Jones Act Claims
Seaman are protected by the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. All members of the crew of a maritime vessel in navigable waters are Seaman – from the Galley Cook to the Engineer and Deckhand. The Jones Act provides a cause of action for Seaman injured in the course of his employment by the negligence of his employer, the ship’s master, or fellow crew members.
Thus, an injured Seaman may assert three causes of action: the right to recover damages for negligence under the Jones Act; the right to recover damages for injury caused by the unseaworthiness of the vessel; and the right to recover maintenance, cure and wages. All injuries must be inflicted while the Seaman is in the service of the vessel, or assisting in the accomplishment of the vessel’s mission. If you have a Jones Act claim, you will need a maritime law firm that has experience with such cases. WFCW can help.
The operation of maritime vessels in navigable waters are governed by the Rules of the Road, both for Inland and International waters. These rules are very complex and spell out the various obligations and duties of the Captain while the vessel is not only underway, but otherwise anchored or made fast to the shore. The reason these rules exist is because the degree of danger that is posed to Seaman who work aboard a vessel that is subject to the perils of the sea.
The lawyers of WFCW have an in-depth and hands-on working knowledge of all causes of action for Seaman employed in the service of a vessel, as well the application of the intricate rules that govern safe vessel navigation. Call us today for a free consultation. We collect no fee unless we win or settle your Jones Act claim.
Need help with a Jones Act claim?
Contact us today for a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL consultation. We receive no fee unless we WIN or SETTLE your case.