Jones Act Lawyer, Attorney

Persons who are injured on the job while working on maritime vessels or offshore oil rigs have special protections under the law, thanks to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known via its congressional author as the Jones Act. Besides regulating maritime commerce in the United States, the Jones Act provides protections and compensation for seamen and others who work upon U.S. territorial waters.

Thanks to the Jones Act, injured seamen have the legal right to pursue just and fair financial compensation for harm they have suffered due to negligence on the part of a vessel's captain, crew or owner, or due to a vessel's unseaworthiness. This can include faulty equipment, an unsafe working environment and improper safety procedures on board the vessel.

Compensation in a Jones Act case can include but not be limited to medical expenses, lost present and future wages, and what's known as maintenance and cure. This refers both to a daily allowance in lieu of wages (maintenance) and to funds to offset ongoing medical treatments (cure).

An experienced Jones Act lawyer is vital

A Jones Act case can be very complicated, which is why it is vital to engage an experienced Jones Act lawyer. Such a Jones Act lawyer can help advise injured seamen on the wisest court of action in their case, which may include rejecting a quick settlement from their employer that may be far below that to which the seaman is entitled. Injured seamen also should be aware that the statute of limitations on Jones Act cases is three years from the time of their injury, meaning a claim must be filed within that time.

A Jones Act lawyer also can determine if a seaman qualifies for protection under the Jones Act. A seaman must spend at least 30 per cent of work time on a vessel to qualify, for example.

Vessels covered by the Jones Act include fishing boats, water taxis, shrimp boats, ferries, riverboats, tugboats, trawlers, tankers, barges and offshore oil rigs. Workers injured while being transported to and from an offshore oil rig also may be covered by the Jones Act.

Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates today and get a free case review for your prospective Jones Act case. A Jones Act attorney or maritime injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal realm to secure your full and fair financial compensation.

DISCLAIMER: Jim S. Adler & Associates, with a principal office at 3D/International Tower, 1900 West Loop South, 20th Floor, Houston, Texas 77027, is licensed in the state of Texas to practice law. Yet the law firm also works with local and outside lawyers, as needed, to litigate claims in other states, including the states of:

Jim S. Adler & Associates also has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887; Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas); and San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237.