While most workplaces today are less dangerous than they used to be, people who work on or around the sea still face hazardous conditions every day. Due to their working conditions and environment, maritime workers perform essential work while exposing themselves to danger.
You must understand your legal rights if you or your loved one suffered harm as a maritime worker. You might be eligible to receive compensation under federal laws enacted to protect maritime workers.
A well-informed League City Jones Act lawyer could meet with you to help you understand what options might be available to you. Reach out today to speak with a skilled maritime injury attorney.
Understanding the Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal statute that protects maritime crew members who are hurt or killed while working on a vessel that is in navigation. Under the Jones Act, seamen have the opportunity to obtain compensation from their maritime employer if they can establish that their employer or a coworker’s negligence led to their injuries.
Some people falsely assume that the Jones Act only covers sailors. However, the federal statute covers any worker who is substantially connected to a vessel that is in navigation, including the following:
- Sailors
- Captains
- Engineers
- Deckhands
- Maintenance workers
- Onboard offshore oil rig workers
- Busboys
- Cruise ship tour guides
- Waiters
- Stewards
- On-board chefs
The Jones Act covers all types of vessels, from small boats to ferries to large cruise ships. The vessel does not have to be actively in motion when an employee’s injury or illness develops. A worker could receive coverage under the Jones Act even if the ship was docked and not moving, as long as it was staffed and technically in use.
A knowledgeable attorney in League City could review the facts of an injured worker’s claim to see if they might qualify for compensation under the Jones Act.
How to Prove Negligence Under the Jones Act
Unlike in civil lawsuits, where an injured party must establish that the negligent party’s actions caused the injury, the Jones Act requires that the employer’s negligence somehow contributed to the injury.
If an injured worker can show that their employer was partly negligent, they can still collect damages under the Jones Act even if their own actions played a role in their injuries. Some of the ways that an injured employee could establish their employer’s negligence could be to show the following:
- Unsafe working conditions, such as lack of sufficient light
- Unsafe equipment
- The vessel was unseaworthy
- Insufficient number of workers
- Failure to provide medical care
- Violation of safety regulations
- Failure to perform a timely search and rescue for a worker who falls overboard
- Negligence of coworkers
- Lack of adequate safety gear and equipment
- Lack of training of workers
- Poor hiring policies
A reliable work accident attorney could examine the circumstances surrounding their client’s injuries to search for proof of the employer’s negligence. Call today to schedule a consultation with a reliable Jones Act lawyer in League City.
Talk to a League City Jones Act Attorney Today
Accidents at sea can be particularly scary and result in serious injuries. Fortunately, you could receive compensation from your employer under the Jones Act.
A hardworking League City Jones Act lawyer could work hard to ensure you get your rightful compensation. Call our seasoned personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim.
