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Alabama
Jones Act Lawyer

Maritime law gives more protection to seamen than nearly any other type of worker.

Offshore work is not for the faint of heart, and injuries can be serious. The good news is that Maritime workers are protected more than any other kind, and one of the biggest protections for seamen is called The Jones Act.

The Jones Act is a federal law that allows seamen to sue their employer for negligence—if the seaman was injured while working.

We at the Maritime Injury Law Firm work with Alabama seamen, who have been disrespected by their employers, to bring justice in an unjust situation.

I hired George Vourvoulias after I suffered a back injury at work and a surgery that left me worse off than I was before. I was nervous because I was unable to work or earn any money. George explained everything to me and guided me through the process. If anyone needs help for a work injury, I recommend George Vourvoulias and his firm.
~ Darren Holmes
I hired George Vourvoulias after I suffered a back injury at work and a surgery that left me worse off than I was before. I was nervous because I was unable to work or earn any money. George explained everything to me and guided me through the process. If anyone needs help for a work injury, I recommend George Vourvoulias and his firm.
~ Darren Holmes

How Can I Use The Jones Act?

Because the Jones Act is so comprehensive, it can be difficult to figure out where you stand at first glance. But with our knowledgeable Alabama lawyers, like ours at the Maritime Injury Law Firm, you may find you are entitled to more than you first thought. We investigate every detail of your situation to make sure you are protected and even uncover negligence, which can mean more compensation for you.

Here are Some of the Rights the Jones Act Protects:

  • A safe place to work (including the task being performed, space, tools, and equipment provided and conditions under which the job must be performed)
  • The ability to pick their own doctor after an illness or injury
  • Compensatory damages after a work-related injury (i.e., pain, suffering, mental anguish, embarrassment, humiliation, and lost wages and earning power)

It’s extremely important to know that injured seamen do not need to prove employer negligence to receive maintenance and cure benefits under the Jones Act.

Due to the dangerous nature of the job, any injured worker can receive maintenance and cure benefits, regardless of what conditions led to their accident.

Can I Sue My Employer?

In an Alabama offshore injury, the ability to prove employer negligence can give you the ability to sue your employer. It’s important to hold your employer accountable and gain the benefits you’re entitled to if they did not provide any protections.

Some examples of employer negligence include:

  • Forcing seamen to work in unsafe weather conditions
  • Failure to provide seamen with adequate training
  • Failure to provide workers with adequate equipment
  • Enabling other dangerous conditions for workers

Am I Eligible to Be Covered By the Jones Act?

A distinction that should remain clear in regards to considering if the Jones Act applies to you is that it protects workers who spend a significant amount of time on a boat or ship involved in navigation, or seamen.

By “in navigation,” the law means that in order to qualify, the vessel must be:

  • Afloat,
  • In operation,
  • Capable of moving, and
  • On navigable waters
While the vessel doesn’t not have to be in motion on the water to fit these requirements, it MUST be considered seaworthy.
This means that the crew, the vessel, and all she entails, is safe and used as intended.

So, How Do I File a Claim under The Jones Act in Alabama?

The most important thing you can do if you think you qualify for a Jones Act case is contact an experienced Jones Act lawyer. Maritime law is a very particular area of law the requires a specific kind of legal knowledge, you need to be sure the lawyer you find to represent you is capable of handling your case properly. A maritime lawyer can help you file a claim under The Jones Act to get you the compensation you deserve.

Here are some other steps that you should also keep in mind after your injury:

  • Reporting your injury to a senior officer or your employer.
  • Seek treatment from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible and document the visit. However, consider seeing your own doctor and NOT the company recommended one.
  • Do not talk to company officials or insurance adjusters and do not sign any statements without your maritime attorney present. (They may make an offer in an effort to minimize the incident, but it’s best to discuss it with your lawyer first.)
Louisiana jones act Lawyer - maritime injury law firm - George Vourvoulias

Think You Have a Jones Act Case? Contact Us.

Regardless of how you became injured through your maritime work, you need an experienced Alabama, Jones Act attorney on your side. Companies and employers will do their best to avoid paying maintenance and cure benefits to injured employees. George Vourvoulias is on your side and will argue for what you’re due.

It all starts when you contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and start the journey to compensation.

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