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Are You Considered a Seaman Under the Jones Act?

The Jones Act provides protection for injured seamen and allows them to recover compensation for their injuries.  Under the Jones Act, a vessel owner or employer can be held liable for maritime injuries when the accident was the result of negligence or an unseaworthy vessel.  An unseaworthy vessel doesn’t mean it cannot stay afloat, it could mean the vessel has some type of condition that is dangerous for workers.

Injured seamen can also collect compensation even when negligence wasn’t a factor under the Jones Act.  This compensation is known as maintenance and cure and is designed to cover the injured maritime worker’s medical expenses and living expenses.

To qualify for a Jones Act lawsuit or maintenance and cure, the injured worker must be considered a seaman.  The Jones Act has three requirements that must be met to determine seaman status and the courts will review each one.  To prove seaman status the following must be shown:

• The worker had a relatively permanent connection to a vessel or identifiable group of vessels
• The vessels must be in navigation, but don’t necessarily have to be moving
• The workers’ duties must contribute to the mission or function of the vessel

If you have been injured while working on a vessel offshore, you need to contact a Jones Act attorney immediately to review your case.  Contact the Law Firm of Attorney Steve Lee today at (800) 232-3711 for legal advice.

The article, “Determining Seaman Status Under the Jones Act,” has more information on this topic.