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Learn More >>Jones Act Vessel
Jones Act Vessel
Questions of whether a vessel meets the criteria under the Jones Act have since been applied to
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Oil exploration vessels, like jack up rigs and semi submersible rigs
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Dredges
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Floating casinos
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Floating dormitories
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Mobile offshore drilling units (MODU)
Many Jones Act claims and Jones Act lawsuits have focused solely on whether the vessel in question qualifies as a Jones Act vessel. That's why defining the status of the vessel on which the worker was injured, is such a critical component of a claim.
In 2005, in Steward vs. Dutra Construction Company, the Supreme Court decided that a vessel may be defined as "every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water". This provided a new definition for a Jones Act vessel, providing new access to compensation for workers who may not have earlier been eligible for cover under the Jones Act.
Questions of Jones Act vessel status can be highly complex, and require knowledge of past judicial decisions and rulings, that have impacted these concepts. Any personal injury lawyers or even just any maritime attorney will not be able to help you understand whether you are eligible for compensation under the Jones Act.
The maritime attorneys at Schechter McElwee Shaffer & Harris, LLP are also Jones Act lawyers, who have handled hundreds of cases involving Jones Act vessel questions over the years. If you have any questions about your status under the Jones Act, contact a maritime lawyer at Schechter McElwee Shaffer & Harris. Initial consultations are free, and we take cases on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay a fee until we recover compensation for you.
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