marine and Capital Inland Marine
- Preventing offshore slip and fall injuries by using non-slip coatings on walking and working surfaces
- Can I negotiate an offshore injury case myself without hiring an attorney?
- Resolve Marine Hit With Jones Act Lawsuit After Boat Crashes Into Jetty
- SEAMEN'S ALERT - Important Warning for Injured Offshore Workers and Seamen
- Injured Worker Sues Horizon Offshore Following Back Injury
- Kirby Inland Marine Lawsuit Filed by Injured Tankerman
- Seaman Settles Jones Act Case
- Jones Act Seaman Files Suit Claiming Exploding Hose Caused Burn Injuries
Library for Jones Act:
- Calculating settlement amount for your Jones Act legal case
Description: What is the value of settlements for offshore injury cases? Read this informative article by Board Certified Injury Lawyer Brian Beckcom. - Injured on BP Thunderhorse platform - Learn your rights
Description: Board Certified Maritime Law Attorney Brian Beckcom answers questions about the BP Thunderhorse platform. - The Jones Act Deadline & the Discovery Rule
Description: There is a deadline as to when you can pursue a Jones Act claim. Read this article to learn more about the deadline and the discovery rule. If you have been injured offshore, contact a maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for answers to your questions. - What Happens When a Seaman is Fired for Filing a Jones Act Claim?
Description: If you have been injured offshore, you may be hesitant to file a Jones Act claim out of fear that you will be fired. Read this article to learn more about cases involving retaliation and your rights as an injured maritime worker. Contact an experienced maritime attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800 for legal advice. - "Vessel" under the Jones Act or not?
Description: If you were injured offshore, you will want to know if you qualify for benefits under the Jones Act, the Longshore Harbor Worker's Compensation Act, or some other law. Visit the internet's best maritime legal website to read the full U.S. Supreme Court opinion on the definition of "vessel." - Jones Act Seaman Status Explained
Description: U.S. Supreme Court explains who qualifies under the Jones Act as a seaman in one of most important cases ever under the Jones Act - Seamen May Seek Punitive Damages in Some Cases
Description: A recent case involving an injured tugboat crewmember, confirmed the rights of seamen to pursue punitive damages when en employer refuses to pay maintenance and cure. Read this article to learn more and contact a Jones Act attorney at 713-224-7800 or 877-724-7800 for legal advice regarding your maritime injury. - Maintenance and Cure Benefits Explained
Description: What is Maintenance and Cure? Read this article to find out your rights under Jones Act Maintenance and Cure. - Calculation of Jones Act Unearned Wages
Description: Jones Act Attorney Explains Seaman's Right to Unearned Wages Following An Injury - Calculating Personal Injury Damages Under the Jones Act
Description: Jones Act injury cases. Read about your entitlement to personal injury damages.
Frequent Questions for Jones Act:
- I was injured in an offshore rig accident. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
- Will I get fired if I hire an attorney for my Jones Act case?
- If I am injured offshore, am I required to sign paperwork in exchange for receiving medical benefits or maintenance payments?
- If no one is at fault for my injury offshore, do I still get an medical benefits or wage replacement/lost wages?
- If I am injured offshore, can I bring claims for negligence against the parties who are at fault?
- I was injured on a U.S. government vessel - Do I have a Jones Act case?
- How do I know if I am a Jones Act "seaman?"
- What is "maintenance and cure?"
- What is a Jones Act "vessel?"
- Offshore Transfer Accident - What Law Covers Offshore Transfer Accidents
- I injured my back on an offshore drilling rig. Do I have a claim?
Case Results for Jones Act:
- Offshore Welder Obtains $225,000 Settlement One Day Before Trial
Awarded: $225,000.00
- Blog
- News
- FAQs
- Library
- 3/9/2010More About Jones Act Suit Filed Against Marquette...
- 2/19/2010Houston Tugboat Accident Leaves One Man Dead...
- 2/3/2010Jones Act Suit to be Settled in Sledge Hammer Incident...
- 10/22/2009Jones Act Suit Filed by Jefferson County Man...
- 9/27/2009Federal Courts Rule that Sunken Vessel was Seaworthy...
Free Consultation
Offices
Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C
1001 Texas Avenue
Suite 1020
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.224.7800
Fax: 713.224.7801