The Jones Act allows injured seamen to collect benefits from their marine industry employers. A Jones Act claim is based on employer negligence or a co-worker’s careless act that causes injuries. Claims can also be made against the owner of an unseaworthy vessel. That said, to file a winning claim, you’ll need the help of an experienced Louisiana maritime injury lawyer.
If you’ve been injured while working offshore, you’re probably worried about being able to cover medical expenses and other costs caused by your accident. Fortunately, Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers has won over $100 million for injury victims like you and can take on your case. You can rely on a skilled Louisiana Jones Act lawyer to file a strong claim on your behalf.
Defining a Seaman Under the Jones Act
According to our personal injury lawyers in Louisiana, understanding who is considered a seaman under the Jones Act can help you determine if you’re eligible for compensation under the law. According to the Jones Act, a seaman spends significant time performing maritime work in support of a navigating vessel, which must be:
- Afloat
- Capable of moving
- Operational
- On navigable waterways
Jones Act claims are usually considered acceptable when a seaman spends at least 30% of their time engaged in maritime work on an operating vessel. Movable jack-up platforms or rigs are also considered vessels, but permanently fixed drilling platforms are not.
Maritime workers who do not qualify as seamen may have protections under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) or the Longshore Harbor & Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). A Jones Act attorney from Louisiana can assess your employment situation and determine which act you should file a claim under.
Damages a Louisiana Jones Act Lawyer Can Pursue
Injured workers who prove their employer or co-worker committed a negligent act or failed to act responsibly can collect money to pay for their losses. The money our Louisiana Jones Act lawyers can pursue for you can cover damages like a civil action for negligence does in court.
The compensation you may receive can replace wages lost while you recover from injuries, future lost income, current and future medical bills incurred because of the injuries, and subjective losses like emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of the enjoyment of life.
Maintenance and Cure
When negligence isn’t a factor in your maritime accident, and you’re unable to seek damages, you may be able to obtain compensation for maintenance and cure. Under the Jones Act, an employer may owe you maintenance, which is a modest amount of money for food and shelter that replaces what you receive when you are aboard their vessel.
Cure refers to an employer’s obligation to provide comprehensive medical care for injured workers. This includes hospital and rehabilitative care, nursing services, and prescription drugs. When your condition stops improving, which is known as maximum medical improvement, maintenance and cure ends, and you must return to work or seek other benefits.
Our Jones Act attorneys in Louisiana understand how difficult it can be to be struggling with a painful injury and not be able to provide for yourself. That’s why our legal team is here to help you explore all your options and determine if maintenance and cure are something you’re eligible to receive.
Pursuing Compensation for Injuries Caused by Unseaworthiness
Vessel owners owe their crew a seaworthy ship that is safe, in reasonable shape for its intended use, and stocked with necessary safety equipment. When ship owners maintain a crew too small to navigate properly, fail to train crew members properly, neglect to repair equipment, and fail to remedy unsafe conditions such as gas and oil spills, they can be held responsible.
If you are an offshore worker who has been injured because of an unseaworthy vessel, our Louisiana Jones Act lawyers can help you seek damages similar to those you might receive from a personal injury claim. No matter how serious your injury is, our law firm will work tirelessly to get the financial recovery you deserve.
No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we know how financially stressful it can be to suffer an injury at work, especially when you have a lot of medical expenses. That’s why our maritime lawyers won’t charge you a cent for legal services unless we win your case. If we do win, we’ll take a portion of the compensation you receive from your legal claim.
This will allow you to get the compensation you need to afford medical treatment and replace other losses without compromising your financial stability. Reach out to our Louisiana Jones Act attorneys today to learn more about our payment policy and your right to pursue fair compensation.
Ask Louisiana Jones Act Attorney About Potential Compensation
If you are a maritime employee who works on ships in navigable waterways, you want to know you will be taken care of when you are injured on a fishing boat, crew boat, cargo ship, drill ship, or other vessel. Under the Jones Act, you are owed compensation when your boss or co-worker causes you harm through negligence or failing to maintain a seaworthy vessel.
Our maritime attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the laws that govern the seas. The Louisiana Jones Act lawyers at Scott Vicknair believe that when you are wronged, we can make it right. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights
