The Jones Act

Maritime Law

The Jones Act is a complex and detailed law enacted to protect maritime and offshore workers. Although the Jones Act was established to create extra protections, maritime employers and their insurance companies often use aspects of the Jones Act to try to avoid compensating injured workers.

If you are employed in the maritime industry and have suffered an injury, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced Jones Act lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights as soon as possible.

Two Fundamental Issues for a Plaintiff
When an offshore worker is injured, an experienced Jones Act lawyer must first address two primary issues:

• Is the individual a "seaman" and qualified to obtain a legal remedy under the Jones Act?
• What is the deadline for filing a claim under the Jones Act in this particular case?

The answers to these questions depend on the unique circumstances of each injury or death. The maritime attorneys at Fitts Zehl will be able to determine (a) whether you are qualified to receive compensation under the Jones Act and (b) whether the legal deadline (statute of limitations) has been reached in your case.

Types of Compensation under the Jones Act
An injured offshore worker or seaman may be entitled to two types of compensation for injuries covered under the Jones Act:

• Maintenance and Cure: compensation for transportation to a medical facility, for medical care, and to cover a portion of lost wages.
• Compensation for disfigurement, pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.

Proving Liability
In a Jones Act case, the plaintiff must prove that the employer's negligence caused the individual’s injury or death. The Jones Act and maritime lawyers at Fitts Zehl LLP have the experience and resources necessary to recover substantial compensation for offshore workers and Jones Act seaman injured while on the job.

Schedule a Consultation at Fitts Zehl
If you or a loved one was injured or killed while working offshore, the maritime lawyers at Fitts Zehl LLP can help. Contact our offices today to schedule a free and private consultation to discuss your case.

Fitts Zehl was recently named 1 of 5 “Power Lawyers and Law Firms of 2009.