Are You a Jones Act Seaman?
The federal law that protects seamen is called the Jones Act. The legal test is whether the person was working in service to a vessel in navigation. Those who work on tankers, jack up rigs, freighters, and fishing vessels have been considered seamen for Jones Act purposes. Longshoremen, pilots and those who work on fixed platforms are generally not classified as seamen, but may qualify for other legal relief if they are injured. To win your Jones Act case you need to prove that the negligence of the vessel owner, master, crew member or an unsafe condition caused on contributed to your injury.
To learn more about whether you were a Jones Act Seaman at the time you were hurt call me right now Toll Free at (877) 984-9848 or (713) 984-9848.
2. What is a Jones Act Vessel?
A vessel includes every description of watercraft or artificial structure capable of being used for transportation on water including unpowered floating structures such as dredges and pontoon rafts.
To learn more about whether you were hurt on a Jones Act vessel call me right nowToll Free at (877) 984-9848 or (713) 984-9848.
3. How Long Do I have To File A Jones Act Claim
Generally you have 3 years from the date you were injured but there are exceptions to this rule which may shorten the time deadline to as little as one year. That's why is critical to talk to an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible about your case.
To learn more about the important time deadlines that may affect your case call me right now Toll Free at (877) 984-9848 or (713) 984-9848.
4. What Can I Get Under A Jones Act Claim
You can seek compensation for your lost wages from the time of injury until trial, future loss income you would have reasonably expected to receive had you not been injured, the cost of your medical expenses both in the past and future and compensation for physical pain, suffering, mental anguish and disfigurement you have suffered in the past and reasonably will suffer in the future.
To learn more about what you may be entitled to under the Jones Act call me right now Toll Free at (877) 984-9848 or (713) 984-9848.
5. What is an unseaworthiness claim?
It doesn't just mean that the ship is sinking. If there was an unsafe condition on the vessel that caused or contributed to your injury you may have a claim for unseaworthiness . The owner of the vessel must make sure that there is enough crew members to safely perform the work and make sure the crew is properly trained. The vessel owner must also make sure the equipment is in proper working order. That means ropes and lines must be in good condition, spills must be promptly cleaned up, and hatches, hoists, and valves should work as they are designed.
To learn if you have an unseaworthiness claim call me right now Toll Free at (877) 984-9848 or (713) 984-9848.
6. If I'm Hurt What Should I Do First
The answer is call an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible. Why? Because they need to collect valuable evidence before it disappears and talk to key witnesses before they forget or "dummy up". Remember, it not what you know...it's what you can prove so the sooner you get help the better you make it for yourself and family. Trust me, the vessel owner and their insurance company will have their lawyers and accident investigation team dispatched as soon as they hear about your injury.
To protect yourself call me now Toll Free at (877) 984-9848 or (713) 984-9848.
