A 60-day waiver, a 659-product carve-out, and a tightened legal standard — what maritime stakeholders need to understand about the most significant Jones Act action in years. On March 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, acting on a request from the Department of War, issued a 60-day limited waiver of the Jones Act…
What is Jones Act Negligence? Jones Act Negligence is a legal standard that allows “seamen” to sue their employers for personal injury damages caused by the employer’s failure to provide a reasonably safe work environment. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, which is “no-fault,” a Jones Act claim requires proving that the employer’s negligence played a part—no…
The maritime industry is a global enterprise, powered by hardworking men and women from every corner of the world. A common and dangerous misconception, however, is that the powerful legal protections afforded to injured seamen under United States law are reserved exclusively for American citizens. This is not the case. Many foreign maritime workers who…
An injury at sea is always a serious matter, but when the vessel involved is owned or operated by the United States government, the legal path to compensation becomes significantly more complex. Standard maritime laws like the Jones Act do not apply in the same way. Instead, injured seamen must navigate a different set of…
If you are wondering what a maritime lawyer does, the short answer is this (at least in the context of maritime personal injury cases): a maritime lawyer helps injured mariners understand and enforce their rights under maritime law when an accident happens on navigable waters or in maritime work. That can include injured seamen, deckhands,…
Oil rig accidents are some of the most dangerous workplace incidents in the world. Operating miles offshore, crews face constant risks from explosions, blowouts, and equipment failures. Despite advancements in safety technology, history has seen several catastrophic oil rig disasters that have forever changed the industry. These tragic oil rig accidents not only resulted in…
If you’ve been involved in a maritime incident, understanding your rights under maritime law is crucial. Recent sea accidents highlight the importance of knowing how to claim salvage rights and protect your interests. What Is A Salvage Claim? A salvage claim allows for compensation after someone or a group of people rescue another ship in…
The sudden disruption of a vacation by an injury at sea is a frightening and confusing experience. If you or a loved one is hurt onboard a cruise ship, knowing the immediate steps to take and being well-appraised of your legal options is crucial for protecting both your health and any future claims. Below we…
When facing injuries or legal challenges on the water, it’s essential to have experienced California maritime lawyers on your side. These specialized attorneys understand the unique laws governing maritime work, including the Jones Act and Defense Base Act. Whether you’re dealing with offshore injuries, longshore accidents, or marine insurance disputes, skilled maritime lawyers in California…
If you’ve suffered a maritime injury while working on the water, whether it happened aboard a commercial fishing vessel in Alaska, a barge in Washington, or a cargo dock in Florida, understanding the deadlines for filing maritime injury claims is crucial. These strict time limits, known in the legal world as “statutes of limitations”, determine…
