At sea, maritime workers face dangers that can change their lives in an instant. When employers neglect safety or ships aren’t kept in top shape, the consequences can be heartbreaking, leaving workers to battle injuries, emotional scars, and financial despair. The Jones Act – the most powerful maritime law on the books in the United States – offers a lifeline to those who fall victim to job-related injuries by enabling them to seek compensation and justice.
This Act provides a legal pathway to address the harm they’ve experienced because of unsafe working conditions or employer oversight. A Jones Act lawyer helps victims manage legal claims the right way, significantly increasing their chances of obtaining the best result.
Jones Act Lawyer
If you’re considering pursuing legal action under the Jones Act, you need strong legal representation to ensure you receive the right compensation. Fishing and boating companies are often reluctant to provide full compensation or admit wrongdoing – it takes a personal injury attorney with a history of winning to receive the compensation you deserve.
The personal injury attorneys at BoatLaw, LLP are ready to fight aggressively for any injuries you may have experienced working as a maritime worker.
Call 1 (800) 262-8529 to secure an initial consultation.
Information Center
- What Is the Jones Act?
- Elements of a Jones Act Case
- How Does the Jones Act Affect Injured Maritime Workers?
- Who Qualifies for the Jones Act?
- What Types of Injury Claims Are Covered Under the Jones Act?
- Does the Jones Act Cover Wrongful Death Claims?
- Damages and Possible Benefits Under the Jones Act
- Negligence Claims
- Maintenance and Cure
- Can a Victim File Both a Negligence Claim and an Unseaworthiness Claim?
- Who Could Be Liable to a Maritime Worker for an Injury Under the Jones Act?
- Which Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Jones Act Cases?
- Limitations of the Jones Act
- Statute of Limitations
- Potential Damages for Injury Claims Under Jones Act
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hire a Jones Act Lawyer
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was established to support the American maritime industry. Before the Jones Act, maritime laws in the United States were less protective of sailors and maritime workers, often leaving them without adequate legal options in the event of injury or unfair treatment at sea. The Jones Act legislatively overruled prior Supreme Court precedent—The Osceola—that prevented seamen from recovering for injuries caused by officers or crew. Congress determined seamen should have this right because of their exposure to the “perils of the sea.”
For on-the-job injuries, the rights of seamen are superior to those of land-based workers and even other maritime workers, like longshoremen. The Jones Act gives seamen who suffer injury or are killed during their employment the right to seek justice through civil courts. Unlike most workers, they have the right to sue their employer in tort and have a jury trial.
The act came into being after World War I, during a period of significant maritime and industrial growth in the United States. It was designed to ensure that the country maintained a strong merchant marine, essential for national security and economic prosperity. By regulating maritime trade in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports, the Jones Act also aimed to protect American jobs, promote the construction of U.S. ships, and support the sea-going workforce.
Elements of a Jones Act Case
The Jones Act uses four criteria for establishing eligibility:
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- Duty
- Breach
- Causation
- Damages
Damages
A Jones Act case is brought to court because you or someone you have guardianship over have sustained injuries while under the duty of care of their employer. The first step in a Jones Act case is identifying the damages that occurred because of a breach of care.
Duty of Care
Specifically, employers must provide a safe working environment for their employees, given the serious risks involved in maritime work. This obligation is known as the duty of reasonable care under the Jones Act. If an employer fails to comply with this duty, resulting in an injury, the affected seaman may seek compensation. Legal action under the Jones Act requires demonstrating that the employer’s negligence in fulfilling this duty contributed significantly to the injury. Your attorney will help you identify these damages and the total compensation that should be awarded to pay for medical bills and/or lost wages.
Some examples of accidents (and damages) that occur on vessels include the following:
- Amputated finger(s) while bringing in nets
- Broken arm(s) from a fall on a slippery deck
- Shoulder injury due to improper procedures
- Head injury from negligent crane operation
- Back injury in a factory processing accident
- Spinal cord injury from lifting heavy equipment
- Traumatic Brain Injury from overhead gear collapsing
- Hypothermia and drowning from falling overboard
Death is unique in that its damages are usually calculated as wages lost as a result. These damages are usually paid out to the nearest dependant, such as a wife, husband or parent.
Breach
Employers in the maritime industry are also required to implement proper procedures to ensure the safety of their employees. When an employer fails to put procedures in place, leading to a maritime accident, the injured party may seek compensation under the Jones Act. This act requires that maritime employers follow industry standards for safety and proper procedures to prevent accidents. If an employee suffers an injury because of the absence of these procedures, they can pursue a claim for their injuries.
In the maritime industry, accidents often occur because of the negligence or errors of crew members. When a crew member fails to comply with proper procedures, it can lead to serious accidents, causing injuries that result in medical expenses and loss of income for the affected individuals. Employers are held responsible under the Jones Act for not adequately training or supervising their staff, which can lead to negligence. Victims of crew negligence may have the right to seek compensation from their employers for injuries suffered. This compensation covers their medical bills and supports them during their recovery period.
Causation
The Jones Act employs what is known as the “feather-weight” method. This means that it lies on the plaintiff to prove that the employer was, to any degree, responsible for the injuries sustained as part of the damages claim. This is unlike any other negligence claim, and is unique to a Jones Act claim for Jones Act sailors/seamen.
How Does the Jones Act Affect Injured Maritime Workers?
One of the main purposes of the Jones Act is to provide protection and legal opportunities for compensation to maritime workers who get injured while on the job. This federal law seeks to ensure that sailors, who often face hazardous conditions at sea, have the right to seek damages from their employers in case of negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Unlike workers on land, maritime workers do not have the same workers’ compensation rights under state laws. The Jones Act fills this gap by allowing these workers to file injury claims against their employers. So, the Jones Act is not just about regulating maritime trade; it’s also an important tool for protecting the health and livelihoods of seafarers by providing a pathway to compensation after on-the-job injuries.
Who Qualifies for the Jones Act?
A claim under the Jones Act can be filed by maritime workers who qualify as seamen. The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that a seaman is someone whose duties contribute to the function or mission of a vessel and who has a substantial connection to the vessel or a fleet. This doesn’t just mean the vessel has to be moving or at sea; it can be anchored, moored, or otherwise stationary, as long as it’s capable of navigation and is on navigable waters.
This term covers individuals who spend a significant part of their work time (generally at least 30%) on a vessel or fleet of vessels operating in navigable waters, including oceans, rivers, and lakes that support trade. These workers must contribute to the vessel’s function or mission, meaning their work is important to the vessel’s operations. This broad definition encompasses a wide range of positions, including but not limited to, captains, mates, deckhands, engineers, pilots, fishermen, drillers on oil rigs (if the rig is considered a vessel in navigation), stewards, and cooks.
Determining whether an individual falls under this category often requires a legal assessment of their employment duties and their work environment.
What Types of Injury Claims Are Covered?
The Jones Act covers injury-related claims for a wide variety of incidents, ranging from accidents that result in physical harm to conditions that cause illness or emotional distress to maritime workers. This includes injuries from slips and falls, machinery accidents, exposure to harmful substances, and many other types of workplace hazards.
Does the Jones Act Cover Wrongful Death Claims?
When a seaman dies because of their injuries on the job, their family can make a wrongful death claim under the Jones Act. Specifically, if an employer didn’t do enough to ensure the safety of their crew or if the vessel itself was in poor condition, leading to a seaman’s death, the family of the deceased can seek compensation. This compensation might cover things like funeral costs, lost future earnings that the deceased would have provided to their family, and the pain and suffering experienced by the family due to their loss.
Damages and Possible Benefits
In general, the Jones Act separates out claims into two categories: negligence claims and maintenance and cure claims.
Negligence Claims
A negligence claim under the Jones Act requires the injured seaman to prove that their injury resulted from their employer’s negligence. Compensation for the victim can include lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
Common examples of negligence for employers of seamen include:
- Failure to perform regular maintenance on equipment and parts
- Failure to provide proper safety gear
- Failure to warn and ensure that warning signs are placed in hazardous areas
- Failure to provide a seaworthy vessel
- Failure to train
Loss Of Earnings
Loss of earnings covers more than just present earnings, it also covers future earning capacity loss and employee benefits, such as vacation time, 401K, and pensions, if available. Calculating current lost earnings is generally easy because the employee knows their salary and how many hours of work were missed due to their injury. However, future earnings may be more challenging to calculate because raises, increased benefits, and potential promotions must be taken into account but are difficult to estimate because they are speculative.
Medical Expenses
In addition to the loss of earnings, an injured seaman is covered for present and future medical expenses. Current medical expenses are relatively easy to calculate, but future medical expenses are based on what medical treatment may be necessary for a full recovery. Therefore, future medical expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- Follow-up exams
- Medication
- Travel expenses to doctor appointments
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Surgeries
To determine these costs, an attorney will generally consult medical professionals and experts in the field who can estimate what procedures will be necessary.
Pain And Suffering
Several factors will be used to determine the damage amount, including the extent and severity of the injuries, the pain involved, and the level of mental anguish caused by the injury. The impact of the injuries on the worker’s lifestyle also determines the amount of damages.
Maintenance and Cure
A maintenance and cure claim under general maritime laws ensures injured seamen receive basic living expenses (maintenance) and medical treatment (cure) until they reach maximum medical recovery or are fit for duty.
Maintenance – compensates the injured seafarer for their living expenses while they are recovering from their injury and are unable to work. This benefit is intended to cover the seafarer’s basic expenses, such as food and lodging, similar to what they would have received aboard the vessel. The rate of maintenance is determined on a case-by-case basis, often influenced by the seafarer’s actual living expenses, although it tends to be a modest amount.
Cure – refers to the obligation of the employer to pay for the injured seafarer’s medical treatment until they have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is a condition where the seafarer’s condition cannot be further improved with medical treatment, or they have recovered fully. Cure covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, medical equipment, and medication. It ensures that seafarers receive the necessary medical care without having to worry about the cost.
Can a Victim File Both a Negligence Claim and an Unseaworthiness Claim?
Yes. Under general maritime laws, in addition to providing seamen with the ability to seek damages from their employers for negligence, seamen can also pursue claims based on the unseaworthiness of a vessel. Unseaworthiness refers to a condition where a vessel, its equipment, or its crew are not reasonably fit for their intended use or are not in a condition safe for their intended journey or work. This standard is not dependent on the employer’s negligence. Instead, it is based on the state of the vessel.
The obligation to provide a seaworthy vessel is absolute; the shipowner is liable for any injuries resulting from unseaworthy conditions, regardless of how diligent they were in trying to ensure the vessel was safe. This means that if a seaman is injured due to a condition that rendered the vessel unseaworthy—such as faulty equipment, inadequate crew training, or unsafe work methods—they can claim compensation because of unseaworthiness. The unseaworthiness claim usually complements negligence claims under the Jones Act.
Who Could Be Liable to a Maritime Worker for an Injury Under the Jones Act?
Under the Jones Act, the primary party liable to a victim for an injury is the employer or the owner of the vessel. This liability arises when the employer’s negligence or a dangerous condition on the vessel leads to the worker’s injury. The Jones Act places a strong emphasis on providing a safe working environment for seamen. If the employer fails to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition, they can be held responsible for injuries suffered by their employees. This includes not only physical injuries but also illnesses and mental health issues that can be traced back to the work environment.
Which Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Jones Act Cases?
Cases involving personal injury under the Jones Act can be brought to federal or state courts, giving individuals a choice of venue. This flexibility is a significant part of the Jones Act, as it allows maritime workers to file claims in a court system that they believe will be most favorable to their case. The federal courts have jurisdiction because of the Jones Act being a federal law, but the Act also permits cases to be filed in state courts, which must apply federal maritime law to these cases.
Limitations of the Jones Act
There are specific exclusions and limitations to filing a claim under the Jones Act. One major limitation is the definition of who qualifies as a seaman. Not all maritime workers meet the criteria; only those who spend a significant portion of their employment time working on a navigable vessel and contribute to the vessel’s function or mission can file under the Jones Act. Another limitation is the time frame for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations. Under the Jones Act, injured seamen have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
Additionally, claims can be excluded if the employer can prove that the injury was solely the result of the seaman’s own negligence or misconduct. This could include actions like fighting, intoxication, or drug use. However, not all instances of alleged willful misbehavior automatically disqualify a seaman from receiving compensation. Certain misconduct might not eliminate the right to fair compensation for work-related injuries.
Statute of Limitations
Under the Jones Act, maritime and offshore workers who suffer injuries during employment may file a claim for compensation. However, there’s a time limit for initiating legal actions, known as the statute of limitations. This time frame is set at three years from the date of the injury or death resulting from a maritime incident, according to 46 USC § 30106. If a claim is not filed within this period, it may be dismissed and no longer eligible for consideration, except under specific legal exceptions.
Potential Damages for Injury Claims Under Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, the range of potential damages available for injury and wrongful death claims is designed to provide full financial relief and support to victims and their families. The Act allows for the recovery of a variety of damages, each addressing different aspects of the impact an injury or death has on the victim and their dependents.
Lost Wages – provides financial stability to injured maritime workers or the families of those who have passed away. Compensation for lost wages helps to replace the income that the injured worker is unable to earn due to their injury. Future lost wages take into account the income that the worker would have earned had they not been injured, extending potentially until the end of what would have been their working life. This calculation can include considerations for expected career advancement, inflation, and other factors that would have influenced the victim’s earning capacity.
Medical Expenses – covers all healthcare-related costs incurred as a result of the injury. This includes immediate medical treatment following the incident, as well as long-term care needs, rehabilitation, and any future medical care required to manage pain, disability, or other health issues stemming from the injury. The aim is to ensure that the victim does not bear the financial burden of these expenses and can access the necessary medical care without concern for cost.
Pain and Suffering – non-economic damages suffered by the victim, compensating them for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by their injuries. This addresses mental anguish, loss of comfort, diminished quality of life, and the physical discomfort endured by the victim.
Loss of Life Enjoyment – damages for a decrease in quality of life experienced by the victim due to their injuries. This can encompass a wide range of experiences, from the inability to engage in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed, to the loss of companionship and the ability to participate in family life and social activities.
Funeral Expenses (Wrongful Death) – cover the cost of funeral services and burial or cremation. They are meant to relieve the financial strain on the family of the deceased, allowing them to honor their loved one without the added stress of financial hardship.
Financial Support for the Deceased’s Dependents (Wrongful Death) – damages for the financial impact the loss of the victim has on their dependents. It aims to provide the necessary financial support to the victim’s spouse, children, or other dependents, reflecting the contribution the deceased would have made to their family’s financial security over time.
The comparative negligence rule under the Jones Act adjusts the amount of damages awarded to a victim based on the victim’s own contribution to the cause of their injury. However, this does not affect maintenance and cure benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Applicability of the Jones Act Vary by State?
The applicability of the Jones Act does not vary by state because it is a federal law. This means that while maritime workers can file claims in either federal or state courts, the interpretation of the Jones Act is consistent nationwide. This ensures that all seamen have the same protections and rights under the law.
What Is the Legal Process for Filing a Claim Under the Jones Act?
The legal process for filing a claim under the Jones Act starts with the injured seaman notifying their employer of the injury as soon as possible. Following this notification, the seaman should seek medical attention and document their injuries and any medical treatment received. The next step involves consulting with a maritime injury lawyer to evaluate the claim and determine the best course of action. The attorney will then file a lawsuit on behalf of the seaman against the employer or vessel owner. The process involves gathering evidence, like witness statements and medical records, and may lead to settlement negotiations or a trial where the seaman must prove the employer’s negligence caused their injury.
What Is the Role of Insurance Companies in Jones Act Cases?
Insurance companies play a significant role, primarily through the maritime employer’s liability insurance to vessel owners and operators. This type of insurance covers the liability of maritime employers for injuries to their employees under the Jones Act, as well as under general maritime law for maintenance and cure obligations.
When a maritime worker files a claim under the Jones Act, the employer’s insurance company often becomes involved in the negotiation or litigation process, assessing the claim’s validity, determining compensation amounts, and potentially settling claims out of court.
What Are Common Defenses Against Negligence Claims Under the Jones Act?
Common defenses against negligence claims under the Jones Act include arguing that the employer provided a safe working environment and that the injury was not a result of negligence. Employers might also claim that the injured party’s own negligence or the negligence of a third party was the primary cause of the injury, aiming to reduce their liability or dismiss the claim altogether.
Another defense is contesting the individual’s status as a seaman under the Jones Act, as the protections and rights to compensation only apply to individuals who qualify as seamen. Employers may also challenge the extent of the injuries claimed or argue that the injuries were pre-existing and not related to the individual’s work.
How Does Jones Act Affect Workplace Safety?
The Jones Act significantly impacts workplace safety in the maritime industry by holding employers responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees. Knowing they could face financial liability for injuries resulting from negligence or unsafe conditions, employers are motivated to maintain high safety standards to prevent accidents. This responsibility encourages investment in safety training, equipment, and guidelines, reducing the risk of workplace injuries and fatalities. Furthermore, the Jones Act’s provision allowing seamen to sue their employers for damages because of negligence serves as a powerful incentive for companies to prioritize safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
How Does Jones Act Relate to Other Maritime Acts in Injury or Death Cases?
The overlap between the Jones Act and other maritime laws, such as the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), extends into various areas, including provisions for injury or death of maritime workers.
DOHSA covers fatal incidents occurring more than three nautical miles from the U.S. shore, allowing the families of those who died in international waters to seek compensation. It applies broadly to deaths of maritime workers and passengers, filling a gap for incidents that result in death rather than injury.
The LHWCA complements these laws by offering compensation to disabled maritime workers or the families of those who have died, but specifically targets those who are not covered by the Jones Act—such as dockworkers, harbor workers, and other maritime employees who work on or near navigable waters but do not qualify as seamen.
How Does the Jones Act Apply to Injuries or Death That Occur Abroad Versus Within the United States?
The Jones Act applies to injuries or deaths that occur on navigable waters or aboard vessels that could affect interstate or international trade, including those outside the United States, as long as the vessel is owned by a U.S. citizen or company. This means American maritime workers are protected under the Jones Act, even when working in international waters or in ports abroad. The important factor is the employment relationship with a U.S. employer and the operation of the vessel under the U.S. flag or ownership. However, certain complications can arise when dealing with incidents that occur outside U.S. territorial waters, potentially involving international maritime law and treaties.
What Legal Options Does a Victim Have If Their Insurance Claim Under the Jones Act Is Denied?
If a victim’s insurance claim under the Jones Act is denied, they have several legal options to pursue. Initially, they can request a reconsideration of the claim by providing additional evidence or clarification that might address the reasons for denial. If the claim is still denied, the victim can escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit in federal or state court, depending on the specifics of their case. This legal action involves presenting the case before a judge or jury, who will then determine the merits of the claim and the appropriate compensation, if any.
Victims also have the option of engaging in mediation or arbitration as alternative dispute resolution methods, which can be less adversarial and costly than court proceedings. Throughout this process, it is recommended to work with a maritime injury lawyer to manage the legal challenges and advocate on their behalf.
How Does the Jones Act Address Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities?
The Jones Act provides for compensation to seamen who suffer long-term or permanent disabilities as a result of injuries sustained while in the service of their vessel. This includes compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If a seaman is unable to return to work because of their disability, the Jones Act allows for the recovery of wages they would have earned had they not been injured, potentially including future earnings lost because of the disability.
The Act tries to ensure that injured seamen are fairly compensated for the full extent of their injuries, including the impact on their ability to earn a living and their quality of life. The calculation of damages for long-term or permanent disabilities under the Jones Act takes into account the severity of the disability, the age of the seaman, their skill level, and their earning potential at the time of the injury.
What Steps Should a Victim Take Immediately After an Injury?
- Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, attend to any injuries by getting medical help immediately.
- Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor or the shipowner about the accident as soon as you can.
- Document the Scene: Take the time to document the accident scene and collect contact information from any witnesses like accident reports filed onboard, witness statements, and any photographs or videos of the accident scene or injuries.
- Keep Medical Records: Preserve all medical records and receipts connected to the injury. These documents are crucial for any potential legal claims. This includes medical records describing the injuries suffered, which should cover initial treatments, ongoing medical care, and any future medical needs related to the injury.
Additionally, secure employment records proving your status as a seaman and their connection to the vessel along with evidence of lost wages and the impact on the victim’s earning capacity. This documentation serves as the foundation of the claim, helping to prove the extent of injuries, the circumstances under which they occurred, and the financial losses suffered as a result.
Gathering and presenting this evidence effectively is crucial for building a strong case under the Jones Act.
How Does a Jones Act Lawyer Help a Maritime Injury Victim?
When a maritime worker gets hurt on the job, making a claim under the Jones Act can seem like navigating through a storm. This is where a maritime injury lawyer becomes so important for a victim to have in their corner. These lawyers specialize in understanding the ins and outs of maritime law, starting with figuring out if the Jones Act applies to the worker’s situation. It’s a crucial first step, ensuring the claim has a strong foundation.
Next, the lawyer gets to work gathering evidence. This isn’t just about collecting paperwork; it’s about painting a picture of what happened and why the employer should be held responsible. This might involve talking to witnesses, getting opinions from experts, and collecting medical records that show just how serious the injuries are. It’s all about building a case that clearly shows the injury is connected to the victim’s job and that the employer didn’t do enough to prevent it.
Calculating how much money the injured worker should get is a big part of the lawyer’s job. This isn’t just about lost pay; it’s also about medical bills, pain and suffering, and how the injury might affect the worker’s future earnings. The lawyer has to consider everything from how much the worker was making to what their career could have looked like if they hadn’t been hurt. It’s a detailed process that aims to make sure the compensation covers everything the worker has lost and will lose because of the injury.
Negotiating with employers and insurance companies is tough. They often try to pay as little as possible. But with a strong case built on solid evidence, a Jones Act lawyer can push for a fair deal. They know how to argue for a settlement that looks after the worker’s immediate and future needs.
If negotiating doesn’t work, the lawyer is ready to fight it out in court, using all the evidence they’ve collected to tell the worker’s story. They’ll bring in witnesses, show how the employer was at fault, and argue for the full amount of compensation the worker deserves. This stage requires skill and determination, as the lawyer works to convince the judge or jury to see things from the worker’s perspective.
Throughout the entire process, the lawyer does more than just handle legal procedures. They’re there to support the victim, offering advice and clarity. They make sure the victim understands what’s happening every step of the way and fight tirelessly to protect their rights.
Additional Resources
Jones Act: Important to Economic and National Security
The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is important for America’s economic and national security. It requires vessels carrying goods between U.S. ports to be U.S.-owned, -built, and -crewed. This legislation supports American jobs, ensures goods move efficiently across the nation’s network of waterways, and helps maintain a strong maritime industry. The act also strengthens the U.S. shipbuilding sector, supporting America’s economic health and its ability to respond to emergencies.
Cassidy Leads Introduction of Legislation to Level Playing Field for Offshore Mariners
Introduced by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act aims to create fair competition between U.S.- and foreign-flagged vessels in offshore energy activities in U.S. waters. The legislation tries to balance employment opportunities for Americans with the need to avoid disruptions in offshore wind turbine installations and oil and gas operations. It also proposes improved oversight of foreign-flagged vessels and their crews, ensuring that U.S. maritime workers have fair opportunities in the industry.
The Summary of the Jones Act, provided by the Legal Information Institute, offers an overview of the federal law that supports the development and maintenance of the American merchant marine. This summary clarifies the Act’s impact on maritime trade, national security, and seamen’s rights.
Manual of Model Civil Jury Instructions in Jones Act Cases
The Manual of Model Civil Jury Instructions by the United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit provides guidelines for jury instructions in civil cases, including actions under the Jones Act and other admiralty claims. It covers seaman status, negligence, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure, aiming to help in the accurate delivery of legal standards in trials.
Keynote Address State of the Industry (MARAD)
This address highlights the importance of the U.S. maritime industry and the Jones Act for national and economic security. The speech hits on efforts to support U.S.-flagged fleets, improve domestic shipbuilding, and ensure the industry’s growth. It also mentions initiatives like the America’s Marine Highways Program, aimed at improving the nation’s waterway transportation system.
Hire a Jones Act Lawyer
The Jones Act serves as a vital protector for maritime workers, offering a pathway to compensation and justice in the face of workplace dangers. Navigating the Act, however, requires a strong, experienced hand. BoatLaw,LLP is dedicated to upholding the rights of seamen, leveraging extensive expertise in maritime law to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. When facing the aftermath of maritime injuries, partnering with our experienced Jones Act lawyers ensures that your case is handled with the precision and dedication it demands.
Contact us today to champion your cause and navigate the complexities of maritime claims, ensuring that your rights are fiercely protected and your future is secured.
Call 1 (800) 262-8529 to secure an initial consultation.
We litigate maritime cases across the country from our offices in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. We handle cases that occur in the Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, Coos Bay, The Columbia River, Grays Harbor, Port Angeles, Lake Tahoe, Dutch Harbor, and the Gulf of Alaska.
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