Compensation for Maritime Injuries

Maritime workers regularly suffer offshore injuries caused by dangerous conditions on offshore platforms, tankers, crew boats, jack-up rigs, lay barges, and other vessels. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while working offshore, compensation may be available under the Jones Act. Complete the form on this page for a no cost, no obligation consultation today.

The Jones Act and Seaman Protection

Injured maritime employees protected under the Jones Act can include a wide range of maritime professions, including:

  • Fishermen
  • Cooks
  • Stewards
  • Bartenders
  • Deckhands
  • Engineers
  • Mates
  • Captains
  • Drillers
  • Pilots
  • Divers
  • Anchors

Any person who works on navigable waters and contributes to the work of vessel for at least 30% of their working hours in navigable waters is usually legally protected through The Jones Act.

A maritime worker must work on navigable waters in order to be protected under the Jones Act.  The worker’s primary job function must be offshore or on a vessel that’s moored to a dock but capable of navigation on water. The vessel must be “in navigation,” meaning that it’s not being built, its construction has been completed, and its being used for work purposes. A vessel that’s being repaired still counts a vessel that’s “in navigation” since it’s usually still on the water, yet docked.

What to do if you've Suffered a Maritime Injury

"Established in 1920 and revised in 2006, the Jones Act is a federal statute for the United States that provides the laws and regulations for U.S. waters and ports. The Jones Act was established as a way to protect seamen in ways that land-based laws don’t provide as well as protect the shipping industry and the growth of commerce."

If you were injured while working at sea the following are a few things to keep in mind following your injury:

Report the injury to your supervisor and fill out an accident report. Be sure the accident report is complete and accurate before you sign and don’t allow anyone to pressure you into agreeing that the accident wasn’t anyone’s fault but your own.

Seek medical care immediately. A delay in seeking medical care may compromise your case.

Take photos of the accident scene if possible. If you can’t take photos, get somebody else to take them for you or get a witness.

Don’t sign any documents you don’t understand or agree with. Ideally, show any documents to an experienced maritime law attorney before signing.

Keep thorough records of everything that happens. Keep copies of every form you submit or sign, keep a diary or log of everything that happens, and write down anything you are told.

Talk to an experienced maritime lawyer about your case.

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