Jones Act Claims

Providing Injury Representation - Toll Free: 1-800-523-5787

A harbor worker, merchant mariner, seaman or other individual who works on or to support a water-going vessel is at risk for injury every day on the job. These individuals may be protected by workers' compensation laws and also maybe afforded rights under the federal Jones Act. This is a specific area of maritime law that may be apply after an injury is suffered.

Maritime Law and Jones Act Claims

Lawyers at Leger & Shaw have nearly 35 years of experience handling a wide range of maritime issues, including Jones Act and Longshoreman and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) claims.

Under the Jones Act, merchant mariners and working seamen enjoy rights to recovering maintenance, cure, and damages for accidents or illness suffered while employed in aid of navigation of a vessel. Negligence or direct, careless actions can be the cause of many injuries. There are many ways in which negligence can lead to accidents and injuries, including:

  • Failure to properly train, hire or staff the vessel
  • Failure to provide the proper safety equipment and protective gear
  • Failure to follow or enforce safety measures, including the removal of safety features on machines
  • Improper maintenance of the ship
  • Giving directions to work in dangerous weather conditions

If a ship is deemed unseaworthy, this may also be grounds upon which to seek compensation for the injuries suffered.

For further information regarding the Jones Act or other maritime laws, or to learn more about how our firm handles these cases, please schedule a free confidential consultation by calling us at 504-588-9043 or toll free at 1-800-523-5787, or contact us here. Put our decades of maritime experience to work for you.