Jones Act Attorneys

Understanding the Principles of the Jones Act

It has been a common theme for the powers that be to prioritize their tasks based on what will be most beneficial to the greater good. This greater good would be made up of the "working class." In the case of sea workers and their families, their interests and safety were in mind in 1970. This is when the United States Congress, the aforementioned powers at be, passed the Jones Act. This act was set in place to finally protect workers injured while working at sea. This was a great step for the seamen workforce who prior to the Jones Act really did not have any adequate protection.

The Jones Act provides sea workers a set of laws to base their claim against an employer or sea vessel owner. The Jones Act details what type of compensation a sea worker is able to seek if he can prove that his injury was caused because of the negligence of his employer or of the ship owner.

Ship owners are required to provide a vessel that meets the proper requirements deeming it "seaworthy." It must remain seaworthy for the entire duration of a job. That is, it must be a seaworthy vessel when it leaves the dock and remain in that condition until the ship has returned to dock and is no longer needed or being used for a job.

Sea workers understand when they signed up to become seamen there would be safety risks involved. However, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the environment of the sea worker is as safe as it can be. The employer is not liable for conditions beyond their control. But an employer can ensure equipment is safe, machinery is well-maintained, workers are well-trained and have sufficient supervision and so on. When it can be proved that an employer was faulty in providing these conditions or other safety conditions, he can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result of these safety precautions not being met. Under the Jones Act the employer may be liable for compensating an injured worker for lost wages from the past and the future, out-of-pocket medical expenses and other types of compensation.

If you have been injured while you were on a vessel or even while at port, you should speak to an attorney that understands the Jones Act. A Jones Act attorney will be able to explain how the rules and regulations under the Jones Act apply to your case. The Jones Act attorneys of Williams Kherkher will listen to your case and determine what pertinent facts will help make your claim stronger. Set up a free consultation with a Williams Kherkher Jones Act attorney today.