Jones Act
Shore-Based Injury Attorney of Broward County
The Jone’s Act is also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 wherein the federal statute protects United States maritime commerce in national waters and between U.S. ports. This statute was established to protect the U.S. merchant marine industry. and the hundreds of thousands of seaman working on barges, container ships, tugboats, towboats, crew boats, dredges, cargo ships, fishing vessels and other moving vessels throughout nattional and international waters and ports.
Workers on seagoing vessels assume dangerous jobs and risk serious injury while at sea – injuries that could take away their livelihood or permanently diminish their quality of life. Under the Jones Act, seamen and longshoreman have legal rights that offer protection in regards to the health, well-being, and livelihood of maritime workers. The act entitles them or their survivor(s), to file a lawsuit against their employer when a fellow crew member’s or ship owner’s negligence cause them injury or death.
If the injured party can prove negligence or fault on the part of the ship’s owners, operators or fellow crew members, a Jones Act claim can be filed. A Jones Act claim can also be made if it can be proven that the injury was caused because the vessel was not seaworthy. The owner of any vessel is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and in keeping up with all safety requirements for that vessel.
Additionally, if the crew of a vessel was not reasonably trained for their expected duty and that lack of skill or knowledge caused or contributed to the injury, then negligence may be proved. The expertise and experience of the crew is included within the definition of seaworthiness of a vessel.
If you or a loved one has been injured while at work on a vessel due to the negligence of your employer or co-worker, you have the legal right to compensation for your injuries. Call the Law Offices of Jason G. Barnett now at (954) 618-1776 for a free, no-hassle consultation and get answers to all of your important questions. You have everything to gain and NOTHING TO LOSE because the call is FREE and there is NEVER a fee until you win or settle your case.
