An employer must provide proper procedures for performing a job. If the failure to put procedures in place causes damages after a maritime accident, you can sue your employer under the Jones Act to recover compensation for your injuries.
Your employer has a duty to put procedures in place, according to the customs and practices that are common in the industry. Your company has a responsibility to put its employees’ safety first with the proper approved procedures.
If you were injured performing a job at work in which you feel your employer failed to put the proper procedures in place, you need an experienced maritime law attorney to help you fight for what you deserve. Failure to put procedures in place means that your workplace is unsafe and is in violation of the Jones Act.
Attorney for Claims of Failing to Put Procedures in Place
At BOATLAW, LLP, our client’s safety is a top concern. Working in the maritime industry can be dangerous. Many grave injuries can be avoided with proper procedures instituted in the workplace. These injuries are unexpected and can cause considerable decline in your emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
BOATLAW, LLP has offices all over the west coast including Bellingham, WA, Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and San Francisco, CA. If you have been injured or know someone who has died after an accident at work in the Pacific Northwest including the States of Washington, Oregon, California, or Alaska, then contact BOATLAW, LLP to help you determine if you are entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.
The attorneys at BOATLAW, LLP have been representing those injured at sea and their families for over 30 years. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries or loss. Contact an experienced attorney for Jones Act cases today. Call 1-800-262-8529 for a free evaluation of your case.
Elements of Failure to Put Procedures in Place
The failure to institute proper procedures of safety measures is a form of negligence. Negligence under the Jones Act requires:
- The injured worker is a seaman;
- The defendant was negligent and failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances; and
- The defendant’s negligence was the cause of injury to the seaman..
The Jones Act entitles injured seamen to recovery if they spend more than 51 percent of their time at sea. Proving that your employer’s negligence caused your injury may aid you in receiving compensation. It could also cause your employer to reconsider safety measures for their employees.
Lawsuits under Jones Act
The Jones Act protects American workers injured at sea and allows them to receive compensation from their employers. The federal legislation 46 USC Section 883 is also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Although the Jones Act applies in many situations, not all employees who work at sea will qualify.
These cases are complicated. Despite these complexities, you are still entitled to health and wellbeing. Contact an experienced attorney at BOATLAW, LLP so that we can assess your situation today. We will fight to the best of our ability to help you receive the medical care and compensation that you deserve.
Common Injuries Covered under the Jones Act
Some of the most common injuries covered by the Jones Act include:
- Accidents caused by damaged vessels and cargo;
- Toxic exposure to hazardous materials;
- Back, ankle and knee injuries;
- Breakage of equipment;
- Improperly maintained equipment;
- The failure to provide crew members with the proper equipment to do their work;
- Assault by a co-worker; and
- Improper training of the seaman or crew in general.
It is important to know that notice of a claim may typically be required in a certain amount of time. The statute of limitations has strict time limits for filing a claim and providing notice of an injury. Typically the time limit for filing maritime lawsuits is 3 years after the injury occurred, barring mitigating circumstances.
Do not wait! Contact an experienced maritime and admiralty lawyer at BOATLAW, LLP today at 1-800-262-8529 for a free case evaluation.
Additional Resources
The Jones Act and Seaman Injuries – Search the Nolo Network which is one of the web’s largest libraries with legal information available for free. This can give you an idea about the process of such a claim and allows you to gain some insight about the compensation that may be awarded to you for your injuries.
Maritime and Admiralty Law – This website covers maritime rights and injuries, equipment injuries, the Jones Act, and just about everything you need to know about these special work-related injuries. Although these resources can be helpful it is important to not take everything they say as law. It is vital to speak with an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about injuries at sea.
Washington State – Boating Rules & Regulations- Washington State has a free boating rules and regulations book online about vessels needing registration, the water temperature, laws on negligence and more. Check it out now for more information if you navigate waters in Washington.
Finding a Lawyer for Claims Related to Failure to Enact Proper Procedures
If you or a family member live in the Pacific Northwest or surrounding areas and have been injured at work due to your employer failing to put procedures in place, fight for your employee rights. Contact the attorneys at BOATLAW, LLP to see if you’re eligible for filing a claim.
Our maritime lawyers have offices in Bellingham and Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California. If you have been injured or know someone who has died after an accident while working in the Pacific Northwest, including the States of Washington, Oregon, California, or Alaska, then call BOATLAW, LLP and seek help to determine if you are entitled to compensation under the Jones Act.
At BOATLAW, LLP your injury claim will be handled by a legal professional with a great record of success in getting seamen like you the compensation they were owed. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of your employer’s negligence.
Contact BOATLAW, LLP at 1-800-262-8529 today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.
