Working at sea is extremely dangerous. Seamen face perils every day, from slipping and falling on deck to drowning, Your employer is legally bound to protect you from injury, thanks to the Jones Act.
If you suffered an injury while working as a seaman, you may be able to receive compensation from your employer to pay for medical bills, lost wages and psychological suffering. If you are unable to continue working in your field, you may qualify for a settlement.
What conditions allow you to pursue a Jones Act case?
There are many ways to pursue reimbursement from an employer under the Jones Act. If your employer failed to meet these standards and you suffered an injury as a result, you are entitled to compensation.
Safety violations:
- Clean up spills
- Mark or cordon off slippery walkways
- Maintain the hull in good condition
- Provide safety gear
- Provide training to employees
Properly maintain equipment:
- Provide regular inspections
- Repair or replace damaged equipment
- Inform all crew members of damaged equipment and disallow its use
Maintaining order within the crew:
- Prevent assault
- Eliminate negligence
- Forbid incompetence
- Do not allow for poor judgment
Failure to act:
- Reticent rescue, failure to move quickly or devote resources to help you
- Improper medical care, failure to provide appropriate care
Why should you pursue a legal case?
Holding your employer accountable for your injuries can be expensive and time consuming. You should pursue your case not only for you and your family but for other seamen who may still be working in unsafe conditions. You must hold your employer accountable for their actions.