The Military Sealift Command (MSC) plays a vital role in the transportation efforts of the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense. Operating a fleet of approximately 125 civilian-crewed ships, MSC vessels replenish and transport Navy ships worldwide. If you work on one of these civilian-crewed vessels, you may be protected under the Jones Act, which offers protections and compensation for maritime workers injured due to negligence.
BoatLaw, LLP is a maritime injury law firm representing injured maritime workers, longshoremen, dock workers, and defense base employees nationwide. We fight for maximum compensation, even if your claim was previously denied. With decades of success in worker’s compensation, injury, and wrongful death cases, our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights. Call 1-800-BOATLAW today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation, or submit a contact form, and our legal team will reach out to you ASAP.
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Information Center
Eligible Workers for Damages
Damages are generally available under the Jones Act, allowing most individuals who spend at least 30% of their work aboard or in the service of a vessel in navigable waters to be eligible for Jones Act damages. Some examples of workers who are eligible include, but are not limited to:
- Deckhands
- Captains
- Mates
- ABs
- OSs
- Engineers
- Stewards
These workers are entitled to compensation if injured due to the negligence of their employer or other parties on board.
Potential Damages
Injured maritime workers may receive two categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to financial losses directly associated with the injury, such as:
- Lost Earnings: This includes past and future wages lost due to the injury. While past earnings are straightforward to calculate, future earnings may require expert testimony to estimate promotions, bonuses, or career advancements that may have been lost due to the injury.
- Medical Expenses: Medical damages cover both past and future medical treatments related to the injury. While past medical bills are easy to track through invoices, future medical costs, such as ongoing treatments or surgeries, may also need expert testimony to determine.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the pain and suffering experienced by the victim, which includes:
- Physical pain related to the injury
- Mental anguish or emotional distress caused by the incident
- Impact on quality of life due to the injury
- Social and career impacts resulting from the injury
Courts consider several factors when calculating pain and suffering damages, including the severity of the injury, how it affects daily life, and whether ongoing care is required.
Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to damages claimed by family members, such as a spouse, who suffer the loss of companionship, care, or relationship due to the victim’s injuries. If the injury has impacted the marital relationship or the victim’s ability to provide care for their family, the spouse may be entitled to compensation.
Additional Resources
Military Sealift Command – The Military Sealift Command website provides more information on the Military Sealift Command, what they do, and how many vessels they are operating at any given time.
United States Customs and Border Protection – The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website gives more information on the Jones Act and how the United States plays a role.
Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and California Military Sealift Command Lawyers
Injured on a Military Sealift Command vessel? You may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. At Boatlaw, LLP, we specialize in maritime injury law and have extensive experience handling cases involving the Jones Act and other maritime statutes. Our team will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We serve clients throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and California. Call 1 (800) 262-8529 for a free consultation today.
