Employment in Ocean Springs’ shipping industry provides a steady income to thousands of workers in the state. This includes sailors, dock workers, deckhands, and even those who work to assemble the vessels.
Unfortunately, those who work on the water often sustain serious injuries. Unlike employees in most industries, maritime workers do not enjoy protection under state workers’ compensation laws. Instead, injured employees must seek compensation for their losses directly from their employers. This can complicate and delay necessary medical care and lost wage reimbursement.
An Ocean Springs Jones Act lawyer could help injured maritime workers and their families to understand their rights under federal law. This includes pursuing lawsuits in United States District Courts that demand payment from employers after workplace injuries. Speak to a diligent maritime injury attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.
The Jones Act is a collection of federal laws that regulate the merchant marine industry. The statute serves many functions, including the requirement that shipping between American ports be done by ships carrying the US flag and allowing the government to call ships into military service in times of war.
However, the most relevant portion of this Act is the extension of the Federal Employer’s Liability Act to seamen. According to 46 United States Code §30104, if a seaman suffers an injury in the course of their employment, those workers or their personal representative may bring a civil claim alleging negligence for damages against their employers.
This law specifically supersedes local workers’ compensation laws and is the only way for workers to collect compensation after an on-the-job injury. An experienced Ocean Springs Jones Act attorney could help to provide more information about the Jones Act and its impact on maritime employees.
Under the Jones Act, seamen have the right to bring lawsuits demanding compensation against negligent maritime employers. Generally, any worker who spends at least 30 percent of their working hours on a vessel, including maintenance workers in dockyards and those who unload cargo, may file a claim. A skilled Ocean Springs Jones Act attorney could help to determine if a person qualifies to file a claim under the Jones Act.
Once a worker demonstrates that they enjoy protection under the Jones Act, they still must prove that a boat owner’s negligence caused their injuries. These claims must demonstrate that a boat owner’s careless or reckless actions contributed to the injury. Examples can include a failure to provide proper safety equipment or training.
However, a key exception to this rule may apply if the vessel was not seaworthy. Every owner has a duty to keep their vessels safe and in working order. If an injury was a result of this failure, the owner could be held liable for damages. A knowledgeable Ocean Springs Jones Act lawyer could help to investigate the cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and to demand appropriate compensation.
Workplace injuries often occur to those employed in the maritime industry. Sailors, deckhands, dock workers, and maintenance crews that spend significant time on vessels have the right to demand compensation for their losses. This includes payment for all needed medical care as well as lost wage reimbursement.
An Ocean Springs Jones Act Lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim from explaining your legal rights and filing a claim to settlement negotiations. A seasoned attorney could work to help you seek the compensation you need for all of your injuries and damages. Call today to discuss your case.