Jones Act and Other Laws Governing Water Accidents

Georgia and Florida Jones Act Attorneys
Helping seamen get the compensation that they need

Working on a ship can be a dangerous occupation. Unfortunately, that danger may be exacerbated by poorly maintained equipment, cargo overload, or navigational error. At Farah & Farah, we help injured sailors, pilots, and merchant marines and their families get the compensation that they deserve. If you or someone you love is a shipping employee injured on the jo, contact Farah & Farah for an initial consultation.

Laws Governing Water Accidents

Because they do not work in any particular state, employees injured while serving on a vessel are not entitled to workers' compensation. Their injuries are covered under the Jones Act instead. The Jones Act allows seamen to sue their employer for injuries suffered while working on their vessels.

The Jones Act bears only a passing resemblance to workers' comp. First, the employee does have to prove that his employer was negligent. Second, the remedies are different. The Jones Act has more benefits than traditional workers' compensation. If a seaman dies, his family may sue for benefits under the Jones Act.

The Death on the High Seas Act allows the surviving members of a seaman’s family to file for benefits if the seaman dies due to the negligence of his employer or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. In order to qualify, the death must occur more than three miles off the shore of any state, U.S. territory, or dependency. The seaman’s decedents will receive compensation in a successful lawsuit.

If the United States is the employer in question, then the employee sues under the Public Vessels Act.

None of these acts cover passengers. However, they may seek compensation under general maritime law.

Laws Governing Accidents on Shore

If the injured employee works for a shipping company, but is NOT at sea, he would have to file a claim under the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation Act.

Maritime claims can become quite complex. Simply figuring out which law applies can be a challenge. If you are a seaman or dock worker who has been injured on the job, you need an attorney with knowledge, resources, and experience.

Contact one of our Florida Jones Act attorneys for an initial consultation.