Jones Act Attorneys

Understanding the Jones Act

If you work at sea and were injured on the job, you must understand what your legal rights are under the Jones Act. The Jones Act was passed by Congress in 1920. It contains a complex description of rules and regulations that protect the rights of injured workers at sea. This legislation helps to provide the means for a seafarer who is injured due to the negligence of his or her employer or co-worker, and allows avenues for the injured party to be compensated properly.

This is not the same situation as you find in a workers' compensation case where the injury occurs on land. In a case where the worker is injured at sea, the worker along with his or her attorney needs to be well versed on what the Jones Act specifically protects and what it requires.

Another consideration covered by the Jones Act is the actual condition of the vessel. If the vessel of the injured seafarer is determined to be unseaworthy, this can be grounds for filing a claim against the vessel's owner. This also means that the vessel can leave the dock seaworthy, but because of poor working conditions and poor maintenance, it can become unseaworthy.

Jones Act Attorneys

What is covered under the Jones Act and how it applies to you can be answered quickly and accurately by the Jones Act attorneys at Williams Kherkher. Jones Act attorneys have the expertise and the experience dealing with seafarer injuries, which again have different legal ramifications than injuries on land. If it is proved that there was negligence on the side of the employer, an injured worker can receive compensation to cover medical bills as well as a daily allowance. Jones Act attorneys can determine if this applies to your case.

If you are a worker that has been injured while you were at sea or have a family member that suffered a fatal accident while working at sea, contact one of the Jones Act attorneys at Williams Kherkher. Our Jones Act attorneys will interpret the Jones Act and explain to you what your next step should be. Remember, there is a statue of limitation for filing a claim. Keep documentation of your medical injuries and any events that lead up to the injury. Do not hesitate to contact us today. Williams Kherkher is available for a free consultation.