An injury didn’t occur when messing around. As a Jones Act Seaman, your injury happened while you were on the job and doing your work.
An injury occurred doing your job—doing exactly what the captain told you to do. This is an experience many Jones Act Seaman face on the job.
It could have been on a towboat on the Mississippi River. Maybe it was a barge job in the Industrial Canal. Or it was a crew boat run out in the Gulf.
Now you’re hurt. And instead of support, you’re getting blamed. That’s an unfair reality for a Jones Act Seaman after an accident.
What Captain Negligence Can Look Like on a Barge or Vessel
Captain negligence doesn’t always mean recklessness. Often it involves rushed decisions, unsafe orders, or ignoring conditions—and any Jones Act Seaman can be affected when a captain cuts corners.
- Unsafe or rushed work orders
- Ignoring weather or river conditions
- Bad gangway setup or unsafe transfers
- Understaffing and fatigue
- Ignoring basic safety rules
Your Rights as a Jones Act Seaman
If you qualify, federal law gives you protections different from workers’ compensation.
- The right to pursue claims for employer or captain negligence is provided to you as a Jones Act Seaman.
- The right to maintenance and cure (medical care and living expenses)
- The right to proper medical treatment
Injuries Tied to Captain Decisions
- Falls on gangways or during vessel transfers
- Line handling injuries
- Crush injuries between barges or vessels
- Overexertion and lifting injuries
- Struck-by injuries from shifting equipment
What to Do When Injured Following the Captain’s Orders
- Report the injury immediately
- Document unsafe conditions if possible
- Get medical care right away
- Avoid signing statements that blame you
- Speak with a New Orleans Jones Act lawyer before accepting any settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case if I was following orders? Possibly. Unsafe orders can support a Jones Act claim, especially when you are a seaman who qualifies under this federal law.
What if I were partly at fault? You may still have rights under maritime law, even as a Jones Act Seaman injured in the line of duty.
Can I be fired for reporting a maritime injury? Retaliation concerns depend on the facts.
Are there time limits? Many Jones Act cases involve a three-year deadline. Time to file is critical.
Talk to a New Orleans Jones Act Lawyer at Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured under a captain’s orders near New Orleans, please contact Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Jones Act lawyer in New Orleans, LA, today. Remember, your rights as a Jones Act Seaman may entitle you to special protection.