Jones Act and Maritime Injury Claims

The Jones Act of 1920 was enacted to grant workers on sea vessels the same rights as workers on land in the US. Essentially, it protects sea workers by granting them the same privileges with regards to workplace injuries and compensation.

Any worker aboard a sea vessel is granted the right to sue his or her employer via Jones Act claims, should they sustain an injury while employed aboard that vessel. Specifically, because of the Jones act, any worker is eligible to receive compensation, or obtain damages, for the shipowners, fellow crew members or captains negligence.

Who's Covered?

Any member of the crew is protected by these rights. Additionally, this law extends to vessels that navigate inland waterways. Covered workers include the following:

Workers aboard cargo ships
Oil rigs
Cruise ships
Ferrys
Fishing boats
Divers
Riggers

This is just a short list of covered areas. If a workers spends 30% or more of his time aboard a navigating ship, boat or vessel, he is protected by the Jones Act.

Jones Act Claim Time Limits

The statute of limitations for a maritime injury claims is usually 3 years. This means that an injury claim can only be filed and heard within three years of the date of the injury. However, depending on circumstances such as the date of discovery of the injury, this time limit may be extended. Only a maritime accident lawyer can advise on specific case time limits.

Recoverable Damages

Maritime Injury Damages that are eligible for compensation in a maritime workers compensation lawsuit are similar to those of other personal injury claims. These include: