Houston Jones Act Lawyer

The Jones Act is a federal law providing a way for seamen to recover financial compensation when injured at work. Maritime workers injured on the job are not entitled to the traditional workers’ compensation benefits most employees depend on.

If you are a seaman injured on the job, you have legal rights to compensation for your injuries, which you can pursue with help from a dedicated maritime injury attorney. A Houston Jones Act lawyer could evaluate the worth of your claim and help you file for benefits.

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal statute designed to maintain the flow of waterborne domestic and foreign commerce at all times, including wartime and emergency. It extends injury claim rights to workers injured at sea. 46 U.S. Code § 30104 gives seamen injured in the course of employment the right to file a claim against their employers and the right to a jury trial.

Requirements for Filing a Negligence Claim Under the Jones Act

To file a negligence claim under the Jones Act, the injured person must be a seaman, prove their employer was negligent, and prove the negligence caused their injury.

An individual has seaman status if they contributed to the operation of an anchored or underway vessel on which they were employed in a way that exposed them to the hazards of seaman’s work.

Sources of negligence for seamen may include:

• Unsafe working environment
• Insufficient equipment to perform ship operations
• Crew members lacking proper training or qualifications
• Altercations between crew members
• Excessive overtime work
• Lack of proper medical assistance or rescue
• Employers failed to provide adequate supervision

A Jones Act lawyer in Houston could show how incidents like these caused injury through negligence, whether by itself or in conjunction with other causes.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Jones Act Claim

Unless otherwise provided by law, a lawsuit seeking damages for personal injury or death under the Jones Act must be filed within three years of the date of injury.

Injury-Related Losses Covered Under the Jones Act

Compensation provided by the Jones Act is closely related to the Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA). Seamen injured on the job are eligible for the following types of compensation under the Jones Act:

• Medical bills, including costs of immediate treatment and future medical costs
• Lost wages due to temporary or total disability
• The capacity to earn wages in the future when a person cannot return to work
• Loss of enjoyment of life caused by loss of mobility, pain, and lack of physical stamina
• Pain and suffering related to physical injury and psychological stress

A Houston Jones Act attorney is ready to work with injured seamen from day one to help them get compensation after a work-related maritime injury.

Work With a Jones Act Attorney in Houston to Pursue Compensation

Working at sea is a dangerous occupation that can lead to severe injuries that lead to extended time out of work, costly medical bills, and long-term recovery expenses. Unfortunately, navigating the laws designed to protect maritime workers can be complex and confusing.

Benjamin Roberts Law has extensive experience handling maritime injury claims. A Houston Jones Act lawyer could evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn more about your legal rights under the Jones Act.