Your Rights Under The Jones Act
If you are a merchant worker who works on a navigable vessel for a third of the time when you’re on the clock and you’ve been injured while on the job, you’re not protected by workers’ compensation. However, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Your right to compensation for an injury on the job is protected by federal statutes, especially one known as the Jones Act. Our team of lawyers can represent those that have suffered injury during their time on a boat, and can represent them in all of their legal proceedings moving forward.
Understanding the Jones Act
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) protects offshore workers, seamen and sailors who are injured while on the job. This law is put in place since most of their work isn’t performed within our nation’s state borders. This act permits them to be injured on the job and to sue their employer to get financial damages for their injuries. One stipulation is that the vessel must be on waters that can be navigated, in order to be eligible for this compensation.
This act is designed to protect sailors from exploitation from their employers. It requires employers to provide healthcare to their employees, to following all existing EPA regulations and to maintain a safe working environment. If you get hurt while working on a vessel that is at sea, you are entitled to protections stated under the Jones Act.
Call to Schedule a Consultation With Maritime Attorneys
At Lassiter Law Firm, our Houston, TX maritime attorneys have a proven track record of success for our clients who have been hurt while at sea. We pride ourselves on working diligently in order to get our clients maximum compensation for their injuries as offshore workers, sailors and seamen. If you work at sea, you are entitled to your rights and to just compensation if you are injured while performing on the job in your vessel. To learn more about what we can do for your case and to file a lawsuit, call our team of lawyers today at (713)521-0104.
