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Florida
Jones Act Lawyer

Seamen work hard for a living. Our Florida maritime injury lawyers know that although this kind of work can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be incredibly dangerous.

That’s why maritime workers are covered by the Jones Act, a law guarantees seamen the right to sue their employers if they’re injured on the job.

At The Maritime Injury Law Firm, we have 20 years of experience helping injured offshore workers receive justice throughout Florida. We use our knowledge of the Jones Act and what it can do for maritime workers to go after big, life-changing justice.

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

What is The Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that guarantees you, as a maritime worker, to 3 basic rights:

As the act is currently interpreted, any negligence by the employer/boat owner that causes or contributes to a crew member’s injury, is enough to be considered a violation.

Who is Covered Under The Jones Act?

The Jones Act protects seamen, or workers who spend a significant amount of time working as a crewmember or a captain on a ship or boat in navigation.

The ship or boat does not have to be moving or at sea in order to qualify, but the vessel must be considered seaworthy.

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What is the Difference Between General Maritime Law and the Jones Act?

The key difference between what determines if a case falls under general maritime law or the Jones Act is the presence of negligence.

If no negligence is found, then the general maritime law will have pertinence. Under just the general maritime law, an employer must provide for the remainder of the voyage to the injured or ill seaman maintenance and cure, which includes:

  • Food
  • Lodging
  • Transportation to and from medical services provider
  • Payment of medical expenses
Unlike The Jones Act, general maritime law is not fault-based. This means that maintenance and cure must be provided regardless of who caused the injury or illness.
General maritime law is also broader in scope than The Jones Act, and may serve as the legal basis for injury claims by passengers and maritime workers that are not covered by The Jones Act.

How Should I Report My Florida Maritime Injury?

When reporting your accident, it’s important to write down as much information about the incident as you can remember while it’s still fresh in your mind. Make sure to describe all factors that contributed to an unsafe workplace, including the following:

  • Darkness
  • Slipperiness
  • Negligent co-workers
  • Untrained or undertrained co-workers
  • Insufficient or defective equipment
  • Insufficient manpower
  • Unsafe procedures
  • Anything else that may have contributed to the accident

However, if you are unsure about certain details or are unsure about how to answer a question on your report, DO NOT provide an answer that may be used against you. The best answer to provide is something along the lines of, “I’m still investigating”.

If you are injured while working on a maritime vessel due to the negligence of your employer, boat owner, or fellow crew member, the most important thing you should do is to hire an experienced Louisiana Jones Act lawyer. Your lawyer can help you properly investigate and file a claim under The Jones Act to get you the compensation you deserve.

Louisiana jones act Lawyer - maritime injury law firm - George Vourvoulias

So, What Benefits Can I Receive Under the Jones Act?

Maritime law is a distinct area of the law, and not all lawyers have experience in the field.

The Jones Act is one of the most comprehensive labor protections there is. This law understands the hazards that come from working in the maritime industry and is set up to keep seamen safe in these conditions. A good maritime injury lawyer knows how to take full advantage of all the potential benefits the Jones Act allows for.

This includes:
  • Maintenance and cure: Maintenance refers to payments for your mortgage or rent, food, utilities, property insurance, and property taxes, whereas cure covers the cost of medical care until the offshore worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
  • Loss of Earnings: Two types of loss of earnings are covered – lost wages and lost earning capacity. Lost wages refer to the loss from the time the injury occurred (as well as during medical treatment). Lost earnings capacity refers to future wages lost due to a permanent disability.
  • Medical Expenses: In addition to maintenance and cure, there are cases where medical expenses are not covered – in which case they would be covered separately. This can include travel expenses to medical facilities in another city or state, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and nursing care.
  • Pain and Suffering: This covers injuries to the employee’s body, as well as the emotional distress caused by those injuries.
    Punitive Damages: If an employer refuses to pay maintenance and cure, punitive damages can also be sought.
  • Wrongful Death: Family members of qualified loved ones who suffered a fatality can bring a wrongful death action up under the Jones Act. The family member must have died due to a work injury or illness during their employment (on a qualified vessel) and be the result of employer negligence.

Think You Have a Jones Act Case? We’re Here to Help.

If you are an offshore worker and have been injured due to an act of negligence on the part of your employer, you need an experienced Florida maritime attorney by your side. Trust us when we say your employer will fight to place the burden of negligence onto you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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