The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, more commonly known as the Jones Act, was designed to protect American maritime workers. One of the most important sections of the Act grants injured seamen the right to pursue compensation if they’re hurt while working aboard a vessel.
At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we’ve spent over 20 years helping injured offshore workers throughout New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast use the Jones Act to fight for justice. Offshore work is dangerous and demanding, and if you’ve been injured, we’re here to help.
Who Is Covered by the Jones Act?
The Jones Act applies to maritime workers who spend at least 30% of their time aboard a vessel operating in navigable U.S. waters. This includes work on:
- Shipping vessels
- Tugboats
- Fishing boats
- Oil rigs (if considered vessels)
- Riverboats or barges
The vessel must be actively in navigation, and the worker must contribute to the vessel’s mission. That means permanent employees are typically covered, while harbor workers, guests, and temporary laborers are not.
To protect seamen, the Jones Act requires that vessels provide:
- A safe working environment
- Proper vessel maintenance
- Qualified and trained crew
- Medical care availability
- Life-saving and safety equipment
What If an Injury or Death Occurs?
If a maritime worker is injured or killed, an investigation is conducted to determine whether negligence played a role. If no negligence is found, the worker may still be covered under general maritime law, which guarantees “maintenance and cure”—the employer’s duty to care for the injured worker during the remainder of the voyage.
Under general maritime law, maintenance and cure include:
- Food
- Lodging
- Transportation to medical care
- Medical expenses
This is a no-fault benefit, meaning it applies even if the employer wasn’t negligent. However, if employer or crew negligence caused the injury or death, the Jones Act gives injured workers or their surviving families the right to pursue damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of quality of life
Jones Act claims may be presented to a jury at trial, giving seamen a powerful tool in holding negligent employers accountable.
How to File a Jones Act Claim in Louisiana
If you’re injured offshore due to the negligence of your employer, vessel owner, or fellow crew members, it’s critical to act quickly and smartly.
Here’s what to do:
- Report your injury to your senior officer or employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention and keep thorough records of all visits and diagnoses.
- Avoid signing anything or speaking with company representatives or insurance adjusters without first consulting your maritime attorney.
Companies may try to minimize the incident or push for a quick settlement. Don’t let them. An experienced Jones Act lawyer will protect your rights and ensure your claim is handled properly.
Why Hiring a Jones Act Lawyer Matters
Filing a Jones Act claim is not the same as filing a typical workers’ compensation claim. Maritime law is complex and often favors employers and vessel owners unless you have a strong legal advocate on your side. The burden is on you to prove negligence and to demonstrate how it directly led to your injury.
An experienced maritime lawyer can gather the necessary evidence, work with medical experts, and build a compelling case that gives you the best chance at full compensation. At the Maritime Injury Law Firm, we understand how these cases play out in Louisiana courts and what it takes to win.
Contact the Maritime Injury Law Firm
If you were hurt offshore, you need a lawyer who understands both the Jones Act and the unique challenges faced by Gulf Coast maritime workers. George Vourvoulias has successfully handled Jones Act claims throughout New Orleans and coastal Louisiana for more than two decades.
Contact the Maritime Injury Law Firm today for your free consultation and let us help you get your life back on track.
FAQs About Injuries Involving Jones Act Workers
- How do I know if I am covered under the Jones Act?
You are likely covered if you spend at least 30% of your work time on a vessel in navigation and your job contributes to the vessel’s mission, such as working on a tugboat, barge, fishing vessel, or qualifying offshore rig. - What happens immediately after a Jones Act injury?
Your employer must provide maintenance and cure, which includes basic living expenses and medical care while you recover. An investigation may also take place to determine whether negligence caused the injury. - Can I receive compensation even if no one was negligent?
Yes. Maintenance and cure is a no-fault benefit under maritime law. You can receive these payments even if the injury was not caused by negligence. - What additional compensation is available if negligence is proven?
If employer or crew negligence contributed to your injury, you may pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and reduced quality of life under the Jones Act. - What should I avoid doing after a Jones Act injury?
You should avoid signing statements or settlement agreements and avoid relying only on company doctors without first speaking to a maritime attorney. These actions can harm your claim. - Why is a Jones Act claim different from workers’ compensation?
Jones Act claims are governed by federal maritime law, not state workers’ compensation systems. You must prove negligence, but you also gain the right to a jury trial and broader compensation than typical workplace injury claims.
