Jones Act Lawyers

Types of Damages You May Seek Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act was created specifically to protect the rights of seamen who are injured while working aboard a vessel. There are several types of damages that can be sought under the Jones Act. It is important to consider legal damages as compensation for your injury. The legal process is not designed to make you money, but to help you recover successfully without suffering additional financial strain. If you are injured while working aboard a vessel and are considered a seaman, you may be able to recover the damages listed below. Consult an attorney to verify which of these damages are applicable to your specific case.

Types of damages:

• Pain and Suffering – Although it is difficult to put a dollar amount on the pain and suffering that you may have endured during your injury, this amount will be carefully estimated to be appropriate in compensating you for the hardships of your injury.
• Medical Expenses – If you have been injured while working on a vessel, you will need to seek medical attention to recover. Health care is very expensive these days and you should seek compensation for any hospital care, medications, or surgeries that you required during your injury. Ongoing medical expenses may be sought if your injury will affect your life for years to come. This amount should be estimated by a health care professional.
• Mental Anguish – If your injury has affected your ability to enjoy life and all of the things that you loved to do before you were injured, you are eligible to seek damages for mental anguish.
• Lost wages/Lost Earning Capacity – The Jones Act is designed to compensate workers who have lost wages for the time that they were unable to work due to injury. The Act also covers seamen who have recovered from their injuries but are not able to earn wages at the same level that they did before they were injured. If your earning capacity has been affected by your injury, you may legally seek damages for this change in pay.

When your employer's negligent actions result in your injury, consult an experienced attorney to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The Jones Act Lawyers at Williams Kherkher are highly skilled in Jones Act cases and have successfully represented a variety of seamen who have been injured while working at sea. Contact the Jones Act Lawyers today to discuss your specific claim.