The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence if unsafe conditions, inadequate training, faulty equipment, or the actions of another crew member contributed to their injury. The burden of proof is lower than in most personal injury cases, and even slight negligence by the employer is enough to establish liability.

Vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide a seaworthy vessel that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose, with an adequate crew, safe equipment, and proper supplies. When a vessel’s unseaworthy condition causes an injury, the injured seaman can pursue a claim directly against the vessel owner, separate from any negligence claim.

Regardless of fault, injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure. Maintenance is a daily living allowance paid while you recover, and cure is the payment of your medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement. Employers who willfully withhold or underpay maintenance and cure may face additional penalties and attorney fees.

Workers injured on offshore oil platforms, drilling rigs, and production facilities may have Jones Act claims if they qualify as seamen, or claims under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) or general maritime law. We evaluate every case to identify the right legal framework and maximize your recovery.

Collisions between vessels or between a vessel and a fixed structure can cause severe injuries to crew members and passengers. We pursue claims against negligent vessel operators, owners, and third parties whose actions caused or contributed to the collision.

Wet decks, unmarked hazards, inadequate lighting, and unsecured equipment make vessels dangerous workplaces. When a slip and fall on a vessel causes a serious injury, our Jones Act lawyers build a strong negligence case to recover full damages for the injured seaman.

Crane failures, rigging accidents, and heavy equipment malfunctions are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries and fatalities in the maritime industry. We investigate equipment maintenance records, operator training, and employer safety protocols to hold the right parties accountable.

Workers who load, unload, repair, or build vessels but who do not qualify as seamen under the Jones Act may have claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). We handle LHWCA claims and third-party negligence actions for dockworkers, harbor workers, and shipyard employees.

When a maritime worker is killed in international waters, their surviving family members may have claims under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). We represent families in wrongful death actions arising from fatal maritime accidents and pursue the full measure of damages available under federal law.

Seamen and offshore workers may be exposed to benzene, asbestos, hydrogen sulfide, and other hazardous substances. Chronic exposure can cause cancer, respiratory disease, and other serious conditions. We pursue Jones Act and general maritime law claims for maritime workers harmed by toxic exposure on the job.

To qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, a worker must have a substantial connection to a vessel or fleet of vessels in navigation and must contribute to the function or mission of the vessel. This is a fact-specific determination. Offshore rig workers, tugboat crew, supply boat workers, and others may qualify. An attorney can evaluate your work history and determine whether you have a Jones Act claim.

State workers compensation systems generally do not cover maritime workers. The Jones Act instead gives injured seamen the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer for negligence in federal or state court. Unlike workers compensation, a Jones Act claim requires proving negligence — but it also allows recovery of full damages including pain and suffering and lost future earnings, which are not available under workers compensation.

The statute of limitations for a Jones Act negligence claim is three years from the date of injury. Unseaworthiness claims carry the same three-year limitation. However, waiting too long can hurt your ability to preserve critical evidence. Contact a Jones Act lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.

Maintenance is a daily living allowance paid by your employer while you recover from a work-related injury or illness. Cure is payment of your medical expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement. Many employers pay far less than injured seamen are entitled to receive. An attorney can help ensure you are getting the full amount owed and pursue additional damages if your employer has withheld these benefits in bad faith.

Retaliation against a seaman for pursuing a Jones Act claim is unlawful. If your employer fires you, demotes you, or takes other adverse action because you filed or intend to file a claim, you may have additional legal remedies. Document any retaliation and report it to your attorney immediately.

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and make sure it is documented in the vessel log. Seek medical attention and keep records of all treatment. Do not give a recorded statement to your employer’s insurance company or adjuster without first speaking to a Jones Act attorney. Evidence on a vessel can disappear quickly — the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.

We handle Jones Act cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs and no hourly fees. Our fee comes as a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you.

The timeline of a personal injury case depends on the complexity of the facts, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case resolves through settlement or goes to trial. Many Jones Act cases settle through negotiation, but some require litigation in federal or state court. We move as efficiently as possible while always prioritizing the full value of your claim.