Jackson Jones Act Lawyer
Working on a boat as a fisherman, deckhand, engineer, or housekeeper is a lot of work. These jobs can also be dangerous. Boats at sea are subject to waves, tides, and weather conditions. These conditions can cause serious accidents aboard a vessel. Workers can suffer serious injuries and even die.
Seamen who are injured during the course of employment have an option available to them that other workers do not. Typically, workplace injuries are covered under state workers’ compensation laws. However, Mississippi seamen have a remedy available to them called the Jones Act.
The Jones Act provides coverage to seamen who work aboard vessels. Those who work aboard ships, tugboats, fishing boats, dredges, and barges are usually considered Jones Act seamen.
The law can be confusing, but you shouldn’t assume you have no coverage. Discuss your case with Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. See how a Jackson Jones Act lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your workplace injury.
Jones Act Coverage
To be a seaman covered under the Jones Act, you must be permanently connected to the vessel that is in navigation. In addition, your work must contribute to the mission of the vessel. A seaman must spend at least 30% of their working service on the vessel. Under this act, masters and members of a ship’s crew are seamen, as are fishermen and fish processors. On the other hand, temporary workers, harbor workers, and guests are not usually classified as Jones Act seamen. There can be confusion about whether a worker is covered under the Jones Act or under Longshore Harbor Workers. Because of this, a case should be carefully evaluated by an experienced maritime lawyer.
The Jones Act requires employers to ensure that their vessels are kept reasonably safe and that
maritime workers are provided reasonably safe conditions on the job. Jones Act claims are based on negligence. When employers fail to take due care or adequate safety precautions, and an employee is injured, the employee can file a claim for compensation.
Unlike state workers’ compensation systems, the Jones Act is a fault-based system. Therefore, you must prove negligence to recover compensation. However, under the Jones Act, you can sue your employer and receive much more compensation. You can receive compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, emergency medical treatment, medications, medical devices, physical therapy, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent disability. If you die, your surviving family members can also receive compensation for wrongful death.
Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC Today
Seamen and other maritime workers work on ships in dangerous conditions. They can suffer injuries that require financial recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you have been injured while working on a boat or other vessel, contact Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC today. Our Jackson Jones Act lawyer can assess your case and help you understand the law. Fill out the online form or call (601) 488-3975 to schedule a free consultation.
